Unavoidable cocofesse!
This is without doubt THE Seychelles curiosity! This coco de mer, nicknamed cocofesse for its suggestive appearance, is a Praslin exclusive, a mythical but expensive coconut whose only sanctuaries are the Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand, also on Praslin. You should expect to pay between SR 3,000 and SR 4,000 a piece (between €200 and €265). Please note that it is forbidden to leave Seychelles with a coco de mer that has not been approved by the authorities. At the time of purchase, the seller must provide you with a special authorization to leave the country. Cocofesse has therefore been nationalized, and the Republic of Seychelles keeps a tight rein on the trade in this work of art, which nature only reproduces at a rate of around 2,000 to 3,000 each year. Craftsmen who work with coco de mer must buy the raw material from the state.
Very colorful paintings
Contrary to popular belief, the archipelago is culturally rich, not least thanks to its painters, Michael Adams in particular. For years, this English-born artist has set up his easel in the midst of this lush natural environment, fascinated by the richness and exuberance of the vegetation. Tourists flock to the home gallery of this talented colorist, who must make his home in Anse aux Poules... bleues, whether to buy an original (purchased unframed, your work will be rolled up in a tube for air transport), a postcard, a calendar or a few souvenirs.
The other great Seychellois painter is George Camille, owner of the superb Creole house of Victoria Kaz Zanana. This is where you can buy prints, collages and other canvases (sometimes in large format) for between SR 1,000 and SR 50,000, unless you head up the road to his gallery in Anse Grosse Roche on La Digue. Another keen observer is Christine Harter, whose brother runs the Passerose gallery on Praslin's Côte d'Or. Gérard Devoud and his explosions of color are also worth a detour to their gallery in Baie Lazare, Mahé. Finally, still on Mahé, you can also drop in on Eden Island atEden Fine Art to admire some superb works of art and perhaps take home a little souvenir (postcard...).
Small crafts and souvenirs
In Anse aux Poules Bleues, right next door to Michael Adams, designer Nicole Nichone-Johnston presents her collections of clothing (shorts, shirts, pareos, etc.), bags and scented soaps. Nice souvenirs, like the handicrafts you'll find in Victoria's boutiques or at the Val des Prés artisanal estate on Mahé. Madame will surely fall for Claudio Izzi's jewelry at Kreolor.
