Grand Anse, a beach on the west of Mahé
As its name suggests, Grand’ Anse on the south-west coast of Mahé is an impressive bay of sand. The strong undercurrents make it unsuitable for swimming, but the long, lovely beach with its lapping waves is well worth a relaxing stroll beside the sea.
The beach is a good kilometre long and very wide at low tide. On Mahé only Anse Intendance surpasses it in that respect. Behind the sand rise the island’s forested mountains. Because the bay is open to the west, it lies in the light of the setting sun over the sea in the evening, and that is exactly when locals like to come for a walk after a hot day. The bay is usually quiet, and even during the day you will find room to yourself.
The beach was once threatened by sand extraction. Today barriers that keep vehicles out, coastal planting and wooden walkways across the dune strip protect the sand. Please stay on the paths and do not take any sand away with you.
Getting to Grand Anse
By car from Victoria
From the Clock Tower in Victoria, drive along Francis Rachel Street to the Unity Monument, which is made up of four fish. At the roundabout take the third exit onto Mont Fleuri Road and follow it to the next roundabout in Plaisance. Take the third exit there too, onto La Misère Road, which carries you over the mountain and down to the junction on the opposite side of the island at Grand’ Anse. Turn right and drive about 800 metres until you reach the beach at Grand’ Anse. The whole journey takes about half an hour.
By bus
The SPTC bus company serves Grand Anse with connections from Victoria via La Misère. The buses do not run every few minutes, and services thin out in the late afternoon and evening. Before you set off, check the last return bus in the current SPTC timetable (last updated June 2026). Tell the driver that you want to get off at the beach.
Parking and walking
You can park right by the road in front of the beach, where the road makes a sharp bend. The space is rarely full. Drive slowly where you leave the tarmac, as there is a pronounced speed bump. From the parking spot it is only a few steps to the sand. Access is free.
Swimming, waves and seasons
| Period | Beach conditions |
|---|---|
| May to September | Southeast trade winds, high swell and strong surf. From June to September, seagrass may wash ashore. |
| October to April | Usually calmer and less windy, but the currents remain dangerous even then. |
Grand Anse is not meant for snorkelling: there is no known protective reef off the beach, and the seabed is sandy and rocky. The waves, on the other hand, attract experienced surfers. For swimming and snorkelling you are better off at more sheltered beaches such as Anse Royale or Anse Soleil. If you are looking for lifeguards and marked swimming areas, Beau Vallon Beach is the better choice.
Facilities
Facilities are simple. A wooden sun deck has been built at the access point, and walkways lead across the dune strip. Shade comes mainly from the trees at the back of the beach. There are no sun loungers or parasols. There is no reliable information about a kiosk or toilets right on the beach. Bring water, sun protection and food with you. Do not expect a lifeguard on duty.
Tips and surroundings
Next door lies the bay of Anse Barbarons, home to the Avani+ Barbarons resort. Other beaches on the west coast are Anse Boileau, Baie Lazare and Anse Takamaka. For an overview of the island, see the page on Mahé.
