What to expect
The Lazare Picault Monument, known locally as the "Anchor", stands in the sheltered bay of Anse Gaulette in the district of Baie Lazare. It sits right beside the coast road, with a view across the bay, which is framed by granite boulders. The monument is small and quickly seen. Its appeal lies in the place itself: the district, several beaches and a hotel all bear the name of the explorer.
The monument was unveiled in November 1992 to commemorate Lazare Picault's historic discovery.
History
In August 1742 the ships Elisabeth and Charles, under Picault's command, sailed north from the Isle de France into unknown waters. On the way they came across islands inhabited by giant land tortoises, but they found no fresh water. After more than three months at sea, despair was growing, and at last, on 19 November 1742, the crew of the Elisabeth sighted a high, unknown island. As they drew closer, they realised it was in fact several islands. Picault believed he had discovered the legendary "Tres Irmaos" islands.
On the afternoon of 21 November the Elisabeth and her sister ship reached the main island. Although little time remained before sunset, Picault sent two search parties ashore. They found plenty of fresh water, as well as tortoises and fish in the rivers and the sea, so Picault first named the island "L'Ile d'Abondance" (Island of Abundance). The group of islands later became known as the Seychelles. Lazare Picault was probably not the first person to have seen and set foot on the Seychelles, yet he is regarded as their discoverer. Beaches, hotels and the district of Baie Lazare in the Seychelles are named after him.
Picault returned in 1744. The main island was then named Mahé, in honour of the French governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais, who had commissioned the expedition. The present name "Seychelles" dates back to 1756 and recalls the French finance minister Jean Moreau de Séchelles.
Getting there
By car
Directions: The drive from Victoria takes about 45 minutes. Head south onto Bois des Rose Avenue and turn right at the roundabout in Roche Caiman. Then take La Misere Road over the hill to Grand Anse, turn left there onto the Westcoast Road and follow it for about 20 minutes. In the village of Baie Lazare, drive past the petrol station and on past the "Baie Lazare Art Gallery". Anse Gaulette beach then lies slightly hidden behind the trees. The monument stands right on the main road in the last third of the beach, just before the Lazare Picault Hotel. You can park at the roadside.
By bus
Three routes of the state bus company SPTC go to Baie Lazare. According to map data, a stop near the monument is called "Lazare Picault". A few journeys end at Anse Gaulette, most at the depot in Baie Lazare. Ask the driver where to get off for the monument.
| Route | Course | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Victoria, Takamaka, Baie Lazare | According to the June and July 2026 timetable, about 1¼ to 1½ hours from Victoria |
| 6 | Victoria, Les Canelles, Cascade, Baie Lazare | Listed in the July 2026 weekend timetable |
| 11 | Victoria, La Misère, Grand Anse, Baie Lazare | Check the current timetable before travelling |
Journey times change and differ between weekdays and weekends. You will find the current timetable at the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation. Be sure to plan your return trip, as services on the southern routes are sparse outside peak hours.
Opening hours, duration and best time
You can visit the monument at any time of day. If you also want to go to the beach, allow more time. For Baie Lazare, operators report seaweed in the water from June to September. Swimming may be less pleasant then, but it makes no difference to a visit to the monument.
Tips and surroundings
The monument makes a good stop on a round trip through the south and southwest of Mahé. The beach itself is described under Anse Gaulette and Baie Lazare Beach. By car, several more beaches are only a few minutes away:
Anse Boileau, the place some sources name as the ships' actual anchorage, is covered under Anse Boileau Beach.
For a break, the restaurant La Gaulette at the Lazare Picault Hotel is a good choice. According to guests, it has a small menu and closes early in the evening, so a reservation is advisable. The hotel is on a slope, and the paths to the rooms involve steps.
