La Gaulette: Lagoon and village life

La Gaulette combines the lagoon in front of the village with a small selection of local amenities, including a market, snack bars and restaurants. In the shallow water, you can explore the reef flat and observe marine life; from the water, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Le Morne. If you would like to combine a stay with water-based experiences and Mauritian cuisine, you can find both as part of the village’s character.

Lagoon and water sports

Off La Gaulette, you can explore the reef flat in the shallow water that extends far out. The lagoon is also suitable for observing marine life. Early morning is a good time for stand-up paddling, when the wind eases. This is a specific guide for planning your activities on the water.

Pryde Club Mauritius offers introductory lessons, a six-hour beginner course and a twelve-hour programme with radio helmets and IKO-certified instructors in La Gaulette. The activities on offer also include surfing, wakefoiling and stand-up paddling. Course and equipment details may change; confirm them directly with the school before your trip. The course lengths represent different amounts of time, while the lagoon also offers opportunities to explore the reef flat and go paddling.

In the wider region, dolphin and whale watching and deep-sea fishing are also marine activities associated with La Gaulette. This means the area’s marine appeal extends beyond the lagoon and the water sports described there.

Market and Mauritian dishes

A small market in La Gaulette is a meeting place where locals buy fruit, vegetables, spices and local produce. Snack bars and restaurants in the village serve Mauritian dishes, including fish curry, rougaille with sausage, dal puri and biryani. The market and local cuisine complement time spent by the water with a glimpse of everyday village life; no specific opening hours or individual menus are implied.

Historical and landscape highlights in the Black River destination

In the wider Black River destination, Trou Chenille offers a distinct historical focus. It is considered the cradle of settlement in southwest Mauritius after the abolition of slavery in 1835, and the first village of Le Morne where descendants of enslaved people lived. A project to recreate the village aims to raise awareness among visitors from Mauritius and abroad of the historical and cultural significance of the former village and to inform them about it.

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth is also in the wider Black River destination. This natural formation consists of volcanic sand. From the main entrance, a three-kilometre path leads to the dunes and past viewpoints; two viewpoints offer views of Chamarel Waterfall. At the Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, you can observe Aldabra giant tortoises. Animal presentations may change; check the current conditions before visiting.

Find the right holiday rental in La Gaulette

Your preferred focus is a helpful guide when choosing a holiday rental: La Gaulette combines the lagoon, water sports and village cuisine. The wider Black River destination adds the history of Trou Chenille and the landscape of Chamarel to what the village has to offer. This can help you decide whether your stay is mainly about La Gaulette’s connection to the water and village life, or whether you would also like to explore the destination’s broader cultural, historical and landscape highlights.

Discover more destinations: Flic En Flac, Black River, La Preneuse, Albion, Chamarel, Le Morne, Tamarin, Petite Riviere.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Black River.