Souillac brings together two distinct themes in its local history and landscape: Robert Edward Hart and the coast. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether your trip will focus more on cultural history, scenery, or a combination of both.
Robert Edward Hart Memorial Museum
The Robert Edward Hart Memorial Museum is housed in a renovated coral-stone bungalow called La Nef, by the sea. The interior of Robert Edward Hart’s home has been reconstructed and preserved in the museum. It offers a glimpse of the era and lifestyle of the Mauritian poet.
After a complete renovation, the museum reopened on 17 August 2003—Robert Edward Hart’s birthday. If you plan to visit the museum, check current visitor information in advance.
Coastal Path and Tropical Garden
Another focus is the sea. In Souillac, a coastal path runs through a garden of tropical vegetation to a wild sandy beach. The route takes you through both garden and coastal scenery, while the museum offers a biographical perspective on Hart.
Souillac thus offers two distinct options to shape your travel interests: the poet’s history and preserved interiors, or a route through tropical vegetation to the beach. The coastal path is itself part of the landscape experience.
Gris Gris and La Roche Qui Pleure
Gris Gris beach is near Souillac. You can take a walk there, look at the cliffs, and listen to the ocean. Swimming and snorkelling are not possible because of strong currents and large waves; conditions may vary.
From Gris Gris, you can reach La Roche Qui Pleure. There, you can watch waves break against the rocks. The coast here is therefore not just a beach landscape, but also a place to observe waves meeting rocks.
Local History: Post Office, Cemetery and Harbour
Souillac’s village post office is considered one of the oldest in Mauritius. Souillac’s marine cemetery was established at the end of the 18th century on a dune near the mouth of the Savanne River. Many notable people are buried there, including Robert Edward Hart, who died in 1954.
The marine cemetery thus connects local history with Hart’s life story: the museum focuses on the reconstructed and preserved interior of his home; here is his grave. Le Batelage was Souillac’s former harbour and adds the town’s former harbour function to these historical connections.
More to Explore in Savanne
Savanne has distinct attractions related to tea and Ganga Talao. At Domaine de Bois Chéri, visitors can learn about the history of tea and the production stages, from picking to processing in the factory; the estate also has a dedicated museum. Check before your trip whether this offering is currently available.
At the entrance to the crater lake Ganga Talao stands a 33-metre-high statue of Shiva. Visitors can walk along the shore; people from Mauritius and abroad make pilgrimages to the lake on foot. Major attractions in Savanne District include Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), La Vanille Crocodile Park, Kanaka Crater and Bassin Blanc.
Discover more destinations: Bois Cheri, Chemin Grenier, Bel Ombre, Riambel, Surinam
Return to the regional travel overview: Savanne.
