French Southern Territories National Nature Reserve
Region: Kerguelen, Crozet, Amsterdam and Saint-Paul Islands
Nature
UNESCO World Heritage registered in 2019. Massive protected area where sub-Antarctic ecosystems remain almost untouched.
Tourism in TAAF
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Port-aux-Français Base
Region: Kerguelen Islands
Modern Architecture
TAAF''s central facility with administrative offices, meteorological observatory, and museum exhibition room.
Dôme Pierre Glacier
Region: Kerguelen Islands
Nature
Sub-Antarctic glacier flowing directly into sea. Observe powerful ice wall collapse up close.
Amsterdam Island Caldera
Region: Amsterdam Island
Nature
Unique landscape with dormant volcanic caldera topography and hot spring vents.
King Penguin Colony (Possession Island)
Region: Crozet Islands
Nature
Breeding ground with hundreds of thousands of King Penguins. Entry permitted only with guide.
Dumont d''Urville Base Memorial
Region: Adélie Land
Cultural Heritage
Antarctic observation base established in 1956. Symbol of French Antarctic exploration history.
Îles Éparses Coral Reefs
Region: Around Tromelin Island
Nature
Rare ecosystem where tropical coral reefs and sub-Antarctic seabirds coexist.
Suggested itineraries
Southern Indian Ocean Science Cruise
Duration (days): 28
Highlights: Depart Réunion, Crozet Islands Landing, 5-day Kerguelen Islands Stay, Amsterdam Island Volcano Trekking
Year-round supply ship boarding with researchers visiting multiple islands. General passengers must participate in environmental education programs.
Port-aux-Français Short Stay
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Base Tour, Dôme Pierre Glacier Boat Tour, Seabird Birdwatching
Relatively short package visiting only Kerguelen Islands. Offered as academic tours.
Travel tips
- Entry requires special permission from French Polar Administration (TAAF).
- Pre-travel medical examination and adequate medication mandatory due to limited medical facilities.
- Mobile phones out of service; prepare satellite phone or amateur radio.
- Even summer temperatures rarely exceed 10°C; layered cold weather clothing essential.
- Strong UV rays on sunny days require sunglasses and sunscreen.
- New clothing must be washed and dried before travel and quarantined to prevent alien species.
- When walking, avoid nesting sites and maintain 5m+ distance from wildlife.
- Supply ships operate only a few times per year; bad weather often delays schedules by days.
- Base uses European Type C/E power plugs as in metropolitan France.
- Seasons reversed in Southern Hemisphere. November–March relatively warm and easier to visit.