Location and character
South of Anse Marie Louise lies Anse Petite Marie Louise, which can only be reached via a tarmac road and then a forest path on foot. This secluded beach is short and enclosed by huge granite boulders.
Visitors often have the little cove to themselves. It lies at the end of the East Coast Road, just before the wild southern tip of the island. That is also why the beach feels so unspoilt: there is no road down to the water and no facilities.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, head south along Bois de Rose Road and the Providence Highway past the airport, then keep following the coastal East Coast Road. At the southernmost end of the road you will find the Chalets d'Anse Forbans, and just after them an unpaved road branches off. Follow it to the next beach and park the car there (about 45 minutes' drive).
The road further on is narrow and there is hardly any parking. It is therefore better to leave the vehicle at the starting point at Anse Marie Louise and walk the rest.
By bus
Take route 5 towards Baie Lazare via Takamaka, then walk along Marie Louise and take the trampled path to Petite Marie Louise. From Victoria, according to the current SPTC timetable (valid from June 2026), allow a good one to one and a half hours for the journey to Baie Lazare. There are bus stops near Anse Marie Louise. Check beforehand which service goes furthest south, and plan for the last return bus.
Walking to the beach
From the car park, follow the tarmac road to the last houses. In front of a farm, a trampled path branches off to the left. A granite boulder marked "Beach" gives you the key clue. Follow this trail for about 10 to 15 minutes until you reach Petite Marie Louise.
| Stage | Walking time |
|---|---|
| Car park to Petite Marie Louise | about 10 to 15 minutes |
| Petite Marie Louise to Anse Capucins | about 20 to 30 minutes |
Swimming and snorkelling
Because of the nearby reef, the beach is strewn with small pieces of coral. The water is fairly shallow but has a stony bottom. Because of the stony seabed, swimming here is awkward and beach sandals are advisable. Waves can sometimes be higher or stronger.
Beyond the reef, swimming can be dangerous because of strong undercurrents. This applies especially during the southeast trade wind season from May to October, when the east side of the island is rougher. The sea is usually calmer between the monsoons, and the fact box shows the current calm months. For neighbouring Anse Marie Louise, seaweed is reported from June to September, and something similar is possible here too.
Snorkelling is possible close to the beach and is described as rewarding in visitor reports. Stay inside the reef, do not go into the water alone, and take a flotation aid if you feel unsure.
Facilities
Shade falls mainly in the morning, under the coconut palms. There are no sun loungers, toilets, kiosk or restaurant on the beach. Bring drinking water, something to eat, sun protection and a bag for your rubbish, and take everything back with you. For shopping and restaurants, head north to Anse Royale and Takamaka.
Tips and things to see nearby
Allow half a day for the visit and arrive in the morning, while there is still shade and you will be back well before dusk. The path is poorly marked, so sturdy shoes with a good tread are better than flip-flops.
Several beaches nearby combine well with this one:
- Anse Marie Louise, the starting point, and neighbouring Anse Forbans
- Anse Capucins, if you follow the trail further, another 20 to 30 minutes on
- Police Bay and Petit Police at the southern tip
- Anse Takamaka and Anse Intendance on the south coast
You can find more of the island's beaches on the page about Mahé.
