ANSE GAULETTE

For history buffs, this beach is worth a visit if you want to imagine how Lazare Picault may have been the first European navigator to set foot on Mahé, taking possession for France in 1742. This palm-fringed bay on the south-west coast of Mahé has a narrow sandy beach close to the road and is one of the quieter spots on the island. - How to get there: Anse Gaulette is about 45 minutes by car from Victoria and a good half hour's drive (20 km) from Airport removed. Turn left at the international airport and drive south on the main road via Anse Royale, passing the local petrol station. Turn right onto Les Canelles Road, turn left at the end of the road onto the West Coast Road, and drive past the village Takamaka to the anse Gaulette, which begins in front of the Hotel Lazare Picault.