Flic en Flac, the epicenter of Mauritian tourism on the west coast, benefits
from a long, broad coral lagoon, and a wide beach lined with pines (and ice
cream/sandwich wagons!). But the town lacked the shady canopy I'd appreciated
in Mahebourg and Blue Bay, and seemed well on its way to becoming the next
Miami Beach.
Far better, and just a couple of kilometers south along the coast, was La
Preneuse. Named for a French warship, the sandy beach was decorated with a
couple of remaining cannons, and a thick, stone tower sat just behind the
fringe of trees -- both relics of a naval era of centuries past.
La Preneuse had the advantage of sweeping views along Mauritius' southwest
coastline all the way down to Le Morne Brabant, a mountainous horizon at the
far end of turquoise splendor, and it was hard not to get swept out to sea
while admiring the view.
Our requirements in travel destinations change when we travel with little
children. Ten years ago the club scene at Flic and Flac would have been a
thrill, but in the company of a two year old, what we most wanted was a place
where Valentina could rest from the sun, where the waves weren't too strong or
the currents too dangerous, and where we could beat a hasty retreat back to our
room for naps if necessary.
La Preneuse was all that and a fantastic view as well.
