About
Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France in the Indian Ocean, lying between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. It is made up of a main island and several smaller islets, all enclosed by a coral reef lagoon.
What makes it distinctive
Mayotte became France's 101st department in 2011, following a referendum. It is the newest French department and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, which gives it a position quite unlike the mainland or the Caribbean departments most travellers associate with France.
What a visit offers
- A setting of island scenery framed by the lagoon and its coral reef, which is central to the landscape here.
- A chance to see how French administration and daily life sit within an Indian Ocean island setting, between two different regional influences.
- A base for exploring the surrounding islets and waters, where the reef and lagoon are the natural draw.
Because Mayotte is a relatively small territory, a visit suits travellers who enjoy a quieter, more focused trip rather than a large city break. Those interested in marine landscapes, island life and the meeting of cultures across the western Indian Ocean will find it especially rewarding.
Before planning, check current travel and entry requirements for France's overseas territories, as these can differ from those for mainland France.
