French Southern Territories 4 Day Itinerary

French Southern Territories 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Kerguelen Island

  • Arrival: Arrive at Port-aux-Français, the administrative center of the French Southern Territories. Note that there are no commercial flights to the French Southern Territories, so you will need to take a charter flight from Réunion or other nearby islands.

  • Places to go:

    • Port-aux-Français: Explore the village and its surroundings, including the church and the scientific research station.
    • Le Galion: Visit this rocky outcrop for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Activities:

    • Guided tour to explore the island’s unique flora and fauna
    • Visiting the French Southern Territories’ administrative center to learn about the history and management of the territory

  • Things to know:

    • The French Southern Territories are a remote and inhospitable place, with strong winds and cold temperatures. Be prepared for challenging conditions.
    • The island is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins, albatrosses, and petrels. Be respectful of these creatures and their habitats.

  • Visa requirements: As the French Southern Territories are an overseas collectivity of France, EU citizens do not need a visa to enter. However, you will still need to obtain permission from the French authorities before arriving on the island.

Day 2: Scientific Research and Wildlife Exploration

  • Places to go:

    • Dumont d’Urville Station: Visit this scientific research station to learn about the work being done by researchers in fields such as biology, geology, and climatology.
    • Kerguelen Islands National Nature Reserve: Explore the island’s unique wildlife, including penguins, albatrosses, and petrels. Take a guided tour to ensure you get up close and personal with these amazing creatures without disturbing them.

  • Activities:

    • Guided tour of the research station to learn about the scientific work being done
    • Wildlife watching and photography opportunities in the Kerguelen Islands National Nature Reserve

Day 3: Scenic Flights and Exploring the Coastline

  • Places to go:
    • Take a scenic flight: Take a charter plane or helicopter tour to see the island’s stunning coastline, including its glaciers, fjords, and rocky outcrops.
    • Visit the coast: Explore the coastline on foot or by boat to see the unique geological formations and marine life of the area.

Day 4: Departure

  • Return to Port-aux-Français: Return to the administrative center for your departure flight.