Port aux Francais

Port aux Francais

Port-aux-Français is the principal town of the Kerguelen Islands and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands in the southern Indian Ocean. The town lies on the coast of the Golf of Morbihan. Approximately 45 people live there in the winter, but the group can grow to over 120 when it comes to summering. The settlement has a shallow harbor that allows supply ships to unload from barges that shuttle to the wharf. In addition to the logistical facilities for its running, the settlement houses scientific laboratories such as biology and geophysics, technical stations such as meteorology, telecommunications and satellite tracking, as well as a cinema and a small medical center. There is also a small Catholic church, Notre Dame des Vents.