What to expect
Kreolfleurage, probably the only perfume maker in the Indian Ocean, is run by the German Dagmar Ehlert, who founded the company in 1988. Today she runs it together with her son. The unique range includes fragrances, scented lotions and soaps, made from essential oils sourced from the region and around the world. Close to the beach at North East Point, the small laboratory has become a popular visitor attraction on Mahé. Besides perfumes, there are also small souvenirs, such as a Mahé jigsaw puzzle.
The fragrances are blends of different essential oils, such as frangipani, cinnamon, vanilla, vetiver, ylang-ylang, cardamom and takamaka. According to the maker, they only develop their full aroma once they have matured under controlled conditions. The most recent selection included eaux de parfum such as Moutia, Takamaka and Bambou, as well as the scents Bwanwar and Ambre Vert. The range is deliberately kept small, and individual scents are dropped over the years or replaced by new ones. The shop also sells home decor items under the name Monsoon Collection.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, head north onto 5th June Avenue. At the roundabout, continue straight on to the North Coast Road and follow it for about 12 minutes. You pass through Anse Etoile, with a fenced football field on your right. Cows are often tethered here to graze. About 1 minute later you will see the yellow and white Kreolfleurage sign on the left-hand side of the road. You can park right opposite, at the roadside by North East Point beach.
The distance from Victoria is around 7 km. There is no car park of its own, so the roadside is the only option. Park so that oncoming traffic and buses can still get past.
By bus
Bus: Route 20 Glacis via Anse Etoile. Route 22 Glacis via Beau Vallon (this bus goes from Victoria around the northern tip and back to Victoria).
The state bus company SPTC runs all routes from the bus terminal in Victoria. There are also services from there direct to North East Point, ending at the housing estate, Seaview and the rehabilitation centre. Route numbers and departure times are changed from time to time, and outside peak hours only a few buses run. Check the current timetable on the SPTC website and plan your return journey at the same time. Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi from Victoria or Beau Vallon.
Opening times, admission and payment
| Day | Opening hours according to the Seychelles Tourism Board |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 09:00 to 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 to 14:00 |
| Sunday | closed |
Prices: The Seychelles Tourism Board rates the prices of the perfumes as reasonable. We have not been able to confirm specific amounts, as they depend on the scent and the bottle size.
Payment: Accepted are cash (euros, Seychelles rupees (SCR), US dollars, Swiss francs), MasterCard and Visa. Payment methods can change, so it makes sense to have some rupees in reserve.
Duration, best time and tips
The visit combines well with a drive around the northern tip. The beach at North East Point lies right in front of the shop. Further to the north-west you will find Anse Glacis and Beau Vallon Beach. If you are still looking for gifts back in Victoria, you will find them at the craft kiosks on the Esplanade and at the Carrefour des Arts. For an overview of other places to visit, see the page on Mahé.
