What to expect
The International Kreol Institute is part of the Patrimwann. It was designed by the German architect Leit and built in 1920 by France Jumeau, a plantation owner, to promote Creole culture and tradition. Its earlier name was Maison St. Joseph. A large colonial house in the French style, it reflects the wealth of the former landowners.
Traditional balls, French concerts, cultural exhibitions and language and literature workshops are held here regularly. The house also contains a documentation centre.
In Creole the institution is called Lenstiti Kreol. It is not an attraction in the classic sense but a working place for the language of the Seychelles: Creole (Seselwa) is researched, standardised and published in books here. Visitors can see the house with its wooden veranda, ask about upcoming events and, if someone is in, leaf through brochures and books in Creole. According to its operator, the library is also open to visitors, students and researchers.
History and significance
The institute has existed since the 1980s, and the official opening took place in January 1987. Today Creole is one of the three national languages of the Seychelles alongside English and French, and over the years the institute helped to give the language that status. It now operates under the name Lakademi Kreol Sesel and has belonged to the Seychelles Culture Institute (the national institute for culture, heritage and the arts) since October 2021.
The Festival Kreol takes place every October. Events and markets are then often held on the neighbouring Domaine de Val des Prés.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, take Bois de Rose Avenue south, join the Providence Highway, and carry straight on past the airport onto the East Coast Road. The journey takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The Kreol Institute stands right beside the main road behind a green metal fence, in large, well-kept grounds on the right-hand side, shortly before the restaurant ‘Maison Marengo’ and the ‘Craft Village - Domaine Val des Pres’.
You can park at the roadside opposite the institute.
By bus
According to the information available so far, routes 2 (Les Canelles), 5 (Baie Lazare via Takamaka), 6 (Baie Lazare via Les Canelles) and 9 (Port Launay via Les Canelles) stop here. Routes and departure times do change fairly often, however. Check the current timetable of the state bus company SPTC before you travel (timetable valid from June 2026) and ask the driver where to get off for the institute or the Domaine de Val des Prés.
Opening hours and admission
| Detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Admission | Free (as of November 2026) |
| Address | Patrimwann, Au Cap, Domaine de Val des Prés, Mahé |
| Phone | +248 4 37 63 51 (information provided by Seychelles Tourism Board) |
Planning your visit
Also nearby are Kenwyn House, La Bastille, the Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden and the bay of Anse aux Courbes. You will find more places on the island on the page about Mahé.
