Anse Source d'Argent translates from French as 'Silver Source Cove,' named for the distinctive silver-gray granite boulders that define this extraordinary beach on La Digue island in Seychelles. The name likely originated during French colonial administration in the 18th century, though the Seychellois Creole population may have used different indigenous names. The beach gained international recognition in the 1970s and 1980s when it appeared in countless advertisements, films, and photography spreads, including scenes from the 1977 film 'Goodbye Emmanuelle' and numerous travel documentaries. By the 1990s, travel publications consistently ranked it among the world's most beautiful beaches, with its iconic granite formations becoming synonymous with tropical paradise imagery. The beach lies within L'Union Estate, a former coconut and vanilla plantation established in 1854, requiring visitors to pay an entrance fee that supports conservation efforts and maintains the historic copra mill, traditional boatyard, and giant tortoise pen that share the estate grounds. The geological formations that make the beach distinctive are approximately 750 million years old, formed when continental plates collided during the supercontinent assembly, creating the unique pink-hued granite found only in Seychelles.
The beach experience at Anse Source d'Argent centers on its otherworldly landscape where massive granite boulders, some reaching 15 meters in height, create natural sculptures among shallow turquoise waters and fine white sand derived from crushed coral. The reef-protected lagoon remains shallow—rarely deeper than 1.5 meters—extending 50-70 meters from shore, making it ideal for families with children and creating naturally formed pools between the boulder formations at low tide. Snorkeling reveals colorful tropical fish including powder blue tangs, parrotfish, and sergeant majors darting among the granite and coral patches, though the best snorkeling sites lie at the outer reef edges accessible at high tide. The beach extends approximately 1 kilometer with multiple coves separated by boulder outcrops, each offering different perspectives and privacy levels. Photographers arrive at sunrise (around 6:00 AM) to capture the golden light on the pink granite before tour groups arrive mid-morning. Accessing the beach requires walking through L'Union Estate from the main road—about 800 meters on sandy paths under takamaka trees—or arriving by bicycle, La Digue's primary transportation method since motorized vehicles are largely prohibited on this small island measuring just 5 kilometers long.
La Digue's limited dining scene reflects the island's small population of 2,000 residents, concentrated near La Passe village. Fish Trap Restaurant & Bar on the main coastal road serves grilled red snapper with Creole sauce, coconut rice, and breadfruit for 385 SCR, alongside octopus curry with ginger and turmeric for 340 SCR, offering beachfront tables under coconut palms. Lanbousir Restaurant near La Passe jetty specializes in traditional Creole cuisine with their famous tuna steak in vanilla sauce for 420 SCR and chicken massale with lentils and chutney for 280 SCR. Belle Epoque Boutique Guest House Restaurant provides upscale dining with lobster thermidor prepared with local spiny lobster for 850 SCR and fruit bat curry—a Seychellois delicacy—for 320 SCR. Chez Jules on Anse Reunion Road offers casual Creole meals including grilled jobfish with garlic butter and cassava chips for 295 SCR and vegetarian jackfruit curry with coconut milk for 185 SCR. Tarosa Beach Bungalows Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch with their popular grilled calamari salad with lime and chili for 245 SCR and Creole-style grilled chicken with chatini for 260 SCR.
