ROCHES NOIRES : a wild and authentic part of Mauritius

ROCHES NOIRES

Small rustic village of about 6,500 inhabitants, in the north-east of Mauritius, far from large crowds and mass tourism, Roches-Noires has a few kilometers of sublime and wild beaches. This modest coastal village has kept its authentic cachet, with its old-fashioned shops like “The Admirable Boutique” at the entrance of the village, and dense vegetation runs along the small coastal road that crosses the village. The marshy and unspoiled area is teeming with wildlife. Roches-Noires owes its name to the basalt rocks of volcanic origin that run along its entire coast.
Roches-Noires is one of the most enchanting “seaside” on the island. In this small, typical village, traditional fishermen rub shoulders with wealthy owners of “camps”, second homes on the sea. A long part of the coast is bordered by these, but there are several accesses to the beach. Public beaches, which can be seen from the road, also offer magnificent landscapes. Take the opportunity to stop there, in the shade of the casuarina (or Filao) trees, and contemplate the ocean.
To the south of the village, you can discover the Bras d´Eau Natural Park. Declared a National Terrestrial Park in 2011, it covers an area of almost 500 hectares. Vegetation mainly consisting of Mahogany (Acajou), Araucaria – of the coniferous family – Tecoma and Eucalyptus, but also the remnants of an abandoned village from years ago. Bras d’Eau remains little known to the public. Two trails named “Coq de Bois Loop” and “Coq de Bois Trail” (name of the bird hiding there), are accessible to all and easy for all levels. About two hours of walking for the longest (more or less 5 km)
The beaches of Bras d´Eau, Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette, very often windy, especially during the Mauritian winter – July / August – remain the well-known landmark of kitesurfers and windsurfers.
But Roches Noires is not only known for its wild beaches. Many small caves litter the ground and some caves with anecdotal names such as the “Madame” cave or the “Princess Margaret” caves are worth visiting.
Another natural gem, the lava tunnel located 7 meters underground in the center of this town. The formation of this lava tunnel is the result of a volcanic eruption which would have occurred more than 25,000 years ago. A multitude of interconnected lava tubes, convoluted rock formations, from which springs fresh water sources are going out, where you can bathe in clear water and teeming with fish. “Trou Diable” and “Trou Vert” remain the best known pools. Barely a few minutes’ walk from the coastal road, ask the villagers who will be happy to guide you.
And for those who are looking for modern facilities to relax, the Azuri complex offers you daily tennis courts, delicatessen shop and restaurants.
Few kilometers further, towards Belle Mare, for Golf lovers, two 18-hole Golf courses, the “Legend” and the “Links”.
The Legend Golf Course is the first “commercial” golf course in a long series in Mauritius. Created in 1994 in a deer hunting reserve of 70 hectares, it deploys its fairways between forest, ponds and volcanic rocks. While the Links Golf Course was started in 2002 and offers an exceptional course composed of wide fairways undulating on a natural ground strewn with volcanic stones, not far from the turquoise waters of the East coast of Mauritius.
The east of the island is full of unknown places to visit, and remains a region with very little tourism.
If you want to get away from mass tourism and enjoy an almost deserted beach, we offer short-term rental several luxury villas on the beach.
Contact us for more information or visit our website.