Flacq

Flacq is a district on the eastern coast of Mauritius, the second-largest district on the island. It stretches from the central plateau down to the Indian Ocean, encompassing long white-sand beaches, sugarcane fields, and the main village of Centre de Flacq. The east coast is known for its luxury resorts, the famous Île aux Cerfs island, and some of the island's best swimming beaches at Belle Mare and Trou d'Eau Douce. The windward coast is wetter and more exposed than the west, with consistent trade winds.

May to November offers the best weather, with lower rainfall. The east coast is windier than the west year-round, making it popular for windsurfing and sailing. December to April is the wet season, with a higher chance of cyclones.

The A1 motorway crosses the district north–south. Buses connect Centre de Flacq with Port Louis, Curepipe, and Mahébourg. Taxis are available. A boat service from Trou d'Eau Douce runs to Île aux Cerfs.

• Centre de Flacq — the district's main commercial hub, home to Mauritius's largest open-air market.
• Trou d'Eau Douce — a fishing village turned tourist gateway to Île aux Cerfs, with boat tours and seaside restaurants.
• Poste de Flacq — a coastal village with a post office and access to the eastern beaches.
• Belle Mare — a stunning white-sand beach lined with luxury resorts, ideal for swimming.
• Quatre Cocos — a residential area near Belle Mare.
• Bel Air Riviere Seche — an inland village surrounded by sugarcane.
• Bon Accueil — a small agricultural village.
• Lalmatie — an inland settlement near the motorway.
• Grande Riviere Sud Est — a village at the mouth of the Grande Rivière Sud-Est.
• Camp de Masque — an inland village.
• Sebastopol — a rural village near the border with Grand Port.
• Saint Julien — an inland village named after the nearby sugar estate.

Seafood dominates the east coast — grilled fish, octopus salad, and rougail are staples. Centre de Flacq's market has excellent street food, including dholl puri, samosas, and alouda. The beachfront restaurants at Trou d'Eau Douce serve Creole and Indian dishes.

The Flacq market (Wednesday and Sunday) is a cultural institution, drawing people from across the island. The Hindu festival of Maha Shivaratri sees many pilgrims passing through the district.

• Boat trip to Île aux Cerfs — swim, snorkel, and parasail at this pristine island paradise.
• Walk Belle Mare beach — seven kilometres of powdery white sand fringed with casuarina trees.
• Shop at Flacq market — one of the largest and most colourful markets in Mauritius.
• Windsurf at Belle Mare — the easterly trade winds create ideal conditions.