With its sandy beaches and picturesque landscapes, Mayotte is one of the most favored destinations of foreign tourists. It is also one of the most important ports of call for cruises coming to the French Riviera. Mayotte tourism is growing rapidly due to the development of many resorts and the growing number of cruise lines visiting the area. Its history however is very interesting, to say the least. It was ceded by France to the Caribbean Company in 18 43.
When French troops left Mayotte for the campaign against the Barbary Pirates in Algeria, they chose to rebuild it using French techniques. They even re-built part of the old town. When the city of Nice was granted independence from France in the 1870s, Mayotte was allowed to retain its autonomy. At that time, Mayotte began to develop its tourism and trade based on the rules laid down by the ‘commerce and commerce’ convention.
Mayotte enjoys a well-developed road network, railway system, ports and airports and several international airports around the region. International air transport services from France are available all over the world, using both the main international airport located in Nice and the smaller regional airports of Dieppe, Le Havre and Essaoura. Travellers can take benefit of cheap flights to various destinations in the Caribbean and other French islands, as well as non-stop European cruises to many countries in central Europe and the Mediterranean. There is a regular flow of trucks ferrying goods between the main centres of Mayotte, but the local transport system provides comfortable access to almost all points of interest in the city.
The capital of Mayotte is Valence-sur Ouche, which is the seat of the Metropolis of Mayotte departmental council. The main international airport of Mayotte is located in Plance sur-Mer, while the seaport of Plage d’Agen is quite accessible by sea. Travellers can reach Nice by rail and road from this point. By rail, visitors can travel to Rouen and Cannes, but can also travel to other parts of France. Alternatively, visitors can use the island’s water transport system, which includes the ferry service and the catamarans that can dock at the island’s marina.
Visitors can get to Mayotte by air via Nice, Rouen and Cannes. Air travel to the main island of Mayotte is also possible, although there are few direct flights from the major airlines servicing the UK. Travellers may reach the island by road via Plage d’Agen and Plage du Midi, which offer an alternative means of reaching the capital of Mayotte. Alternatively, boat or car rental services are available from several companies based in Cannes, Nice, Rouen and other parts of France. Boat services tend to be more expensive than car hire, but the proximity to the capital gives tourists more choice.
Unlike many other foreign cities in France, not many non-French residents (apart from Indians) speak English or any other language in Mayotte. This may be a drawback for those planning an extended holiday to the French island. However, most shops and services are able to speak French, and many of French people who live on the fringed islands speak English. Tourists who wish to stay away from the mainstream tourist areas can opt for a hidden beaches, a Muslim community or even a chalets in the French island.
When visiting Mayotte in the rainy season, it is advisable to visit during the months of June and July. Although the weather is good, it is better to avoid the rainy season to cut down on expenses. The other advantage of visiting the island in the rainy season is that it will give one a chance to experience the authentic atmosphere of Mayotte. The people celebrate the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan with a special party, which includes music, dancing and eating food rich in halal.
Tourists visiting Mayotte in the summer should avoid the weekdays of September to October, as the island is closed for a few days of prayer and cultural events. There are many places to eat in Mayotte, and there are many cultural shows and performances which tourists are advised to avoid on weekdays. It is best to take a day trip to the town of Dzaoudzi, where there is a beautiful natural park, and a museum that tells the history of Mayotte and its surrounding area.
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