“Rodrigues is an incredibly safe place,” said Françoise Baptiste, one of Mauritius’ most celebrated chefs, who has called Rodrigues home for 54 years. “Whenever the weather is warm—and it often is—we sleep with our doors wide open.”
That deep sense of safety and tranquility stems from the island’s tight-knit community. With a population of fewer than 45,000, Rodrigues offers a stark contrast to the diverse mix of cultures on Mauritius’ main island. Around 90% of Rodrigues’ residents are Creole, descendants of African slaves and European settlers. “We inherited sega dancing from Africa, afternoon tea and bacon from the English, and pastries from the French,” Françoise explained.
“Rodrigues is like one big village,” added her husband, Laval Baptiste, a local businessman. “Everyone knows everyone.” Though the couple frequently travels to Mauritius for work or errands, they’re always eager to return. “After just a few days of rushing around, we’re so happy to come back,” Laval said, smiling.
Even the capital, Port Mathurin, seems to move at its own slow rhythm—a brief burst of activity during a five-minute rush hour, a bit of bustle when a ship docks, and a Saturday market that wraps up well before 10 a.m.
Across the island, life moves gently.
From Port Mathurin, the road traces the northern coastline without urgency, passing through tiny hamlets like Anse aux Anglais, where calm waters and breathtaking sunsets feel like the Earth’s contented sigh at the close of a perfect day.
