At the northern tip of Mauritius, Cap Malheureux has kept all the charm of an unspoilt fishing village. Its famous Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice chapel, topped with a bright red roof, faces the northern islets and makes one of the most photographed views in the country.
This village, 8 km from our resort Mythic Suites & Villas, appeals to travellers, families and future residents alike. MJ Développement Maurice tells you everything you need to know before your visit to Cap Malheureux.
This topic at a glance
| Key point | In short |
|---|---|
| Location | Northern tip of Mauritius, Rivière du Rempart district (10 minutes from Mythic Suites & Villas) |
| Chapel | Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice, famous for its red roof |
| View | Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Îlot Gabriel |
| Atmosphere | An authentic fishing village, very quiet |
| Access | About 1 hr 15 from SSR airport in the south |
The village of Cap Malheureux and its chapel
Cap Malheureux stretches along the northern end of Mauritius, in the Rivière du Rempart district. Local tradition traces its name either to a shipwreck or to the defeat of French troops by the British in 1810.
Today it is home to a few hundred residents, many of whom still make their living from small-scale fishing.
Its best-known postcard view remains the Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice chapel, with its white walls and vivid red roof. Built in 1938, it looks out over the ocean and the islets that close the bay. It is still an active place of worship, often chosen for weddings, and an unmissable landmark for anyone exploring the north.
Good to know: the chapel at Cap Malheureux is open to visitors, but early morning or late afternoon is best if you want to avoid the tour groups. The low evening light brings out the red roof against the turquoise lagoon, and you can stay on for sunset facing Coin de Mire, a few steps away. Please keep quiet during services.
What to do in Cap Malheureux
The village suits a short stop as much as a longer stay, combined with the highlights of the north.
Here is what not to miss, in the village and nearby.
By the sea, in Cap Malheureux
The coast is best explored on foot or by bike, between the rocky beach and the fishermen’s jetties:
- Admire the red chapel and settle in facing the ocean for the photo everyone comes for.
- Set off by catamaran to the northern islets (Coin de Mire, Flat Island, Îlot Gabriel).
- Hire a kayak to follow the coastline and approach the reefs gently.
- Try grilled fish straight off the boat at the village’s local eateries.
Places to visit around Cap Malheureux
The north is full of gems within a 30-minute drive:
- Head to Grand Baie and its buzz for shopping, bars and boat trips.
- Discover Pereybère beach and its lagoon, ideal for family snorkelling. It is one of the finest beaches in northern Mauritius.
- Visit Château de Labourdonnais and its orchards, in Mapou.
- Take it further with our pick of things to do in other regions of Mauritius.
Our team’s tip: for a memorable lunch in Cap Malheureux, stop at Lakaz Sandrine. This local spot, open at lunchtime, serves grilled seafood and fish straight off the boat, prepared simply the Mauritian way, with your feet in the sand. The atmosphere is warm and the portions generous. Creole cooking at its best!
Living and staying in Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux draws travellers and residents looking for peace and quiet each year, without giving up the amenities of nearby Grand Baie.
Many expatriates value this village atmosphere, where life runs more gently than in the neighbouring seaside resorts.
Looking to stay near Cap Malheureux? Our resort Mythic Suites & Villas is in Grand Gaube, less than 10 minutes from the village, with suites, villas and penthouses facing the lagoon.
Settling in the north with MJ Développement
Thinking of making the north your new home? MJ Développement designs and markets several developments that qualify for Mauritian residence for foreign buyers.
As our team at MJ Développement puts it, “the north of the island, around Cap Malheureux and Grand Gaube, appeals to families who want the sea on their doorstep without the crowds of the big resorts: it is one of the most sought-after areas to settle for the long term”.
Ready to settle in Mauritius and make Cap Malheureux your horizon? The MJ Développement team opens the doors of its developments in the north, helps you plan your holiday in Mauritius and settle in the best possible conditions.
Get in touch to build your project with us.
FAQ – Cap Malheureux
Where is Cap Malheureux in Mauritius?
Cap Malheureux sits at the northern tip of Mauritius, in the Rivière du Rempart district. This fishing village looks out on Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Îlot Gabriel. It is around 10 minutes from Grand Baie and 1 hr 15 from the international airport.
Why visit the red chapel at Cap Malheureux?
The red chapel at Cap Malheureux, Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice, is famous for its vivid roof and its setting facing the northern islets. It is still an active place of worship, often chosen for weddings. It offers a postcard view of northern Mauritius that visitors photograph endlessly.
When is the best time to visit Cap Malheureux?
The best period runs from May to December, outside the wet season. You get a dry climate, calm seas and superb sunsets over the lagoon. That said, the village is pleasant all year round, with mild temperatures and an unspoilt feel.
Can you swim at Cap Malheureux?
Yes, you can swim at Cap Malheureux, although the beach is more modest than those at Pereybère or Trou aux Biches. The shoreline alternates between small stretches of white sand and volcanic rock. Many visitors prefer to swim in the neighbouring lagoons, a few minutes away by car.
How do you reach the northern islets from Cap Malheureux?
From Cap Malheureux, several operators run catamaran or motorboat trips to Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Îlot Gabriel. Allow a full day, with swimming, snorkelling and lunch on board. Booking ahead is advisable in high season.
Where can you stay near Cap Malheureux?
Near Cap Malheureux you can choose between local guesthouses, boutique hotels and upmarket resorts in the north. Our resort Mythic Suites & Villas, in Grand Gaube, offers suites, villas and penthouses facing the lagoon, less than 10 minutes from the village, in a discreet and much sought-after setting.
Is Cap Malheureux suitable for a family holiday?
Yes, Cap Malheureux works very well for a family holiday thanks to its quiet atmosphere and its closeness to Grand Baie. You can alternate between doing nothing, boat trips and cultural visits around the village. Children enjoy discovering the fishing boats and the excursions to the nearby islets.
Sources
- Routard, Cap Malheureux and the north: routard.com
- La Gazette Mag, Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice at Cap Malheureux: lagazette-mag.io
