Location and character
L'Ans Angle, the small beach with Therese island lying just offshore, makes a pretty photo subject and is a fairly remote spot for anyone who wants to relax in peace and quiet. It is easy to reach from nearby L'ans Trusalo by simply climbing over the rocks there, and it is well worth a visit.
The beach lies in the north-west of the main island, Mahé. Because of its location, and because it can only be reached at low tide, it is rather little known. The sand is mixed with washed-up shells and coral. There is no protective reef and the sea is very rough, so it is not suitable for swimming.
Therese Island is uninhabited and lies only a few hundred metres off the coast of Port Glaud. As the beach faces west, the sun sets over the sea here.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, take Bel Air Road uphill onto Sans Soucis Road. Along this route there are several worthwhile viewpoints (Rochon Dam, Mission Lodge) and trails (Copolia, Trois Frères, Salazie, Casse-Dent, Morne Blanc, Tea Tavern Trail) in the Morne Seychellois National Park. Once you reach the village of Port Glaud on the west coast, turn right. There is parking just after the restaurant "Del Place", opposite the church. The drive takes just over 30 minutes for 17 km.
By bus
| Route | Course | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Victoria, La Misère, Port Launay | Stop near the restaurant "Del Place" |
| 14 | Victoria, Sans Soucis, Port Launay | Stop near the restaurant "Del Place" |
On foot at low tide
From the car park you can already see Anse Trusalo in the distance. Continue on foot along the whole of Anse Lislette beach. On the way you cross a river that ends at the beach (a little way upstream is the "Sauzier Waterfall"). At the end of the beach you walk around the rocks through the water and arrive directly at Anse Trusalo. This is only possible at low tide. The same applies to the way back, and to crossing the river too!
There is a rough path behind the rocks, but it starts on the grounds of the Constance Ephelia and is therefore closed to non-hotel guests. At the end of Anse Trusalo there is a granite rock with a blue marking, and here you cut through the forest for about 30 m. On foot it takes about 20 minutes.
Swimming and snorkelling
Swimming and snorkelling are not recommended at L'Ans Angle itself, because there is no reef and the sea is rough. The neighbouring beaches are better suited: around the island of L'Islette there are coral beds, and the bay of Port Glaud is mentioned as a snorkelling spot. The area belongs to a stretch of coast with marine protected areas, including Port Launay and Baie Ternay. So please leave shells and corals on the beach.
As a rule of thumb on Mahé, the west coast is usually calmer during the south-east trade wind (roughly May to October) than between December and March. The actual surf depends on the day, though, and the fact box above shows the calmer months.
Facilities
In Karl's experience there is nothing on the beach apart from sand, rocks and peace and quiet. So do not expect sunbeds, toilets or vendors, and bring water, sun protection and something to eat.
Food and drink are available at the starting point in Port Glaud: the restaurant Del Place also runs a beach bar with a pizzeria (Oh La La Beach Bar). According to the owners, the restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12 to 4 pm and for dinner from 6 to 8.30 pm, and the beach bar from 11 am to 7 pm. For dinner, booking is advisable.
Tips and surroundings
- Plan your way there and back around low tide and allow plenty of time. The walk takes about 20 minutes, plus the river crossing and some scrambling.
- Wear shoes that can get wet and grip on rock, and pack your belongings in waterproof bags.
- The Constance Ephelia grounds are closed to non-hotel guests. Stay on the route described.
- From here you can reach Anse Port Glaud beach and Port Launay on foot or by car. The beaches of Anse Lislette and Anse Trusalo are on the way.
- On the drive back along Sans Soucis Road, Mission Lodge and the tea factory are worth a stop.
