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Bel Air Cemetery

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Historical site
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Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)

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The Bel Air Cemetery in Victoria is the oldest burial ground in the Seychelles and a significant testament to the archipelago's early colonial history. It was established in the late 18th century, shortly after the arrival of the first French settlers around 1780. The cemetery houses the remains of many prominent figures from the foundation of the nation, including explorers, plantation owners, and high-ranking officials. One of the most famous legends associated with the site is the tomb of the 'Giant of Seychelles', Charles Dorothée Savy, who was reportedly over nine feet tall. The weathered headstones and monumental vaults create a mystical atmosphere, telling stories of pirate raids, plague epidemics, and the hardships of pioneer life. Despite years of neglect, the site has been recognized as a national monument and partially restored to preserve this vital piece of cultural heritage. It is located on a hillside in the Bel Air district, offering a quiet retreat from the busy city center of Victoria.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292827262627272727
Rain mm20710910611594805562108117124164

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Bel Air Cemetery is open to the public during daytime and can be explored on foot. It is an active cemetery, so respectful behavior is expected.
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Typical hours
Opening hours typically run from sunrise to sunset, as with most cemeteries. It is advisable to check exact times locally before visiting.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the cemetery grounds if done discreetly without disturbing mourners. Historical tombstones and monuments make popular subjects.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 30 minutes to an hour to see the main graves and absorb the atmosphere. History enthusiasts should allow an hour to read the inscriptions.
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Combine with
Combine the cemetery visit with a walk through nearby Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. The Seychelles Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden are also close by.
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Getting there
The cemetery is located in central Victoria and is easily reachable on foot. It is just a few minutes' walk from the bus station or main hotels.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the paths between graves can be uneven. Mornings are most pleasant when the air is still cool and the site is quiet.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.62500, 55.44500

Facts

  • Established around 1780, shortly after the first permanent settlement.
  • Charles Dorothée Savy, the 'Giant', was buried here at the age of 14.
  • Contains graves of victims from the major cholera epidemic of 1835.
  • The cemetery was officially designated a national monument in 1985.
  • Located on a hillside near the Bel Air Hotel on the outskirts of Victoria.
  • Houses the tomb of Jean-Baptiste Queau de Quinssy, the last French commandant.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

State HouseState House<1 km · NExplore →
Morne SeychelloisMorne Seychellois1 km · SWExplore →
PlaisancePlaisance2 km · NWExplore →
Beau VallonBeau Vallon2 km · SEExplore →
Perseverance IPerseverance I2 km · NEExplore →
Quincy VillageQuincy Village3 km · EExplore →
Mare aux CochonsMare aux Cochons3 km · SExplore →
Vista Do MarVista Do Mar3 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bel Air Cemetery (10)

George Camille Gallery

An art gallery in Victoria featuring works by Seychellois artist George Camille.

Kaz Zanana🏛 museum

A museum in Victoria showcasing local culture.

St. Paul's Cathedral

The Anglican cathedral in Victoria, a church building in Seychelles.

Nouvobanque fountain Monument

A fountain monument of Nouvobanque in Victoria.

Clock Tower

A clock tower in Victoria, a landmark of the city.

National Museum of History🏛 museum

The National Museum of History in Victoria.

Queen Victoria

A monument to Queen Victoria in Victoria.

Court monument

A monument near the courthouse in Victoria.

Codevar Building

An office building in Victoria, a notable structure in the city center.

Museum of Natural History🏛 museum

Natural history museum in Victoria, entry fee 15 SCR for non-residents.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the historical significance?
It is the oldest cemetery in Seychelles, housing many graves of famous figures.
Is the cemetery freely accessible?
Yes, it is open to visitors during the day; please behave respectfully.
How long does a visit take?
About 15 to 30 minutes are enough for a tour.
Are there guided tours?
Official guided tours are rare; information is usually found on display boards.
Is it accessible?
Only partially, as the paths are old and uneven.
Bel Air Cemetery: where is it located?
Bel Air Cemetery is located in Seychelles.
Bel Air Cemetery: what is there to see?
Highlights include George Camille Gallery, Kaz Zanana, St. Paul's Cathedral.
Bel Air Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bel Air Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?
The Bel Air Cemetery in Victoria is the oldest burial ground in the Seychelles and a significant testament to the archipelago's early colonial history.
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Nearby cities

Bel Air — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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One of the capital's oldest districts, known for its historic cemetery and colonial monuments.
Sans Souci — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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Plaisance — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A populous suburb of Victoria with views toward the man-made Eden Island.
Beau Vallon — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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One of the most popular tourist destinations on Mahé, known for its long sandy beach and water sports.
Perseverance I — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A modern, man-made residential district on reclaimed land, designed for the growing population.
Quincy Village — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A suburb north of Victoria offering a mix of residential areas and local shops.
Vista Do Mar — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A quiet residential area in the Glacis district, known for its spectacular ocean views.
Misere — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A mountain village in the center of Mahé, offering one of the best viewpoints over the east coast and the capital.
Grand Anse (Mahé) — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A wide sandy beach and district on the west coast of Mahé, known for its impressive waves.
Machabee — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Machabee
A quiet district on the northern coast of Mahé, known for its rugged coastline and clear water.
Providence — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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The most important industrial and commercial area of the Seychelles, built on reclaimed land between Victoria and the airport.
Port Glaud — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Port Glaud
A quiet village on the west coast of Mahé, offering beautiful views of the offshore islands.
Petit Paris — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Petit Paris
A small village on the east coast of Mahé, squeezed between the sea and the steep mountains.
Anse Boileau — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Anse Boileau
A quiet coastal village on the west coast of Mahé, nestled between mountains and the sea.
Baie Ternay — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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A secluded bay and settlement at the western end of Mahé, famous for snorkeling and pristine nature.

History & landmarks

Eden Plaza — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Eden Plaza
The most modern shopping and lifestyle center in the Seychelles on Eden Island, known for its upscale architecture and marina views.

Nature

Mare aux Cochons — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Mare aux Cochons
An upland swamp and freshwater area in the Morne Seychellois National Park, an important water catchment for the island.

More places

Morne Seychellois — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Morne Seychellois
Morne Seychellois is the highest mountain in the Seychelles and the centerpiece of the national park of the same name on Mahé Island.
Mission Lodge (Venn&#39;s Town) — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Mission Lodge (Venn's Town)
A historic site on Mahé that once housed a school for liberated slave children and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
Congo Rouge — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Congo Rouge
A high-altitude forest area on Mahé, known for its high proportion of endemic plants and rare mosses.
Bel Ombre Cold Storage — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Bel Ombre Cold Storage
A specialized facility for storing fish catches to maintain the quality of seafood for the local market.
Bel Ombre Fishing Port — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Bel Ombre Fishing Port
A modern fishing port on the northwest coast of Mahé, supporting the local artisanal fishing industry.
State House — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
State House
The official residence of the President of Seychelles, an elegant 1910 building that originally served as the seat of British governors.
Mont Jasmin — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
Mont Jasmin
A mountain in the north of Mahé, located in a less visited part of the island, featuring dense primeval forest.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park — Bel Air Cemetery (Seychelles)
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