Rugged Pointe d'Esny beach and its vast lagoon (beware of urchins!) extends from the road along the water at the southern end of Mahébourg. Lined by a series of more or less luxurious encampments, it was long the favoured beach of the Franco-Mauritian aristocracy, before being supplanted by Grand Baie and the northern beaches. Many of these villas are rented out by their Mauritian owners. On the other side of the road is a row of smaller, more modest villas and bungalows for rent.