Location and character
A beautiful, long beach of pale sand on the south-west coast of Mahé. Takamaka trees provide plenty of shade. The bay stretches for about a kilometre and is framed at both ends by granite rocks. The coast road runs along the back of the beach.
According to history, it was in this bay that Lazare Picault, captain of the ships Elisabeth and Charles, first landed in the Seychelles in 1742, which is why he is regarded as the discoverer of the islands. The bay, the beach and the district were all named after him. You can see the famous anchor here, and a monument commemorates the landing. The date given for it is 29 November 1742. Picault initially named the main island L'Île d'Abondance, and only in 1744 did it become Mahé. Arab, Portuguese and British sailors had already visited the islands before him, but Picault was the first to explore them in any detail.
Getting there
By car
Directions: Start in Victoria and take Bois de Rose Avenue heading south. At the roundabout in Roche Caiman (Victoria South Petrol Station), take the third exit and cross the island via La Misere Road. When you reach Grand Anse, turn left at the petrol station. From here it is just under 25 minutes along the coast road heading south.
Alternative route: Drive down the east coast as far as Anse Royal. Turn right at the church and cross the island via Les Canelles Road. When you reach Anse la Mouche, turn left. From there it is about 10 minutes more.
Both routes take about 45 minutes. There is plenty of parking between the beach and the road.
By bus
Baie Lazare is served by routes 5 and 6 of the state bus company SPTC. According to reports, there is a stop near the beach. Routes 5 and 6 both end at Baie Lazare Depot. Plan your return journey from the outset, as there are far fewer buses at weekends than on weekdays.
| Line | Route | Departure times (timetable June and July 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Victoria, Takamaka, Baie Lazare | Weekdays first departure from Victoria at 05:50 (arrival 07:05), then roughly every 30 to 60 minutes. Saturday and Sunday, among others, from Victoria at 10:30, 11:35 and 14:05. Journey time about 75 to 85 minutes. Last return trip at the weekend from Baie Lazare depot at 18:30. |
| 6 | Victoria, Les Canelles, Baie Lazare | Only a few trips at the weekend, e.g. from Victoria at 10:25 and 11:25. Please check weekday times in the current SPTC timetable. |
| via La Misere | Victoria, Takamaka, Baie Lazare, Grand Anse, La Misere | Listed in the weekday timetable as a departure from Victoria. Ask the driver or SPTC for the route number before the trip. |
Swimming and snorkelling
There are occasional stones and bits of coral in the water, and the waves can get quite high. At weekends you often see locals out with surfboards.
The water is shallow near the shore, and a reef lies just off the beach. The seabed is a mix of rock and sand in places. For snorkelling, the rocky sections at the ends of the beach are best, where you can see small fish. In calm seas the beach is good for swimming, but where the bottom is stony, water shoes are advisable. Depending on the weather and the season, seaweed can wash up and spoil the swimming.
The fact box gives the orientation of the coast, and you will also find the calmer months there. Reports advise against swimming and snorkelling in the windier months, roughly June to October, when strong waves roll onto the beach.
Facilities and food
The takamaka trees along the beach provide shade. Sun loungers, parasols and permanent toilets on the beach are not confirmed, so bring water, sun protection and something to sit on.
Several places to eat are nearby. The Lazare Picault Hotel stands directly above the beach. The restaurant La Gaulette (Creole cuisine and seafood) is only a few hundred metres away. About a kilometre away you will find the Windsong Beach Restaurant and Café Lazare. For a more upmarket meal, try L'Indochine at the Kempinski Resort.
Tips and nearby
Heading west on foot, you reach the small beach of Anse Gouvernement. The Studio Gallery Baie Lazare is close by. By car, a short drive takes you to Petite Anse (about 2 km), Anse Takamaka and Anse Intendance. A bay praised for its calm water is Port Launay. Anse Boileau and Anse Soleil are also good choices for another beach day.
