Seychelles La Digue History: A Guide to the Island's Rich Heritage
Seychelles La Digue is a small island located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. With its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture, La Digue has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Seychelles. But what many visitors may not know is that La Digue has a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. Here is a guide to the island's rich heritage.
The first recorded inhabitants of La Digue were the Cémabé, an indigenous tribe who lived on the island for hundreds of years prior to European colonization. The Cémabé were a peaceful people who lived off the land and relied on fishing and hunting for their sustenance. They also had a strong spiritual connection to the land, believing that it was inhabited by spirits and deities.
In the late 1700s, the French began to colonize the Seychelles, and La Digue was taken over by the French East India Company. The French introduced new crops, such as sugar cane, and built a number of churches and plantations on the island. By the mid-1800s, La Digue had become an important trading center for the region, and it was also used as a base for the French Navy.
In the late 19th century, the British took control of the Seychelles and La Digue was annexed to the British Empire. The British continued to develop the island, building roads and schools, and introducing new industries. At the same time, they also encouraged the development of the island's unique culture, which has been preserved to this day.
Today, La Digue is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore its stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant culture. But the island also has a rich history that dates back centuries, and is sure to fascinate anyone who visits. From the ancient Cémabé to the colonial era, Seychelles La Digue has a long and fascinating history that is sure to captivate visitors.