Cap Malheureux

Introducing Cap Malheureux

The northern edge of Mauritius has stunning views out to the islands off the coast beyond, most obviously of the dramatic slopes of Coin de Mire. Although it feels like rather a backwater today, ‘Cape Misfortune’ (thus named for the number of ships that foundered on the rocks here) is a place of great historical importance for Mauritius: it was here that the British invasion force finally defeated the French in 1810 and took over the island.

A little further on lies the minuscule fishing village also known as Cap Malheureux, with its much-photographed church, the red-roofed Notre Dame Auxiliatrice. It’s worth a quick peek inside for its intricate woodwork and a holy-water basin fashioned out of a giant clamshell. A sign strictly prohibits newly-weds ‘faking’ a church wedding for the photographers here – really, some people, eh? You can attend mass here at 6pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.

Heading around the coast the landscape becomes wilder and more rugged. In between the rocky coves and muddy tidal creeks a clutch of hotels occupy the few decent beaches. They offer a perfect hideaway for those who want to get away from it all.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009