Travel Guide to North Coast

The North of Mauritius stretches from Grand Gaube in the North west to Balaclava in the East, with La Grande Baie as the tourism focus. There are sheltered bays and stunning views of offshore islands. Grand Baie with its large natural harbour and myriad restaurants, shops and bars is a tourism mecca. The centre of town is Sunset Boulevard a cluster of chic boutiques and bars. Pampelmousses is a historically important district where the influential early governors lived. It is also the site of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam botanical gardens. The furthest north point is Cap Malheureux the Cape of Misfortune so named because of the ships that came to grief here over the years. A bright red roofed church - Notre Dame Auxilia Trice  - is a pretty spot to stop and take pictures. It has an interesting sign inside asking you not to play football in the knave. You can take a cruise to the northern islands like Coin de Mire. There are other interesting excursions such as walking on the seabed and a submarine ride. There are alos a number of factory outlets for clothes from the textile industry. There are some excellent bargains in well known labelled goods. Beware as some of it says made in China, but the prices are good!