France is the diaspora's deepest cultural corridor. Seychelles was French before it was British. The islands' families carry French names, the parishes carry French saints, and Kreol Seselwa itself is built on a French foundation. For Seychellois, France has never entirely been abroad.
The community
The French community concentrates around Paris, with families spread through the regions. Migration here was quieter than the UK wave, driven by study, marriage, work and the pull of a language that requires no learning. The 1977 exodus brought families here too, alongside Britain and Australia.
Official presence
The Seychelles Embassy in Paris is one of the country's four European missions and the consular home for the French community, covering much of the continent besides. Passports, civil status, emergencies, start there. Details in the consulates guide.
Culture both ways
France is also where Creole culture has an international stage. Festival Kreol's model has been adopted across the Creole-speaking world, and the French Caribbean connection gives Seselwa artists and musicians in Europe a natural circuit. If you are organising Kreol cultural events anywhere in France, put yourself on the map.