Location and character
Anse Gouvernement, a "sister beach" to Anse Soleil and Petite Anse, is ideal for a picnic. With shallow water, shaded parking and a riding stable right on the beach, you hardly need to wonder what to do here. The beach lies directly next to the Kempinski Resort, reached by a winding road, and is protected by a reef. It has a small lagoon of clear water, formed by granite boulders.
The beach belongs to the bay of Baie Lazare on the south coast of Mahé and sits a little away from the main sightseeing spots. It is smaller and quieter than Anse Takamaka or Anse Soleil. The main beach of the bay, Baie Lazare, is only about 800 metres away.
Getting there
By car
From the airport or from Victoria, the shortest route goes via Anse Royale and the south coast to Baie Lazare. Alternatively, drive across the island to Anse Boileau and then south along the west coast road. Shortly after Anse à la Mouche, turn right into Anse Soleil Road. Signs there point towards Anse Gouvernement. The narrow, shady road ends just behind the beach. From the airport to the Kempinski Seychelles Resort in Baie Lazare, allow about 30 to 35 minutes.
The road is narrow and winding, and oncoming traffic calls for patience. Park so that residents' access and hotel entrances stay clear.
By bus
SPTC buses leave from Victoria Bus Terminal and reach Baie Lazare on several routes. From the bus stop you walk the last stretch. Allow a good hour for the journey from Victoria.
| Route | Route from Victoria (timetable June/July 2026) |
|---|---|
| 5 | via Takamaka to Baie Lazare |
| 6 | via Les Canelles to Baie Lazare |
| 11 | via Anse Boileau to Baie Lazare |
| 5C, 6B | via Takamaka or Les Canelles towards Anse Soleil, only a few trips |
On foot
Anse Gouvernement can be reached on foot from Baie Lazare. If you want to go on to Petite Anse, you set off for it from Anse Soleil Road. According to recent visitor reports, access to Petite Anse goes through the entrance of the Four Seasons Resort, where you register and receive a wristband. Ask there for the current rules.
Swimming and snorkelling
The reef dampens the waves, so the water in the small lagoon is usually calm and shallow. Between the granite boulders the bottom is stony, so water shoes make sense. For snorkelling, the western part of the bay of Baie Lazare is best, which is the Anse Gouvernement side. Close to the shore you will see coral heads and small reef fish.
Keep the tides in mind: the difference between high and low water is a good metre. At low tide the water near the shore becomes shallower and stonier, while at high tide swimming and snorkelling are more pleasant. You can find the tide table from local weather services or at your accommodation.
In the south-east trade wind season between May and October, the wind on the south coast is generally stronger. Seaweed can then wash ashore and visibility in the water may drop. The calmer months for this beach are shown in the fact box above. There are no lifeguards, so do not swim far out alone and watch for currents outside the reef.
Facilities
There is shaded parking and there are trees on the beach. The choice of food and drink is limited. A few places lie along the access road, and drinks are available at the neighbouring Kempinski Resort. Bring your own water, sun protection and a picnic. Do not expect sunbeds or parasols, and whether the toilets on the beach are open varies. For the riding stable on the beach, ask in advance whether and when rides take place, as the offer changes.
Tips and surroundings
Come in the morning, when space and light are at their best. If you want to combine the beach with a short tour, drive on afterwards to the neighbouring bays: Anse Soleil, Petite Anse, Anse Takamaka or Anse Intendance with its stronger surf. Other beaches in the area are Anse à la Mouche, Anse Gaulette and Police Bay and Petit Police. On the beach at Baie Lazare, a monument commemorates the landing of the explorer Lazare Picault in 1742. According to visitor reports, it stands on the main beach of the bay.
You will find more about the island on the page about Mahé.
