From tourists to locals to family to group of friends and to people of all ages, often go at the beach of La Preneuse to enjoy the sunset.  The folklore of this place is made up of a jovial crowd and a historical setting.    

Like every Sunday afternoon, La Preneuse is noisy.  Nestled along the south west coast of the island, in the area of Tamarin, this beach attracts people.    

Youngsters, equipped with plastic cans, used as tom-tom and "ravanes" - traditional drums - have invaded the chalet, set back from the shore.  The musicians, tirelessly play the typical Mauritian music; the "séga" one after another.  Their songs brighten up the ever festive atmosphere that reigns along the beach.             

Just above them, the two canons pointed at the sea, have witnessed the military past of the premise.   These two weapons once, prevented the "enemies" ships to approach along the coasts.  In fact, the real defense and shelling point is found behind the shore. 
It's a circular stone turret, known as the Marthello Tower. 

With a height of about twenty meters, one can observe the sea without being noticed by any approaching ships, thanks to an artificial hillock built between the tower and the beach.  Currently, the edifice serves as a museum whereof its histories are depicted in detail.               

Enjoying a barbeque  

But the peaceful life is ever present along the beach of La Preneuse.  Members of a family are comfortably seated in plastic chairs, around a table which they have opened out.  It's picnic time.  Here and there, the barbeques emit a plume of white smokes and an appetizing smell of grilled meat. 

Others prefer to settle closer to the waves.  The latter are never high as they are being slowed down in the open sea thanks to a coral reef.  However, the sea current is rough over there.  Like a sign, placed in the middle of the beach, indicates that swimming is dangerous.  However, this does not dissuade the reckless. 

Kids and adults alike, continue to splash in the sea without going away from the shore.  They seem to be closely watched by the all these people sitting whilst facing the ocean.  In fact, this beautiful world, turning towards the open sea, is impatiently waiting for the sunset.  The roving photographers have already set their tripods and winded on their cameras to capture this magic moment in their box.                             

Because at dusk, what midday sun has to offer is nothing less than spectacular.  Everything goes rather rapidly.  The solar disc is now a golden colour that is bearable to the eyes.  It goes through a filmy veil of cloud whilst disappearing into the horizon.  Then, half of the sun turns red before going down into the stretch of water.  

Click!  The perfect snap that one'll find on postcards.  It is not unusual to spot a fishing skiff criss-crossing the horizon and embeds its outline within this nostalgic sunset.  A dream picture.

Whilst the natural light is growing dimmer, the street lamps light up the premise.  But, gradually the beach was deserted by its joyous occupants.  The sound of the "ravanes" fades away in the air.  Hence, La Preneuse plunges into a serenity lulled by the clinking sound of the waves breaking against the shore.      

Text and photos : William Rasoanaivo
January 2008