Praslin & La Digue

Anse Grosse Roche

Anse Grosse Roche is a roadside beach on La Digue's north-east coast, named after the large rock behind it, with shallow water, a snack bar and views of the Sisters, Félicité, Ile Coco and Marianne. It appeared in the film Crusoe (1988), starring Aidan Quinn.

Last verified 16 September 2026

What it is

Anse Grosse Roche sits on the north-east coast of La Digue, between Anse Gaulettes and Anse Banane, with the large rock that gives it its name, the Grosse Roche, rising in the background. The Tourism Board notes that the scenery was used as a backdrop for films, including Crusoe starring Aidan Quinn (the Tourism Board dates it 1989 and SeyVillas 1987; Wikipedia gives a 1988 UK release and a 1989 US release).

Getting there

The coast road passes close by, so the beach can be reached by bike or car, per the Tourism Board. It fits into a ride around the north of the island, heading east from La Passe past Anse Sévère, Anse Patates and Anse Gaulettes.

The water and the view

The Tourism Board describes shallow water. SeyVillas says the sea is generally calm but can turn violent in the south-east trade winds, and neighbouring Anse Gaulettes has strong currents at high tide, so check the sea before going in and stay close to shore. Offshore, the Tourism Board lists views of the Sisters, Félicité, Ile Coco and Marianne.

Practicalities

There is a snack bar, according to the Tourism Board; SeyVillas places it at the entrance to the beach, with benches and shade. That makes Anse Grosse Roche a convenient place to break a cycle along the north coast. If you arrive on foot, SeyVillas notes that local people grow crops between the road and the beach, so take care not to trample them.

Best for

  • views of the Sisters, Félicité and Ile Coco
  • a snack stop on a cycle round the north
  • film-location photography

Getting there

Close to the coast road on the north-east of the island, reachable by bike or car (Tourism Board), or on foot from nearby accommodation such as Patatran, about 1 km away (SeyVillas). Neither the Tourism Board nor SeyVillas lists an entry fee.

Facilities

Snack bar at the entrance to the beach, with benches and shade, selling drinks and snacks (Tourism Board; SeyVillas, undated). Natural shade.

Swimming

Shallow water (Tourism Board). SeyVillas describes the sea as generally calm, but says the tide can turn violent during the south-east trade winds, bringing larger waves and seaweed. SeyVillas also warns of strong high-tide currents at neighbouring Anse Gaulettes.

Snorkelling

SeyVillas says the sea is shallow enough for a look underwater, and notes that the coral seabed calls for care.

Map of Anse Grosse Roche

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Beach

Anse Grosse Roche

Map of Anse Grosse Roche with nearby beaches and places to stayCoastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Positions are approximate.
The 68 places on this map

Places to stay near Anse Grosse Roche

  • Anse Grosse Roche Beach Villa

    Self-catering in Anse Grosse Roche, La Digue

    Four self-catering villas on La Digue's quiet north-east coast, facing Anse Grosse Roche beach across a road used mostly by bicycles. Three suit couples and a two-bedroom bungalow takes families.

    • Beachfront
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

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  • Villa Verte

    Villa in Anse Gaulettes, La Digue

    Villa Verte is a three-bedroom self-catering house opposite the beach at Anse Gaulettes, on La Digue's north-east coast, sleeping six to eight. The beach in front is not safe for swimming.

    • Self-catering

  • Lakaz An Bwa

    Villa in Anse Gaulettes, La Digue

    Lakaz An Bwa is a wooden Creole villa for up to eight (four adults and four children) at Anse Gaulettes, on La Digue's north-east coast. The beach in front is not safe for swimming.

    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Secret Garden Villa

    Guesthouse in Anse Gaulettes, La Digue

    A five-room guesthouse built from local wood on a forested hill above Anse Gaulettes, on La Digue's east coast. Rooms are open to the air with no glass windows or air conditioning, and stays include breakfast, dinner with wine and a jetty transfer.

  • Villa des Flots

    Villa in Anse Gaulettes, La Digue

    Villa des Flots is a six-room villa at Anse Gaulettes, on La Digue's north-east coast, where each double room has a sea-view balcony and breakfast is taken at the nearby Patatran hotel.

    • Families

  • Le Relax Luxury Lodge

    Hotel in Anse Gaulettes, La Digue

    Le Relax Luxury Lodge is a six-chalet hotel in a beachside setting at Anse Gaulette on La Digue. It has a pool, a restaurant serving Creole, international and Indian dishes, a bar and in-villa dining.

    • Beachfront
    • Pool
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Bernique Guesthouse

    Guesthouse in La Passe, La Digue

    Bernique Guesthouse is a family-run guesthouse of five rooms in La Passe on La Digue, between the forest and the sea, with homemade breakfast and two supermarkets within 50 metres.

    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Kaz Ladouceur

    Guesthouse in La Digue

    A five-unit bed and breakfast on a hillside on La Digue with sea views, a garden and a terrace. Units have air conditioning and a kitchen, according to the tourism board listing.

    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Villa Hortensia

    Guesthouse in La Passe, La Digue

    A five-room guesthouse on the hillside above La Passe, with two shared kitchens and a choice of self-catering, bed and breakfast or half board. Rooms have air conditioning, a terrace and an en-suite shower.

    • Couples
    • Self-catering

Where to stay on La Digue

Questions

Which islands can you see from Anse Grosse Roche?
The Tourism Board lists the Sisters, Félicité, Ile Coco and Marianne.
Can I get to Île Cocos from La Digue?
Yes, by boat. The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority describes Ile Cocos Marine Park as a 10-minute boat ride from La Digue, with visits organised through tour operators and boat charters from La Digue or Praslin. Non-residents over 12 pay Rs200 entry, usually included when you book through a tour operator. The park takes in Ile Cocos, Ile La Fouche and Ilot Plate, and the Tourism Board notes that Anse Peniche on Félicité falls inside its boundary.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.