Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and was named after Louis XV of France by the French East India Company who moved their headquarters there in 1722. Later, the British developed the city into a major port, but the opening of the Suez Canal and the arrival of steamships saw a decline in its importance. Port Louis is still a working harbour and commercial centre, and like most modern cities, can be rather noisy and crowded.
If you had been to Port Louis several years ago, you might not recognise it today. Back then, Port Louis didn’t offer very much for the visitor to do or see. But Port Louis has had a face lift, and these days there’s plenty to keep you busy. The new Caudan Waterfront is considered by many to be the main tourist attraction in Port Louis. With trendy shops, cinemas, restaurants and a casino, it has become the hub of the city. However, there are other places of interest for people who want to explore the city’s jumble of crumbling old edifices and shiny new buildings a little further.
The Central Market is one of Port Louis’ most memorable attractions. The jostling crowds, the strange smells, and the excitement of haggling will remain with you for a long time. Some stalls sell fake designer t–shirts, others offer herbal cures for every imaginable ill. Buy some real vanilla pods (expensive but they last for years), select something from the mounds of tropical fruit, and snack on samoosas and dal pancakes.
The Mauritians have a mania for horse-racing and, from May to November, the Champ de Mars (also called the Hippodrome) is crowded with enthusiastic punters. The race course was once a training ground for French troops and is also where the Mauritians celebrate Independence Day on 12 March. The rest of the time it is used by joggers.
The Chinese quarter has plenty of little restaurants and food stalls on the street corners. It’s probably the most colourful part of the city with its ayurvedic remedy shops and spice sellers. You’ll also find the island’s most beautiful mosque in this area. The Jummah Mosque was built in 1853 and has some fabulous teak doors and decorations, but it is only open to visitors at certain times.
Blue Penny Museum
Blue Penny Museum has a rich collection of historical documents andnworks of arts throughout the decades. You will discover the different civilisations and legends, and the history of Mauritius.
The famous “Blue Penny”stamp is also exposed at the museum.

Commune de Moka

Commune de Moka
Eureka is Situated in the commune of Moka, it is an old Creole residence built in 1830, Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness.
La chaîne de Moka
In the northwest region of the island, the Moka mountain range enclosed at the feet Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. These mountain range wqs formed by very important lava flows some 7 million years ago.
After an accession of aprox. 1 hr from Moka you will summit Le Pouce mountain.(811mts) You will have a 360 degree view and can look down onto the capital.

Grand Bay

Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.
• Pereybere The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
• Balaclava Ruins A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.
• The Triolet Shivala The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
• The Labourdonnais Orchards Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

Poudre d'or

This peaceful small village situated on the North East of the island became famous because of the shipwreck of the Saint Géran off its coasts in the night of the 17 at August 18, 1744.
Nobody knows from which this name comes because there is no trace Gold in the village. Poudre d’Or has nevertheless lots of treasures. Its church protected by a long palm trees’ alley. The monument set up in homage to the victims of the shipwreck recalls to the visitors the drama August 1744. Do not miss the visit of Historic boats model shop.

Le jardin des Pamplemousses

IIf there is one thing that can drag you away from the beach resorts in the north, it’s the Botanic Gardens, known by everyone as Pamplemousses (French for ‘grapefruit’). It is so named because a fruit like a grapefruit used to be grown in the area.
However, the Botanic Gardens display quite a few plants more exotic than the grapefruit! Give yourself plenty of time to explore the 62 acres of gardens.
You can buy a guidebook from the main entrance which will provide you with some interesting titbits of information and a map. There are about 500 plant species growing here, 40 of which are indigenous.
One of the most notable is the talipot palm, which waits up to 60 years to flower and then simply dies. In the huge Lily Pond grows the giant Amazon water lily, which has leaves up to one and half metres in diameter. Throw a coin onto one to make a wish!

L’Aventure du sucre

Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by the boutique with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum. Do not miss the opportunity to relish authentic Mauritian cuisine with refined flavours at our restaurant "Le Fangourin". Free access to the restaurant and the Village Boutique Beau Plan-Pamplemousses.

Domaine des Pailles

Ten minutes’ drive south of Port Louis, the Domaine Les Pailles offers a respite from the hustle and heat of the city. There are five restaurants and 3000 acres of grounds to enjoy. You can also take the one hour guided tour in a little train or horse-drawn carriage and learn about the production of sugar and rum on the island

Rose Hill

Rose-hill is after Port Louis the most commercial of all the towns. It has a number of shopping arcades and shops and its market is quite interesting. An interesting feature of Rose Hill is its theatre, Le Plaza, which has become the most important landmark of the cultural life of the island. Plays, concerts, operas are regularly held within its walls. Next to it is the Max Boullé art gallery where Mauritian artists regularly hold exhibitions.

Quatre Bornes

Quatre Bornes is a calm and pleasant city (offering everything). It has somehow a number of shops and shopping centres and some hotels. The best known being the Orchard Centre, which has a supermarket, restaurants and many shops offering a whole variety of product. Another very popular shopping attraction in Quatre Bornes is its market, which it is held on every Thursdays and Sundays. It specialises in textile product that are sold at very attractive prices.

Casela

Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.

Tamarin

Tamarin is a town on the western coast of Mauritius. It is the seat of the Council district of Black River. The holiday resort is especially popular with surfers. Tamarin is linked with a main road linking Port Louis and east to Curepipe. The village is surrounded by hills and is very pictoresque. It is the main salt pan area in Mauritius

Black River

Black River Gorges
This national park of 6,574 hectares (16,244 acres) was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. !

