Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Grand Gaube
Grand Gaube, about 6km east of Cap Malheureux, is where the development of northern
Mauritius currently ends, although expect that to change. Until it does, it remains a tiny
fishing village with a good beach. Beyond the small rocky bays of Grande Gaube there
are almost no beaches until a long way down the east coast, making any trip beyond here
an illuminating glimpse into traditional Mauritian life without the tourists. In 1744 the
St
Géran
foundered off Grand Gaube in a storm, inspiring the famous love story
Paul et Vir-
ginie
by Bernardin de St-Pierre.
It's possible to explore Île Ambre offshore on a sea kayaking trip with
Yemaya
(
www.yemayaadventures.com
;
half-/full-day from Rs 1500/2000)
.
PAUL & VIRGINIE
Mauritius' most popular folk tale tells the story of two lovers, Paul and Virginie, who encounter tragedy when the
ship that is carrying Virginie founders on the reef. Although Paul swims out to the wreck to save her, Virginie
modestly refuses to remove her clothes to swim ashore, and drowns; Paul dies of a broken heart shortly after.
The story was written by Bernardin de St-Pierre in the 18th century, but was inspired by a real-life tragedy that
took place some years earlier. In 1744, the ship
St Géran
was wrecked during a storm off Île Ambre, to the south-
east of Grand Gaube, with almost 200 lives lost. Among them were two female passengers who refused to un-
dress to swim ashore and were dragged down by the weight of their clothes. The true story is more a tragedy of
social mores than one of romance!
The
St Géran
was carrying a hoard of Spanish money and machinery from France for the island's first sugar re-
finery. A French dive expedition explored the wreck in 1966 and many of their finds are on display in Mahé-
bourg's National History Museum (
Click here
) and the Blue Penny Museum (
Click here
)
in Port Louis.
You'll run into Paul and Virginie everywhere in Mauritius. The statue by Prosper d'Épinay is perhaps the most
famous memorial. The original is in the Blue Penny Museum and there's a copy near the town hall in Curepipe.
Sleeping & Eating
Verandah Paul & Virginie
OFFLINE MAP
( 266 9700;
www.paul-et-virginie-hotel.com
;
s/d incl breakfast from €115/164; )
The longest-
established hotel in Grande Gaube is a pleasant surprise. It's small enough not to be over-
whelming yet offers all the services and comforts required for luxury: two pools, a couple
of restaurants, a Seven Colours 'wellness' spa, plenty of entertainment and activities, and
HOTEL
€€€
