What to expect
At La Marine you can buy exquisite model ships and other works of craftsmanship straight from the workshop, to decorate your home or office. You will be impressed by the skill of the young staff, who bring historic ships back to life following the plans of the maritime museum.
The treasures you find at La Marine have often been copied, but never surpassed. So come along and choose your own model ship!
The workshop is in Au Cap on the south-east side of Mahé, in the middle of the Domaine de Val des Prés craft village. According to the accounts available, the founder emigrated from France to the Seychelles in the early 1980s and is a self-taught builder who works from plans held in museums. Older visitor reports say the individual parts are made in the workshop itself, from the smallest block to the grating, rather than from ready-made components. The sails can be set and reefed. The best-known piece is said to be a model of the Astrolabe, the ship of La Pérouse.
Besides the models, the village is also worth visiting for the manor house Grann Kaz, built around 1870. The Domaine also includes a 20th-century workers' house, about a dozen craft stalls and the Maison de Coco, where everything is made from parts of the coconut palm.
Getting there
The Domaine de Val des Prés is in Au Cap, on the right-hand side of the road just past the Maison Marengo restaurant. From Victoria it takes about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
By car
The coast road in the south-east runs right past the village. The site is spread out, so leave your car at the entrance and walk between the buildings. From here it is not far to the beach of Anse Royale, which combines nicely with a visit.
By bus
Routes 2, 5, 6 and 9 from Victoria are listed for the Domaine. Routes and frequencies change, so check the current timetable beforehand with the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation or in its app. According to reports, the buses now only accept cashless payment. You then need a bus card, which is available at the airport, in post offices and in some shops. The last buses leave in the early evening, so do not leave your return journey too late.
Opening hours, prices and payment
| Day | Workshop opening hours (previous information) |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 07:30–18:00 hrs |
| Saturday | 08:00–17:00 hrs |
| Sunday | 09:00–12:30 hrs and 14:00–17:00 hrs |
Prices: The pieces for sale cost between EUR 80.00 and EUR 2,000.00. This is the page's previous price range, so ask at the workshop for current prices. According to older information, entry to the village was free.
The following payment methods are accepted: cash (euros, rupees (SCR), US dollars, Swiss francs), MasterCard, cheques, Visa.
Duration and tips
For the workshop alone, a short half hour is enough if you just want to look. If you want to see the whole craft village with the manor house and stalls, allow about two hours. It is cooler in the morning, and you are more likely to see the craftsmen at work.
One visitor reported an order placed in 2020 that was not delivered for a long time. If you commission a ship, get the deposit, delivery date and shipping method in writing. If you buy a finished model, it is best to take it with you straight away.
