Places to Visit in Mauritius
Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
The iconic Red Roof Church of Cap Malheureux — a peaceful seaside landmark where history, faith and one of northern Mauritius' most beautiful coastal views come together.
Location
Cap Malheureux, North Mauritius
Recommended Time
20–45 Minutes
Best For
Sightseeing, culture & photography
Known For
Red roof & ocean views
Landmark
Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
Nearby
Grand Baie & Pereybere
Overview
Discover Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
Standing beside the turquoise waters of Cap Malheureux, Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Mauritius.
The small Roman Catholic chapel is instantly recognisable by its vivid red roof, white exterior and spectacular coastal setting overlooking the northern islands.
The present chapel dates from the 20th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Although it attracts travellers and photographers from around the world, Notre Dame Auxiliatrice remains an active place of worship and should always be visited respectfully.
Beyond the famous postcard view, Cap Malheureux itself adds to the experience. Fishing boats, rocky shoreline, calm water and views toward Coin de Mire create one of the most distinctive coastal scenes in northern Mauritius.
It is a short stop, but one that many visitors remember long after leaving the island.
An Icon of Mauritius
Red roof • Blue lagoon • Island views
Why Visit
Why Visit Cap Malheureux Church?
Iconic Red Roof
See one of Mauritius' most photographed landmarks, instantly recognisable by its vivid red roof and white exterior.
Northern Island Views
Enjoy beautiful coastal views toward Coin de Mire and the islands lying off the northern coast.
Culture & Faith
Step inside a functioning Roman Catholic chapel and discover another part of Mauritius' multicultural heritage.
Photography
Capture one of the island's classic compositions: red roof, turquoise water, fishing boats and tropical sky.
One of Mauritius' Most Photographed Landmarks
The Red Roof by the Sea
The beauty of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice comes from its simplicity and extraordinary setting. Its vivid red roof creates a striking contrast against the turquoise Indian Ocean, while fishing boats and the dramatic silhouette of Coin de Mire complete one of northern Mauritius' most recognisable views. For photographers, couples and travellers exploring the north, this small coastal chapel has become one of the island's signature sights.
Continue Exploring
From Grand Baie to Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux is located along the northern coast beyond Grand Baie and makes an excellent addition to a day exploring northern Mauritius.
Grand Baie
Combine the lively atmosphere of Grand Baie's lagoon, restaurants and shopping with the quieter scenery of Cap Malheureux.
Learn More
Cap Malheureux
Home to Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, the iconic Red Roof Church, along with peaceful coastal scenery and views toward Coin de Mire.
Perfect for Photography
Capture One of Mauritius' Classic Views
Always respect worshippers, ceremonies and any photography restrictions displayed at the church.
Church & Lagoon
Photograph the vivid red roof against the turquoise water.
Coin de Mire
Use the offshore island as a dramatic natural backdrop.
Fishing Boats
Include traditional coastal life in the composition.
Church Interior
Capture architectural details only where photography is permitted and without disturbing worshippers.
Coastal Sunset
Enjoy the changing light across northern Mauritius later in the day.
History
Why Is It Called Cap Malheureux?
Origin of the Name
“Cape of Misfortune”
The name Cap Malheureux is commonly translated as “Cape of Misfortune.” The northern coastline has long been associated with difficult navigation and shipwrecks, which are often linked to the origin of the name — though historical accounts differ on the precise event behind it.
1810
A Turning Point in Mauritius' History
British forces landed in the north of Mauritius in 1810 during the campaign that ultimately resulted in British control of the island.
Today
A Peaceful Coastal Village
Today, the name contrasts dramatically with the peaceful coastal village and iconic church travellers encounter at Cap Malheureux.
Inside the Chapel
Step Inside Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
While the exterior is famous around the world, visitors should also take a moment to quietly appreciate the simple interior of the chapel.
Peaceful Interior
A simple and intimate place of worship beside the sea.
Giant Clam Shell
Look for the unusual holy-water basin crafted from a giant clam shell.
Active Place of Worship
The chapel continues to welcome worshippers, so visitors should enter quietly and respectfully.
Beyond the Church
Faith, Romance & the Sea
Where Faith Meets the Indian Ocean
Few churches in Mauritius have a setting quite like Notre Dame Auxiliatrice. Immediately behind the chapel, visitors encounter the northern coastline, fishing boats and views across the ocean — a combination of architecture, faith and landscape very different from a conventional city church.
A Romantic Mauritius Landmark
The church and surrounding coastline are particularly popular for wedding and couple photography because of the contrast between the red roof, turquoise water and tropical landscape. Notre Dame Auxiliatrice remains an active religious site, so photography should always respect services, ceremonies, worshippers and any local restrictions.
Visiting Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
Notre Dame Auxiliatrice is an active place of worship rather than a commercial attraction, so there is no general entrance fee to view the church.
Access and service times may change, so visitors should respect any instructions displayed at the church and allow ceremonies to take priority over sightseeing.
Recommended Visit: 20–45 Minutes · Experience Style: Culture • Sightseeing • Photography · Location: Cap Malheureux · Best Combined With: Grand Baie • Pereybere • North Tour
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- Dress respectfully when entering the church.
- Keep noise to a minimum inside.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for the coastal area.
- Take a camera for the beautiful outdoor views.
- Respect worshippers and ceremonies.
- Avoid blocking the church entrance for photographs.
- Take care around rocks and uneven coastal surfaces.
- Check weather conditions if planning extensive coastal photography.
- Combine the stop with other northern destinations to make the most of the journey.
- If a service is taking place, enter quietly, keep phones silent and let the ceremony take priority over sightseeing.
Getting There
Visiting Cap Malheureux?
Discover the northern coast without worrying about transport. MauTravel can arrange private transportation and combine Cap Malheureux with Grand Baie, northern beaches and other highlights of North Mauritius.
Continue Exploring
Explore North Mauritius
Continue your journey through the beaches, villages, gardens and cultural landmarks of northern Mauritius.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The famous Red Roof Church at Cap Malheureux is called Notre Dame Auxiliatrice. It is a Roman Catholic chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The church is located in Cap Malheureux on the northern coast of Mauritius, a short journey from Grand Baie.
It is particularly famous for its vivid red roof, white exterior and beautiful position beside the turquoise ocean overlooking the northern islands.
Visitors can generally visit the chapel, but it remains an active place of worship. Religious services and local instructions should always take priority.
There is no general entrance fee to visit Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, as it is a place of worship rather than a commercial attraction. Visitors are welcome to visit respectfully during appropriate times.
Around 20–45 minutes is suitable for the church and immediate coastal views. Visitors exploring more of the village may stay longer.
Yes. Coin de Mire is one of the distinctive northern islands visible offshore from the Cap Malheureux area.
Yes. The red roof, turquoise water, boats and offshore islands create one of Mauritius' most recognisable photographic scenes. Visitors should always respect worshippers and ceremonies.
Yes. The two destinations work very well together as part of a North Mauritius itinerary.
Yes. MauTravel can include Cap Malheureux alongside Grand Baie and other northern destinations in a personalised itinerary.
Ready When You Are
Discover an Icon of North Mauritius
From its unmistakable red roof to the turquoise ocean and views toward the northern islands, experience one of Mauritius' most memorable coastal landmarks.