Praslin is the second largest island (38 km�) of the Seychelles, lying 44 km north east of Mah�. Praslin has a population of around 6,500 people and comprises two administrative districts; Baie Sainte Anne and Grand Anse (Praslin). The main settlements are the Baie Ste Anne, Anse Volbert and Grand Anse.

It was named Isle de Palmes by explorer Lazare Picault in 1744. During that time it was used as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants. In 1768 it was renamed Praslin in honor of French diplomat C�sar Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin.

Praslin is known as a tourist destination with several hotels and resorts, as well as a number of beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. It also has substantial tracts of tropical forests with birds such as the endemic Seychelles Bulbul and the Seychelles Black Parrot. The beautiful Vall�e de Mai Nature Preserve is known for the unique coco de mer and vanilla orchids. It has been reported that General Charles George Gordon of Khartoum (1833-1885) was convinced that Vall�e de Mai was the Biblical "Garden of Eden".

Praslin is home to Praslin Island Airport, while surrounding islands include Curieuse Island, La Digue, Cousin Island, Cousine Island and Aride Island. There are also a few near offshore islets including Round Island (.193 km�) and Chauve Souris (.007 km�); both of which have hotel accommodations.

The beaches of Praslin are not without their risks. Twice in two weeks in August, 2011 bull sharks entered the so-called safe bathing area inside the coral reef of Anse Lazio and attacked and killed swimmers less than 100 feet from shore.

Location : Indian Ocean
Archipelago : Seychelles
Geographische Lage : ?4� 19' S, 55� 44' O
Area : 37,58 km� (14.7 sq mi)
Population : 7000 - 186 Einw./km