Port-aux-Français

Port-aux-Français, officially The City of Port-aux-Français of the Kerguelen (: La cité de Port-aux-Français des Kerguelen, pronunciation: [lɑsiˈtedə ˈpɔ:ʁ.ˌto fʁãˈsɛ dəˈkɛʁgəˌlã]) is the capital city and the most populous city of the Republic of the Southern Indian Ocean Islands. The city proper has 6,690 inhabitants (2014); if the remainder of the commune of La Capitale is included (Port-de-la-Baie-Norvégienne and Port-du-Prince-de-Galles (sic)), the total number of inhabitants is 14,670. It is located in the province of East Kerguelen, of which it is also the provincial capital.

The city serves as the main hub of the province, the Kerguelen Islands, and the majority of the Republic. Its location on the north of the Baie Morbihan, behind the shelter of the Presqu'île du Prince de Galles, makes it a safe port for both commercial and recreational seafaring.

Despite its relatively small size, Port-aux-Français is ranked as a due to its relative economic and social independence, as well as its importance within the region. This rating is mainly provided by the regional influence of the government within much of the, the exceptional self-sufficiency due to its remote and relatively isolated location, its wealth, and the presence of the University of the Kerguelen.

Famous Francien(ne)s include the painter and poet Édouard de Fervières-Lesvériés de la Fourrière, the ecologist and tv presenter Marie Lefeuille, and photo model Lisette Dedunkerque.

Famous tourist attractions in Port-aux-Français are the National Museum of Arts of the Southern Indian Ocean Islands, the theme park Parc de la neige, the Val Château, the Vallée de grand nombre des cours, and the Plage-aux-Français.