The Indian Ocean archipelago of 115 islands was uninhabited until French colonists arrived in August 1770 and established the first settlement on the island of Mahe.
The destination started the celebrations in September with a cultural performance in capital Victoria, and festivities are due to continue for the next 12 months.
Sherin Francis, chief executive of Seychelles Tourism Board, called the anniversary a “watershed moment” for the country and an “opportunity to celebrate our history, diversity, culture and those ties that bind us together as a nation”.
