L'Union Estate is the historic heart of La Digue — a working coconut plantation that has been here since the colonial era. The estate covers a wide stretch of the southwest coast and includes a traditional copra-drying house, a vanilla plantation, and a small pen of giant Aldabra tortoises that lumber around with prehistoric indifference to visitors. Ox-cart rides depart from the estate and trundle along the shaded paths between the palms.
The estate also provides access to Anse Source d'Argent — the beach entry fee is folded into the estate admission. Come early in the morning to have the beach to yourself before the day-trippers arrive from Praslin.