Explore the South of Bel Ombre, where ocean views, heritage and village life meet along a scenic coastal road. From Jacotet Bay to La Prairie, this part of Mauritius features stunning viewpoints, quiet lagoons and landmarks shaped by its maritime and sugar past. The landscape reflects both natural charm and cultural roots, defining the identity of Bel Ombre. Along the way, several stops reveal different facets of the South, each offering a distinct perspective on its scenery and heritage.
Experience the highlights of Bel Ombre
11 emblematic stops along the south coast
Stop 1: Jacotet Bay and Sancho Islet
On the road between Rivière des Galets and Bel Ombre are two truly fascinating places for those intrigued by stories of pirates and historic naval battles: Baie du Jacotet and Îlot Sancho.
Stop 2: Bel Ombre Sugar History
Bel Ombre’s 250-year-old history is closely linked to sugar production in Mauritius, and the Place du Moulin, where the former sugar factory once stood, still houses a sugarcane grinding mill and vintage turbines.
Stop 3: World of Seashells
World of Seashells is an incredible museum situated in Place du Moulin, Bel Ombre, home to Africa’s largest seashell collection, with nearly 8,000 shells from 1,500 species found around the world.
Stop 4: Le Château de Bel Ombre
Le Château de Bel Ombre is a well known plantation house that reflects the atmosphere of the past. It was built in the same style as the historic Treasury Building in Port Louis.
Stop 5: Bel Ombre Village
Bel Ombre is a charming coastal village set between green mountains and a turquoise lagoon. Its name often raises a question for French speakers, as the feminine word “Ombre” is paired with the masculine adjective “Bel”.
Stop 6: Le Batelage de Bel Ombre
Between 1890 and 1955, this batelage was the point of embarkation for raw sugar produced by 15 regional mills, shipped to Port Louis.
Stop 7: Trevessa memorial
Near the Batelage, at the point where the Rivière des Créoles meets the Bel Ombre lagoon, a memorial honours the survivors of the Trevessa shipwreck. The vessel ran aground here on 29 June 1923, after its crew endured a three-week lifeboat journey covering 1,728 miles, one of the longest recorded at sea.
Stop 8: St-Martin & Baie du Cap villages
Along the coastal road, the villages of St-Martin and Baie du Cap offer wide ocean views and a glimpse into the traditional life of the South.
Stop 9: Matthew Flinders memorial
Located at Macondé near Baie du Cap, the Matthew Flinders monument honours the British navigator and cartographer who anchored in Macondé Bay in 1803 during his return from Australia. Unaware of the war between Britain and France, he was mistaken for a spy and detained on the island for more than six years.
Stop 10: Macondé
This well-known rocky peninsula takes its name from the Makonde people of East Africa. During the early colonial period, escaped slaves from this community found shelter on this stretch of land overlooking the sea.
Stop 11: La Prairie Bay
La Prairie is one of Mauritius’ most beautiful beaches, set at the foot of Le Morne mountain and bordered by a wide turquoise lagoon. A popular spot in the south, is known for its open views and peaceful setting.