families had been returning to france between 1900 and 1976, mostly because of the british colonial practice, favouritism and economic reasons. there were issues related also to the 1914 and 1944 wars. they were first, second or third generation french colonial descent and so were able to integrate easily, unlike the situation in algeria where emigrants from seychelles were confronted by the native algerian population. they maintained contact with families and acquaintances in seychelles, reunion, mauritius and madagascar, east africa and had their distinctive circles. they also exerted their distinctive french colonial influence on seychelles and affairs of the indian ocean region – south africa, australia and india. they maintained contacts with families in canada, and the united states.