Souillac is a typical Mauritian village. It is the administrative center of the Savanne district. It is here that you can find the famous Roche qui Pleure at the Gris-Gris site.
This part of the coast is not surrounded by coral reefs, and the waves crash directly against the cliffs, offering a unique panorama of the Indian Ocean, very different from Mauritius’ lagoons.
Souillac plays an important role in the development of the southern coast. The village has numerous healthcare and administrative services, as well as essential shops for the daily life of its residents.
Let’s explore Souillac with a little history
Let’s go back to 1787, when Mauritius was called Isle de France. At that time, the island was an important stopover for French ships on the route to India. The French also wanted to establish a strategic base to defend the southwest of the island. It was then that the governor, Viscount François de Souillac, decided to create a port in this region.
Since 1987, a twinning agreement has existed between the village and the French town of Souillac, in the Lot department. It was initiated by Armand Maudave, former ambassador of Mauritius to the United Nations, Alain Chastagnol, then mayor of Souillac (France), and the Count of Montferrand, a descendant of Viscount de Souillac. Residents from both villages regularly meet in France or Mauritius to share and celebrate various events.
Inaugurated in 2007 at Le Batelage, the name given to the old port, the bust of Viscount de Souillac commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the twinning.
The village post office is renowned as one of the oldest on the island, as is Saint-Jacques church, built in 1845.
Exceptional natural sites
On the steep cliffs of Gris-Gris, thousands of visitors come each year to admire La Roche qui Pleure. Famous for the relentless crashing of the waves, which seem to pour tears down its face, it is one of the most visited sites in Mauritius.
Further north, you will find Rochester Falls, a 10-meter-high waterfall that flows into the Savanne River. Its basalt volcanic rocks attract many swimmers and walkers. The site also leads to Exile Falls and the Combo Natural Forest, where the wildlife and flora are both wild and magnificent.
Another place to discover in Souillac is the charming Jardin Telfair. Locals love this seaside spot and often gather there for picnics. The garden is named after Charles Telfair, an Irish naturalist who developed the Bel Ombre sugar estate. Lush vegetation fills this beautiful garden, enhanced by large banyan trees and almond trees, offering splendid views of the Indian Ocean.
Souillac Real Estate
Souillac has evolved from a small fishing village into a small town with a dynamic economy.
Indeed, Souillac has greatly benefited from the development of agriculture, including its many sugarcane plantations. Well served by transportation, its population today exceeds 5,000 inhabitants. It is a pleasant place that combines peace, friendliness, and convenience.
Click here to discover all our buying and renting opportunities in Souillac and the surrounding area.
The south of Mauritius has many surprises in store for those who take the time to discover it! It is in this exceptional environment that Côté Sud Immobilier accompanies you in your search for land and property, or for the sale of your real estate. Get in touch with us today!
