Location and character
Anse L’Ilot is a small, secluded beach in the north of Mahé, not directly visible from the road. The sand here is more yellowish in colour.
In calm seas the turquoise water invites you in for a swim. A few rocks stand in the middle of the water. At high tide the beach almost disappears completely. Diagonally opposite the beach you can see the little offshore islet of “L’Ilot”.
Off the beaten track, Anse L’Ilot is reached through dense vegetation in the north-western part of Mahé. Those who have found it know it for its beauty, but as the beach vanishes at high tide, a visit is only recommended at low tide.
The beach lies just north of Glacis and is often deserted for that very reason. Because the cove faces the north-west coast, you can watch the sun set over the sea on clear evenings.
Getting there
By car
Directions: From Victoria, either take the North Coast Road (about 25 minutes) or go via Revolution Avenue and St. Louis Road. After the petrol station at the police station, turn right and follow Beau Vallon beach (about 15 minutes). On the seaward side you will see a sign for “Top Soleil Beach”. A concrete staircase leads down past a house, and you are on the beach. There is a small beach bar here.
Because of the concrete steps, access with a pushchair or limited mobility is difficult.
Parking
Parking is rather tricky and only possible in a few spots at the roadside. For the beach bar, too, only parking on the main road is mentioned. Leave your vehicle so that driveways and oncoming traffic are not blocked, and do not leave valuables visible in the car.
By bus
Bus: route 20 Glacis via Anse Etoile (continuing via Beau Vallon to Victoria) or route 22 Glacis via Beau Vallon (continuing via Anse Etoile to Victoria). The stop is on the main road, about 100 m from the beach according to the description.
| Route | Route from Victoria |
|---|---|
| 20 | Anse Etoile, Glacis, Beau Vallon, back to Victoria |
| 22 | Beau Vallon, Glacis, Anse Etoile, back to Victoria |
The SPTC publishes separate timetables for weekdays and weekends; the current weekend timetable has applied since July 2026. Only a few buses run in the evening, so plan your return for the late afternoon. According to recent reports, payment on the bus is cashless, and visitors need a bus card, available at the airport and selected shops, among other places. For current times and fares, see the SPTC timetable.
Swimming and snorkelling
According to visitors, the water is usually calm and shallow, but the beach is only usable at low tide and is covered at high tide. The seabed is made up of sand and stones. Water shoes are therefore a good idea, not least because of the rocks in the middle of the cove. Snorkelling around these rocks is worthwhile, and guests at the nearby chalets explicitly praise the conditions. Bring your own mask and snorkel, as there is no rental here.
The fact box above tells you which months are calmest. As a rule of thumb: with the south-east trade wind (roughly May to October) the north-west coast is sheltered, while in the other months there can be more waves. Seaweed has been reported on neighbouring Glacis Beach between November and March, and it can wash up here too.
Facilities
| Area | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Small beach bar (Top Soleil Beach Grill & Bar). Visitor reports mention cold drinks and simple local dishes. |
| Shade | Greenery at the edge of the beach, little room at high tide. Bring sun protection. |
| Sun loungers | Reports mention loungers at the bar. Ask on site whether they are available. |
| Toilets and showers | Not confirmed. Ask at the bar. |
| Shopping | Small shops along the road. A restaurant is nearby (hotel in Glacis). |
Tips and surroundings
From the beach bar you can walk to other beaches. According to map data, the distances are about 440 m to Glacis, 1.5 km to Machabée and 1.9 km to Sunset Beach. By car or bus you can also reach the big beach at Beau Vallon quickly.
| Beach | On foot from Top Soleil |
|---|---|
| Anse Glacis | approx. 440 m, 6 minutes |
| Anse Machabée | approx. 1.5 km, 20 minutes |
| Sunset Beach | approx. 1.9 km, 25 minutes |
| Beau Vallon Beach | by car or bus (approx. 15 minutes) |
Right on the beach are the L’Ilot Beach Chalets, self-catering accommodation with beach access. You will find more of the island’s beaches on the Mahé page.
