French Southern and Antarctic Lands
French Southern and Antarctic Lands, French overseas territory in southern Indian Ocean, France
Description
The French Southern and Antarctic Lands form an overseas territory comprising several remote island groups in the southern Indian Ocean, including the Kerguelen, Crozet, Amsterdam, and Saint Paul islands. These lands represent one of France's most remote administrative divisions, located thousands of kilometers from mainland Europe.
History
The islands were mainly discovered by European navigators during the 18th century, but only in 1955 were they separated from Madagascar as an independent administrative unit. Since then they have been governed directly by the French central administration with headquarters on Réunion.
Culture
The islands carry names given by Dutch and French navigators who charted them between the 17th and 18th centuries. Today they serve purely scientific purposes without civilian settlement or commercial activity, which shapes their character as a research landscape alone.
Practical
Access to this territory is highly restricted and usually requires official authorization plus logistical support from government or scientific institutions. Conditions are harsh and weather changeable, with strong winds and low temperatures throughout the year.
Did you know?
The territory spans several time zones from UTC+04:00 to UTC+10:00, reflecting the enormous geographical range across the southern Indian Ocean. Each island group follows its own time, adjusted to its respective longitude.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (France).
Mont Ross
741.5 km
Notre-Dame des Vents
754.5 kmFrench Southern and Antarctic Lands nature reserve
706.3 km
Cook Glacier
697.2 km
Kerguelen Arch
644.1 kmMont Crozier
738.4 km
Port-Bizet
753.4 km
Volcan du Diable
743.1 kmMont Richards
680.7 kmLe Bicorne
715.3 kmPlage de la Possession
729.1 kmGlacier de Chamonix
693.3 kmGlacier Dumont d'Urville
696.8 km
Dombes
763.5 kmGlacier Ampère
710.6 kmGlacier Buffon
745.5 kmPic Guynemer
678.5 km
Doigt de Sainte-Anne
737 kmMont de Lans
711.2 kmMont Jullemier
678.7 kmMont Henri Rallier du Baty
716.6 kmGlacier Vallot
700.4 kmGlacier Pasteur
690.9 km
Lac Noir
742.8 kmMont Pâris
689.4 kmGlacier Arago
718.9 km
Glacier Agassiz
686.8 kmGlacier Jean Brunhes
712.2 km
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes