Coconut palms, turquoise waters and white sand: the British Virgin Islands, the other face of the United Kingdom

Here you are in the nerve centre of the British Virgin Islands. Among the places of interest, the capital, Road Town, bears witness to Tortola's British and Dutch colonial past. The town boasts a number of pretty monuments, including the Post Office andSt George's Church. In the centre of Road Town, the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens is an adorable garden where exotic plants rub shoulders with water lily ponds and birdhouses. It's a beautifully laid-out place for a lovely stroll.

Tortola is home to a wealth of natural wonders: caves, mountains, coves, bays... a variety of landscapes that are never the same. Cane Garden Bay is one of them, and is well worth a visit for its white sand, lush vegetation and turquoise waters. Another must-see is Smuggler's Cove. A beach that's not very easy to get to, but a heavenly landscape that's well worth the effort.

Tortola is just as rich in history. Don't miss the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, a former sugar factory built by slaves in the 18th century and now converted into a museum.

Where to stay on Tortola?

The third largest island in the archipelago and the second most populated, Virgin Gorda is the most famous spot in the British Virgin Islands. Named after Christopher Columbus, the island has a warm, traditional atmosphere.

The main reason visitors love it so much is for the Baths National Park. A geological wonder that has made Virgin Gorda famous. Volcanic rocks form natural pools, grottoes and coves bordered by small enclaves of white sand and translucent water. Just a short distance from the Baths, it's hard to resist taking a dip in Devil's Bay National Park, a heavenly spot where swimming is the number one activity.

For hiking enthusiasts, the highest point on the island is Gorda Peak National Park. The park protects a lush natural environment that is home to birds, butterflies and lizards. In fact, the world's smallest lizard can be found here. After the effort, the comfort: head for the beaches of Pond Bay and Mahoe Bay for a refreshing stopover.

Where to stay on Virgin Gorda?

This is the most heavenly part of your stay in the British Virgin Islands. Anegada is the only coral island in the archipelago, the others all being volcanic. Very flat, it is attracting more and more visitors thanks to its magnificent coral reefs.

The island may seem lost in the middle of the Caribbean, but it is a veritable Garden of Eden. Explore the island by car, motorbike or bicycle and you're likely to come across the wildlife of this coral atoll: iguanas, pink flamingos, exotic birds and even cows. The flora is not to be outdone, with sublime wild orchids growing on the island. On the sea side, don't forget your mask and snorkel to swim with the turtles.

The pink hills of Conch Shell Mounds are not to be missed. A shellfish graveyard fed by the fishermen who dispose of them here.

When it comes to gastronomy, the star of Anegada is the lobster. An exceptional dish to be savoured in one of the island's restaurants. Considered to be the best in the Caribbean, it's impossible to leave without trying it.

Where to stay on the island of Anegada?

The smallest island in the archipelago is also the most dynamic. Away from the unruffled calm of Anegada, here you can eat with your feet in the sand and dance the night away. The legendary Proxy's Bar is located in Great Harbour, a festive and relaxing spot.

Apart from that, there's not much to do other than enjoy the beauty of the island's beaches and turquoise waters. 4 km² of greenery and white sand where boats inevitably stop. It's impossible to miss this little piece of paradise.

While the main beach, White Bay, is packed with bars and restaurants, there is also a quieter part of the island where you can work on your tan in complete peace and quiet.

Jost van Dyke - like all the islands in the archipelago - is the place to be for a snorkelling session. The marine life of the British Virgin Islands is full of wonders.

Where to stay on the island of Jost Van Dyke?

Peter Island and Salt Island

For a timeless experience, this is the ideal spot. What could be more impressive than diving into the heart of a wreck and discovering all its secrets? The MS Rhône, a former British ship, sank in the waters of the British Virgin Islands in 1867. It has become a favourite spot for divers, who come to swim alongside the turtles, octopus and moray eels that live here. It's an enchanting, colourful experience that's suitable for divers of all abilities.

Ginger Island and Cooper Island

These two pristine islands are bordered by a wealth of water. Here too, a few wrecks are a reminder that more than one ship has never reached the archipelago's shores. Among the most beautiful spots: Carvel Rock, Markoe Point, Cistern Point and Alice's Wonderland, a breathtaking coral garden.