Bel Air Cemetery
| Bel Air Cemetery | |
|---|---|
View of graves and tombs in Bel Air Cemetery | |
Interactive map of Bel Air Cemetery | |
| Details | |
| Established | 1778 |
| Closed | 4 June 1902 |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 4°37′24″S 55°26′59″E / 4.623388°S 55.449608°E |
| Type | Public (historical) |
| Owned by | Government of Seychelles |
Bel Air Cemetery is the oldest cemetery, located in the Bel Air district on the western outskirts of Victoria, Seychelles. It was the island's first official cemetery, founded by French settlers soon after L'Établissement du Roi was established in 1778.[1][2]
History
The cemetery was opened soon after the initial French settlement on Mahé, making it the earliest formal burial site in the archipelago. Most early settlers were interred here, except those buried on private plantations. It was used during significant events, including burials following the devastating landslide and flood (known as the "Lavalasse") on 12 October 1862, and the smallpox epidemic of 1883.[3] The site was officially closed to new burials on 4 June 1902, by the local board of health. Over time, tropical weather and neglect led to deterioration, with many tombs, vaults, and wrought-iron crosses reduced to ruins.[4]
In 1985, it was designated as a national monument.[5]
Notable burials
- Charles Drorthee Savy[3]
- Charles Dupuy[6]
- Jean Baptiste Rémy d'Argent[6]
- Jean-François Hodoul[7]
- Pierre-Louis Poiret[6]
- Thomas Paton[6]
References
- ^ Ernesta, Sharon. "6 burial sites in Seychelles that will be spruced up on All Souls' Day". Seychelles News Agency. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ^ "Young and old tour Bel Air heritage sites -Archive -Seychelles Nation". Seychelles Nation. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ^ a b "Bel Air Cemetery". Inside Seychelles. 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ "Our sacred burial sites -Archive -Seychelles Nation". Seychelles Nation. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ^ "Monuments of Seychelles: Bel Air Cemetery | International Magazine Kreol". 2020-04-07. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ^ a b c d Ernesta, Sharon. Bonnelame, Betymie (ed.). "A look at 6 contested historical events of Seychelles". Seychelles News Agency. Retrieved 2026-02-18.
- ^ "Old French Cemetery of Bel Air remains important Seychelles National Monument". Breaking Travel News. Retrieved 2025-12-30.