The capital of Rodrigues is a relaxed, slightly ramshackle harbour town with a few streets of low colonial-era buildings, a market, and a small waterfront. It's not picturesque in a postcard way, but it's real — people going about their lives, fishers offloading catches, schoolchildren in uniform threading through the lanes.
The waterfront promenade has benches and shade. Walk it in the early morning before the heat builds. The main drag (Rue de la Solidarité) has small shops selling local honey, pickles, and the dried octopus (ourite) that is the island's signature product.