The North: Grand Baie and the Calm Lagoons

About the area

About North

The north coast is the busiest holiday area in Mauritius, and for good reason: the lagoon here is mostly calm and shallow, so beaches like Mont Choisy, Trou aux Biches and Pereybère suit swimmers, snorkellers and families. Grand Baie is the hub, with restaurants, bars, shops, dive centres and the boats that run day trips to the islets off the north tip, Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Gabriel Island. Further east, Cap Malheureux has its red-roofed church and a wide view of the islets, while Grand Gaube is quieter. Inland, Pamplemousses has the island's best-known botanical garden, and the Château de Labourdonnais estate shows a restored colonial house and orchards.

Towns and villages

Grand Baie, Pereybère, Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pointe aux Canonniers, Cap Malheureux, Grand Gaube, Pamplemousses

Good for

Calm swimming, families, restaurants and nightlife, boat trips