Anou al Moris
FR
Coastal walk: Cap Malheureux → Grand Gaube
Photo:Cristian Lorini / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

🚶 Walks · North

Coastal walk: Cap Malheureux → Grand Gaube

A long low-tide walk along the north coast, from the red-roofed church of Cap Malheureux past coves and a seaside Hindu temple to the fishing village of Grand Gaube.

🚗 From the villa1 h 15 · 62.7 kmoff-peak estimate
⏱️ Time needed3–4 hnot counting the drive
🕓 Best time of day☀️ Morning
💰 PriceFree
🚶 Trail9.7 km · flatModerate · one way · guide not needed

From the church at Cap Malheureux, follow the shore east: little coves for swims, fishermen's boats, a small Hindu temple standing by the sea, and in front of you the islands of Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Round Island. The walk ends at the fishing village of Grand Gaube.

About 10–12 km one way (3–3 h 30). Do it at low tide: some stretches are in the water, so wear sturdy shoes (sea urchins). Take a taxi or the bus back.

  • Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Round Island
  • A seaside Hindu temple
  • Coves for swimming

Trail map

Traced along the shoreline (OpenStreetMap coastline): walk on the firm sand near the water.

Trail (moderate)
0 m50 m 0 km2 km4 km6 km8 km 0 m
One way. Elevation from SRTM satellite data (±10 m).

Trail traced on OpenStreetMap paths: check the signs on the ground, and take the OSM or an offline map app (Organic Maps, maps.me) with you.

What to expect on this walk

MudLow
ShadeSome
🌊 TideLow tide only
👟 FootwearWater shoes
🏊 Swim on the wayYes, along the way
🔁 Getting backOne way (transport back)
🚧 Obstacles2 to know
🌅 Best lightMorning
📍 Where it starts
The church of Cap Malheureux (≈ 1 h 15 from the villa).
🧭 The route
East along beaches, coves and rocky points, past a small Hindu temple by the sea, to the taxi stand of Grand Gaube (≈ 10–12 km).
🪨 Terrain
Sand, rocks and some wading at low tide.
👁️ Views
The northern islands all the way.
🌅 Best light
A morning low tide; the islands are sharpest in the morning light.
🚧 Obstacles
  • Wading round some rocky points
  • Sea urchins: keep your shoes on in the water
🌊 Tide
Only at low tide: some stretches are under water at high tide. Check the tide table before you go.
🏊 Swimming
Coves for swimming all along the way.
👟 Footwear
Water shoes: wading, coral rubble or sea urchins on the way.
🔁 Getting back
One way: a taxi (≈ 15 min) or the bus back to Cap Malheureux.
🦟 Insects
None.
💧 Water
Snacks in the villages on the way.
👥 Crowds
Quiet.
📶 Phone signal
Good coverage.
🎒 Bring
Shoes that can get wet · 2 litres of water each · Hat and sunscreen · Swimsuit · Tide table
  1. Cap Malheureux church
  2. Grand Gaube

Getting there

Driving route from the villa

🚗 By car: 1 h 15 (62.7 km) off-peak. Near the church of Cap Malheureux. Directions in Google Maps ↗

  • 🚕 Taxi: Taxi from Grand Gaube back to Cap Malheureux. · 15 min · Rs 500–700 (CHF 8.7–12)
  • 🚌 Bus: Bus along the coast road. · 25 min · Rs 40–50 (CHF 0.7–0.9)

Tips

  • 💡 Check the tide table: go at low tide.
  • 💡 Sturdy shoes that can get wet (sea urchins).
  • 💡 Bus or taxi back to Cap Malheureux.