What to expect
La Bastille is a yellow mansion on the North Coast Road, just north of the centre of Mahé's capital, Victoria. It has stood in Pointe Conan since the mid-1930s and is one of the national monuments of the Seychelles. The name goes back to the famous French fortress and prison of the same name, which was destroyed during the French Revolution.
The house is not a classic museum with a ticket desk, but an administrative office for the country's cultural heritage. For visitors, the main appeal is the colonial-era architecture. Older reports also mention a garden of medicinal plants around the building and occasional art exhibitions. Whether either is still open to the public is something you should ask about on site.
History of the house
La Bastille, north of the centre of Victoria, was built by Ange Pillieron to a design by Alfredo Leit. In 1973 it housed the Survey Department, and in 1975 the Ministry of Education moved in. From 1981 until the mid-1990s it was home to the National Archives. Most recently it was the seat of the National Heritage Section of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Sports.
Getting there
By car
Directions: From Victoria, head north onto 5th June Avenue, go straight over the English River roundabout and continue onto the North Coast Road. On the right you will pass the Independent School, and shortly after, also on the right (opposite the bus stop), you will see the yellow building. Journey time: under 5 minutes
By bus
Bus: Route 20 Glacis via Anse Etoile
The route is a loop from Victoria via Anse Etoile, Glacis and Beau Vallon and back to Victoria. According to the timetable of the bus company SPTC (valid from June 2026), the first bus leaves at 5.20 am, with further buses in the morning at intervals of around 30 minutes. Get off at the stop opposite the yellow house and check the current times in the SPTC timetable.
On foot
You can also walk from Victoria bus station in about 20 minutes (go via Palm Street onto 5th June Avenue and follow it north, then straight over the roundabout onto the North Coast Road).
Opening hours and admission
| Information | Status |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 16:00 (according to several travel directories, not officially confirmed) |
| Admission | No reliable information found, please ask on site |
| Weekends and public holidays | Probably closed, as it is a government office |
Time needed, best time and tips
If you are in Victoria anyway, you can combine La Bastille with the National Archives, the National Museum of History, the Victoria Clocktower and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. On the Route 20 bus you can also carry on to Anse Glacis or Beau Vallon.
