A road trip along the west coast, between natural and cultural heritage
You know that you have reached your destination when the hustle and bustle of city life and tourist areas gives way to a feeling of peace and tranquillity. The west coast coastal road from Tamarin to Le Morne offers a delightful drive. So do not hesitate to stop here and there to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the surroundings.
The fishermen in Tamarin Bay are tending their nets before going out to sea. Families are also having a picnic with music on the beach while surfers are protecting their skin with sunscreen before taking a plunge.
The trailers are serving dumplings and fried noodles, roti flatbreads and chilli bites. As for the corner shops, they offer other local specialities like boiled peanuts and sweet potato cakes, among others.
It is also one of the most popular spots for swimming with the dolphins.
You can see the saltpans used for small-scale salt harvesting along the coastal road from Tamarin. Some of them are no longer in operation but others continue to produce local salt, which is available in supermarkets.
Be careful not to confuse local products with imported ones (in order to support Mauritian manufacturers)!
Take a little break on the beach at La Preneuse. You can have a swim in the sea, admire Le Morne Brabant mountain in the backdrop or visit the Martello Tower. The guided tour focuses on historical elements related to the monument; some artefacts on display also bear witness to the exciting past of the island and region.
A few minutes away from La Balise Marina, a real estate development of IRS type, a road leads to one of the entries of the Black River Gorges National Park.Nature enthusiasts, hikers and picnickers will love this green haven. The park offers beautiful walks and some of the various trails lead to waterfalls.
La Balise Marina's turnkey ready to live-in new apartment in Black River, Mauritius
On the way to Case Noyale, you may be tempted to turn left towards Chamarel. In addition to stunning views, this village situated on higher ground is also home to a must-see attraction, the Seven Coloured Earth. This intriguing geological site attracts visitors from all over the world.
There are other natural and cultural sites in the surroundings.
In La Gaulette, you can take a tour on a fishing boat to discover the beautiful lagoon, Ile aux Bénitiers and the Crystal Rock. This rock formation looks like a rough diamond rising from the clear blue waters. You can swim over the surrounding sandy shoals before docking at Ile aux Bénitiers for lunch.
Continuing towards Le Morne, you will see mangroves that form marine forests. This very important species helps prevent coastal erosion and provides habitat for a variety of marine wildlife. A kayak trip is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of these shrubs.
The beautiful and imposing Le Morne Brabant mountain stands at the southwestern tip of the island. The site is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and has become over the years a favourite spot for kitesurfing and hiking.
Legend has it that slaves had taken refuge on the mountaintop and in 1835 when British soldiers approached, fearing to be recaptured they jumped off not knowing that the soldiers were coming to inform them of the abolition of slavery…
The west coast offers an outstanding blend of authentic places and people with the comfort of modern life and all the necessary amenities at hand: schools, shops, medical and business facilities, and more.