Dzaoudzi, commune in Mayotte, France
Dzaoudzi is a small commune on the island of Petite-Terre in Mayotte and consists of two neighborhoods called Dzaoudzi and Labattoir. The town has narrow streets, simple coral stone houses, and sits on a narrow strip of land between two lagoons.
The town was once the main administrative center of Mayotte during French colonial rule but lost this status in the late 1970s. This shift reflects the changing importance of the island in French overseas history.
The name Dzaoudzi comes from the local Shimaore language and means "big market". The town shows a blend of African and French influences visible in everyday clothing, marketplace conversations, and how people spend time along the water.
Most visitors arrive by boat and explore the town on foot from the pier. Small converted pickup trucks with benches serve as bush taxis and offer an easy way to explore the island, though public transport is limited.
The town is surrounded by coral reefs known for diving and clear water full of marine life. Sea turtles regularly rest on the southern beaches and whales appear nearby during August and September.
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