Mahe - Anse Royale

Anse Royal, in the bay of that name, is Mahe's oldest settlement. It was founded by Gillot in 1771/72 on the instructions of Pierre Poivre and is now the island's second largest centre. Gillot's brief was to establish the plantation, where Poivre successfully introduced the first cinnamon trees and other spice plants. Worth seeing here are two churches, one built in 1889, the other in 1930. The long beach at Anse Royal bay is a favourite with the inhabitants of Mahe. Snorkellers in particular will find the lagoon to their liking, sheltered as it is by the fringing reef. A number of restaurants and guest houses are located along this particular stretch of coast.