Essentials
- City
- Port-aux-Français, Kerguelen Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)
- Population
- 45 (winter) to 120 (summer), primarily scientists and military personnel
- Internet Speed
- Very limited satellites; approx. 2-5 Mbps via Eutelsat/Inmarsat (reserved for research and emergencies)
- Currency & Banking
- Euro (€); 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD. No ATMs on the island.
- Tap Water
- Drinkable, sourced from Lac de l'Anse
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets (French Standard)
- SIM Card
- No commercial mobile network; communication via internal VHF radio or Iridium satellite phones
- Banking for Expats
- No commercial banks; all transactions for the 'Boutique TAAF' are cashless via bank card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Accommodation
- Restricted to TAAF personnel; 'La Résidence' for visitors by strict permit only
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, card payments only at the local canteen and shop; no cash accepted
- Short Term Rentals
- None; visitations require approval from the TAAF administration in Réunion
- Budget Accommodation
- None available; stay is typically inclusive of mission costs for researchers
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Scientific Base Port-aux-Français (The only settlement)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Not applicable/Restricted; the base is a closed research station
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The 'Bibliothèque' (Library) at the base; quiet working environment
- Best Cafe for Work
- Le Totem (the local bar/social hub), only during non-social hours
- Networking Events
- Weekly scientific lectures held in the conference room for base residents
- Social Events for Expats
- Saturday night themed parties at Le Totem
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- None; transportation is by foot or TAAF-owned 4x4 trucks (Land Rovers)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- None; walking is the primary mode within the base
- Best Beach Nearby
- Anse du Phrock (rugged, sub-antarctic beach, not for swimming)
- Top Regional Airline
- No airport; access via the research vessel Marion Dufresne II from Réunion
- Top International Airline
- Air France to Réunion (RUN), then 16 days by sea via Marion Dufresne
- Highway Access
- None; only gravel tracks around the base area
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- The main pier at Golfe du Morbihan
- Regional Travel
- Ship rotations occur 4 times a year; €8,000–€15,000 for a round-trip passage for tourists
- Public Transport Passes
- Not applicable
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Centre Médical de Port-aux-Français (Staffed by a military doctor and surgeon)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Informal sessions held in the base gymnasium
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- The Base Gym (weight room and indoor sports court)
- Laundry Services
- Shared laundry facilities in each living block (Bâtiment de Vie)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None; all meals served at the communal mess hall (Le Réfectoire)
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Kerguelen Cabbage (Pringlea antiscorbutica) - historically for scurvy, now protected; legally: Frozen French Cuisine
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Limited; based on whatever frozen produce the supply ship brings
- Best Dessert Spots
- The mess hall serves French pastries (eclairs/tarts) on Sundays
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- La Boutique TAAF (Selling souvenirs, limited toiletries, and snacks)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- None; all orders must be placed months in advance via the supply ship
- Grocery Delivery
- None; supplies arrive quarterly via the Marion Dufresne
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Le Totem (The only bar on the island)
- Local Brewery
- None; wine and beer are imported from France/Réunion
- Wine Bars
- The 'Cave' at the base (Wine storage for communal meals)
- Street Food Stalls
- None
- Popular International Cuisine
- Standard French metropolitan cuisine
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Notre-Dame des Vents (The southernmost French church)
- Museums & Art Venues
- The Small Base Museum (history of sealing and discovery)
- Historical Sites
- Cimetière des Marins (Old sailors' cemetery)
- Religious Sites
- Chapelle Notre-Dame des Vents
- Annual Events
- Midwinter Celebration (June 21st) – the biggest event in the Antarctic/Sub-antarctic
- Cultural Districts
- The 'Centre-Ville' (The central cluster of administrative buildings)
- Theater Venues
- The Cine-club inside the main social hall
- Local Markets
- None
- Music Scene
- Amateur resident bands often play at Le Totem
- Street Art
- Markers/Graffiti on the 'Fingerpost' showing distances to world cities
- Cooking Classes
- Occasional workshops by the base chef for residents
- Art Galleries
- None
- Historic Buildings
- The original weather station huts (1950s)
- Local Heritage
- Scientific research and biodiversity conservation
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Plateau des Lacs (Hiking trail near the base)
- National Parks Nearby
- Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Terres Australes Françaises
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Trail to 'L’Anse aux Cochons'
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mont Ross (visible from the base on clear days)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Elephant Seal beach and King Penguin colonies (accessible by permit)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Strictly prohibited due to fragile ecosystem and high winds
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- La Poste (TAAF Philatelic bureau); mail leaves/arrives 4 times a year
- Tech Repair Services
- None; base electronics technicians may assist in emergencies
- Table Tennis Spots
- Table tennis table in the base recreation room
- Language Classes
- None; French is the only language spoken on-site
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Base Library (Selection of French literature and scientific journals)
- Community Centers
- Bâtiment de Vie (Living quarters hub)
- Gaming Lounges
- Shared lounge with a PlayStation and classic board games
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- None
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Non-applicable (Government/Crown land only)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Non-applicable
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Non-applicable
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Non-applicable
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Non-applicable
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Non-applicable
- Corporate Tax
- Exempt/Not applicable (Administered by France but no local corporate activity)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 0% (No local financial markets)
- Tax System
- French residents on mission pay French Income Tax
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 45% (French Standard)
- VAT
- 0% (Exempt from French VAT)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Follows French CFC regulations
- Property Tax
- No private property ownership allowed
- Property Transaction Tax
- Non-applicable
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- No; extremely high barrier of entry and no legal residence for non-official personnel