Anse Possession Beach
Praslin's forgotten shore where French history meets turquoise water
About
Anse Possession stretches roughly 600 metres along Praslin's north coast, its white sand backed by a fringe of mangroves that shelter juvenile fish in the shallows. The water runs a clear turquoise, and across it you can pick out the silhouette of Curieuse Island sitting close on the horizon. A stone monument dating to 1742 marks the spot where France formally claimed the Seychelles — making this one of the few beaches in the Indian Ocean where you can stand on a genuine piece of colonial history. Rarely visited and consistently quiet, it carries a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that feels increasingly rare in the region.
How to get there
From Grand Anse, the beach is a straightforward 10-minute drive along the north coast road — daily bus services also run from Baie Sainte Anne if you prefer to leave the car behind. Plenty of free informal roadside parking is available along the road adjacent to the beach, so arriving by car is hassle-free. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The consistently quiet atmosphere and the novelty of sharing a historically significant shore almost entirely to yourselves makes Anse Possession an easy choice for couples who want beauty without the distraction of other visitors. The Curieuse Island view across turquoise water adds a natural focal point for a slow afternoon.
For families
The safe swimming conditions and shallow mangrove fringe — where children can watch juvenile fish in calm, clear water — give families plenty to explore without venturing far from the shore. Keep young children out of the water in the early morning hours when stingrays are more commonly present.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Anse Possession earns its place on any Praslin itinerary not because it competes with Anse Lazio on looks — it doesn't — but because it offers something most Indian Ocean beaches simply cannot: a dateable moment in history you can stand next to. The 1742 monument is the anchor, the turquoise water and white sand are the reward, and the near-total absence of other visitors is the bonus. Steer clear from May through September when seagrass makes the water less inviting, and shuffle your feet if you enter early in the morning. The mangrove fish nursery and the close-up view of Curieuse Island give the beach a quiet ecological dimension that rewards the curious. It's not a full-day destination on its own, but paired with a boat trip to Curieuse or an afternoon at Anse Lazio, it sits at the centre of one of Praslin's best days out.
What to do
The mangrove fringe is a natural nursery worth a slow wade through — juvenile fish are visible in the shallows just 0.5 km along the coast at a noted fish-watching spot accessible via a short path from the road. Giant tortoises can be found 1.7 km away, and a snorkelling site sits 1.9 km from the beach. For a bigger excursion, Curieuse Island Marine National Park — visible from the shore — is only 3 km away and offers boat trips, Aldabra tortoise encounters and mangrove trails; Anse Lazio, ranked among the world's best beaches, is 4 km up the coast, and the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai palm forest is 5 km inland.
The 1742 French possession stone monument with Curieuse Island visible across the turquoise water behind it is the standout frame on this beach.
The mangrove fringe at the edge of the white sand offers a contrasting, more intimate composition. Shoot both early in the day before the light flattens.
Where to eat
Cueris is the closest option at 1.3 km, followed by St Pierre Beach Restaurant at 1.4 km and PK's @ Pasquière Restaurant & Pub at 1.5 km. For seafood, Cafe des Arts is 1.7 km away, and Le Dauphin rounds out the nearby choices at 1.8 km. None of these are on the beach itself, so pack water and snacks if you plan a long stay.
Where to stay
Le Domaine de La Réserve is the closest property at 0.8 km and sits well-placed for early-morning visits before other visitors arrive. Further options include Hotel Berjaya Praslin at 1.9 km and a cluster of smaller stays — Laurier Eco Hotel, Village du Pecheur, and Villa Rafia — all around the 2 km mark.
Photography
The 1742 possession stone monument photographs best in the soft light of early morning, with Curieuse Island framing the background across the turquoise water. For wider landscape shots, position yourself at the mangrove edge during golden hour when the low angle catches the white sand and the island silhouette simultaneously.
Good to know
Avoid visiting between May and September — seagrass accumulates during the southeast trade winds and noticeably reduces the appeal of swimming. Early-morning swimmers should be aware that stingrays have been spotted in the water at that hour; shuffle your feet along the seabed rather than stepping down hard. Treat the 1742 French possession stone monument with care — it is a protected historical marker, not a photo prop to climb on. Camping on the beach is not permitted.
Map
Nearby places
Cueris
St Pierre Beach Restaurant
PK's @ Pasquière Restaurant & Pub
Cafe des Arts
Le Dauphin
Le Domaine de La Réserve
Hotel Berjaya Praslin
Laurier Eco Hotel
Village du Pecheur
Villa Rafia
Joli coin pour observer les poissons. Petit passage depuis la route
Giant Tortoise
Snorkeling place
Curieuse Island Marine National Park
Anse Lazio
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Things to see around Baie Sainte Anne
Curieuse Island Marine National Park
Marine park with giant Aldabra tortoises and mangrove trails, boat trips available
Anse Lazio
Iconic crescent beach ranked among the world's best
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the endemic coco de mer palm forest
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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