Cap Malheureux

The northern edge of Mauritius has stunning views out to the islands off the coast, most obviously the dramatic headland of Coin de Mire. Although it feels like a quiet little enclave today, Cap Malheureux (Cape Misfortune; named for the number of ships that foundered on its rocks) 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 past the cape lies the minuscule, picturesque fishing village also known as Cap Malheureux.