French Southern Territories 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in the French Southern Territories

Day 1: Île aux Cochons (Pigs Island) and Île de la Possession (Kerguelen Islands)

Places to Go:

  1. Île aux Cochons: Known for its beautiful landscapes, this island is home to a colony of over 600 southern elephant seals. You can also find several species of penguins and sea birds.

  2. Port-aux-Français: The main settlement on the Kerguelen Islands, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the bay.

Activities:

  1. Guided tours to observe the wildlife, particularly the elephant seals and penguins.
  2. Visit the museum in Port-aux-Français to learn about the history and geology of the islands.
  3. Hiking opportunities with guided tours to explore the unique landscapes of Kerguelen.

Things to Know:

  1. The climate is cold and windy, so pack warm clothing and waterproof gear.
  2. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities on the islands, so ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling.
  3. The official language is French, but English-speaking guides are usually available.

Visa Requirements:

Visas are required for all foreign nationals entering the French Southern Territories. You can apply for a visa at the French Consulate in your home country or through an accredited travel agency.

Transportation:

Air France operates flights to the Kerguelen Islands from Reunion Island. The journey takes about 5 hours and requires stopovers on La Réunion and Tromelin Island.

Day 2: Île Saint-Paul (Crozet Islands)

Places to Go:

  1. Grand-Récif: A large rock formation that is home to a large colony of king penguins, fur seals, and southern elephant seals.
  2. Cap Dumont d’Urville: Offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and a lighthouse built in 1908.

Activities:

  1. Guided tours to observe the wildlife, particularly the king penguins and fur seals.
  2. Snorkeling and diving opportunities around the islands.
  3. Hiking trips to explore the unique landscapes of Île Saint-Paul.

Things to Know:

  1. The climate is cool and wet, so pack warm clothing and waterproof gear.
  2. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities on the islands, so ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling.
  3. The official language is French, but English-speaking guides are usually available.

Visa Requirements:

Visas are required for all foreign nationals entering the French Southern Territories. You can apply for a visa at the French Consulate in your home country or through an accredited travel agency.

Transportation:

Air Austral operates flights to the Crozet Islands from La Réunion Island. The journey takes about 6 hours and requires stopovers on Tromelin Island and Amsterdam Island.

Day 3: Île Amsterdam (Amsterdam Island)

Places to Go:

  1. Phare de l’Espérance: A lighthouse built in 1895, offering panoramic views of the island.
  2. Rocher du Roi George V: A rock formation that is home to a large colony of southern royal albatrosses.

Activities:

  1. Guided tours to observe the wildlife, particularly the southern royal albatrosses and elephant seals.
  2. Visit the museum in Port-Nelson to learn about the history and geology of Amsterdam Island.
  3. Relax on the beautiful beaches, such as Grande-Anse.

Things to Know:

  1. The climate is subtropical, so pack light clothing.
  2. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities on the islands, so ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling.
  3. The official language is French, but English-speaking guides are usually available.

Visa Requirements:

Visas are required for all foreign nationals entering the French Southern Territories. You can apply for a visa at the French Consulate in your home country or through an accredited travel agency.

Transportation:

Air Austral operates flights to Amsterdam Island from La Réunion Island. The journey takes about 3 hours and requires stopovers on Tromelin Island.

Day 4: Relaxation Day - La Réunion Island

After your adventure in the French Southern Territories, spend a day relaxing on beautiful La Réunion Island.

Places to Go:

  1. Saint-Paul: A charming town known for its Creole architecture and beautiful beaches.
  2. Piton de la Fournaise: An active volcano offering hiking opportunities and stunning views.
  3. Trou-de-Feau: A natural pool created by a lava flow, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Activities:

  1. Relax on the beautiful beaches.
  2. Visit local markets to sample Creole cuisine.
  3. Hiking trips to explore the unique landscapes of La Réunion Island.

Things to Know:

  1. The climate is tropical, so pack light clothing and sunscreen.
  2. French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  3. There are ATMs and credit card facilities available on La Réunion Island.