Reserves & parks
François Leguat Tortoise Park
A guided visit every 45 minutes at the heart of a sanctuary of tortoises reintroduced from Madagascar — with the option to sponsor your own tortoise.
The François Leguat park is probably the most emblematic natural site of Rodrigues. It is named after the French Huguenot sailor who, in 1691, was one of the first Europeans to stay on the island — and who left a precious description of it, peopled with animals now extinct.
History first and foremost
The visit begins with a detailed presentation of the history of Rodrigues: its settlement, the disappearance of the endemic giant tortoise in the 19th century, and the reintroduction project. The tortoises that populate the park today come mainly from Madagascar (Aldabrachelys and Astrochelys species) — they fill the ecological role once held by the endemic Rodriguan tortoises.
Sponsorship
The park offers a sponsorship programme: for 45 € a year, you symbolically adopt a tortoise. You receive its name, its photo and news of how it is doing. A concrete way to support conservation work.
Practical info
- Guided visits every 45 minutes
- Bring along: closed shoes, water, sun protection
- Good to know: the park also features an impressive limestone cave visited in the second part of the tour