Experience the best of Grand Baie

Grand Baie lies on the north coast of Mauritius, on a wide bay where fishing boats, catamarans and yachts sit in calm water. The village grew into the island's main resort, with a waterfront promenade, shops and restaurants stretching along the coast road. The nearby beaches of Pereybère and Mont Choisy are quieter.

Boat trips cross the lagoon to Coin de Mire, a rocky island, and to Gabriel and Flat Island, with snorkelling and dive sites. At Cap Malheureux, the red-roofed church of Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice looks over the water. Inland, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is known for giant water lilies, a sugar museum tells the story of the island's cane fields, and Port Louis, the capital, lies to the south.

Grilled fish and octopus curry come fresh from the boats. The cooler dry months from May to November are the most comfortable, and the summer from December to April is hot and wetter. Street snacks include dholl puri, gateaux piments, small chilli fritters, and alouda, a sweet milk drink with basil seeds.