A typical fishermen village

Grand-Gaube is a typical fishing village. Historically, this is where local fishing boats, known as pirogues, were built. You see these boats in all their glory during regattas organized by the village.

From the hotel you can walk along the beach and past the small rocky inlets that characterize the area. Strolling along the narrow streets of the village you will hear Kreol being spoken – a language rich in imagery and musicality. After a long hot day, and as the cool of the evening descends,
the villagers emerge, often gathering on the beach in front of the church. Children chase a football, zigzagging between parked cars and bicycles.

The Chinese shop is where people come to buy their toothpaste or the local newspaper or down a cold fizzy drink. Grand-Gaube is where you see creole culture at its most authentic, alive with the simple pleasures of life.

Just in front of the hotel you will find a bus stop where you catch a bus leaving for neighbouring villages. Goodlands is the first stop. Keep going further and you will come to Mapou where you can visit the Château de Labourdonnais – a stunning, beautifully restored vestige of the island’s colonial past. In its garden you can taste the rum being distilled on the grounds or wander through its mango orchards.