Yemen

Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.

La Preneuse

One Martello tower is situated, in Mauritius, near the La Preneuse public beach in Tamarin, has been restored by the Friends of the Environment and operates as a museum open for visitors. The original entrance to the tower is raised above ground, and a new entrance has been constructed at ground level.
Martello towers (or simply Martellos) are small defensive forts built by the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the Napoleonic Wars onwards.

Curepipe

Curepipe, sitting atop the high central plateaux of inland Mauritius 12 miles (20km) from Port Louis, owes its existence to a malaria epidemic in 1867, when thousands fled to the healthy, cooler high ground from Port Louis to escape the mosquitoes. The town is the centre of a spread-out suburban area, and offers some good shopping opportunities. Its main attraction for visitors, though, is an extinct volcano, Trou aux Cerfs, west of the town near the botanical gardens, with a massive wooded crater floor. A road leads to the rim of the volcano and there are spectacular views from the summit. Another natural attraction, just four miles (6km) south west of Curepipe, is the Black River Gorges National Park, home to the rare tambalacoque tree and a variety of exotic flora and fauna.

The Tea Route / Bois Cheri

Discover traditional Mauritius by following the Tea Route that starts from the colonial house, Les Aubineaux in Curepipe. The second step will be to enjoy visiting the Bois Cheri tea factory and museum, as well as the shop.

Chamarel/Terres des 7 couleurs

A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

La Vallée des couleurs

« La vallée des couleurs » in Chamouny is of an extraordinary beauty an dis full of natural surprises. The main reason to visit this magnificient scenery of 600 hectares of greenness is the land of 23 colours, volcanic rocks and three magnificient waterfalls hidden in the valley.

Souillac

A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.
Among the features of the area is a public garden overlooking the sea, the popular Gris-Gris viewpoint, and the nearby Rochester Falls.

La Vanilla Reserve des Mascareignes

500 giant tortoises roam free and Nile crocodles as well as a variety of fuana and flora thrive in the La Vanilla Reserve des Mascareignes. An insectarium boasts 20,000 species of insects including butterflies from different regions of the world. The Crocodile Affeme offers local cuisine and for the more adventurous lovers of fine food, a speciality of crocodile meat.

Pointe du Diable

Pointe du Diable is the name of a strategic point along the coastal road. There, the French had erected a fort and a cannon battery to defend the entrance into the port against (English) invaders. Its stone walls are still there and traces of the great battle of "Vieux Grand Port" (1810) may still be found. Pointe du Diable is the ideal spot to stop for a rest as it offers a nice view. For those who like trekking, Lion Mountain is easy to climb and offers a magnificent view over the island and the lagoon.

Mahébourg

Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën.

Ruines Hollandaises

At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

Ile aux Aigrettes

Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.

Ilot Gabriel

Found north of Cap Malheureux, close to L'ile Plate, this island of area 42.2 hectares still abounds with some species of endemic flora. For example, "Le Baume de L'ile Plate" (Psiadia arguta, Asteraceae) or the "Latanier" (Latania loddigesii, Arecaceae) and Vacoas (Pandanus vandermeerschii, Pandanaceae). It is to be noted that tourists regularly visit the island for day trips.

Belle Mare

Located at the North of Trou-d'Eau-Douce, the small village is a magnificent seaside resort a very peaceful. A designed place to rest on its beautiful beach, broadsides of filaos!
The week-end at Belle Mare, you will find festive animations and séga music.

Flic en Flac

Flic en Flac is a seaside village situated on the western coast of the island of Mauritius . The Flic en Flac beach more than 2 miles long would surely be a paradis for those wanting to relax. Flic en Flac is also a diver’s dream-come-true for those who are overwhelmed by caves and wrecks and totazlly marvelllous for those who love swim as the whole year roiund the climate is favourable for this type of exquisite pleasure. This is a great place to unwind, be pampered and take life at whatever pace suits you.

The Tea Route / Domaine des Aubineaux

Domaine des Aubineaux is a colonial house transformed into a museum and proposes a guided visit of the house where very ancient furniture is exposed. The house is surrounded by a magnificient garden with many tropical trees.

Domaine du Chasseur

Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Take an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal of venison.

Grand Bassin

Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

Le Morne-Brabant

Further to the south is Le Morne, a near peninsula that offers the staggering view of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, which is like a rock coming out of the sea. Le Morne also host the horrible story of runaway slaves who plunged from the top of the mountain when soldiers came to tell them that they were free. They thought that these soldiers where coming to get them back to slavery and preferred death to losing their freedom. More of a myth than a true story argues historian against popular belief. Le Morne has one of the best beaches with crystal clear water spanning for kilometres and as such has some of finest hotels around its coastline.

Baie du Cap

Baie du Cap on the South Coast close to the small village of Choisy , the wild fauna and flora are magnificient and you will surprised by the colourful houses.

Bel Ombre

Bel Ombre on the south west coast of Mauritius is surrounded by the natural beauty of a particularly beautiful area of Mauritian countryside, with casuarinas trees swaying in the breeze. Undulating sand dunes and deserted beaches like Pointe Citronnier border the sparkling blue Indian Ocean, while surf breaks over the coral reef on the far horizon. The site is also famous for its sugar factory.

Gris Gris

At the southern end of the village of Souillac is Gris-Gris, a viewpoint on the clifftop.

The Tea Route / St Aubin

This charming old property built in 1819 possesses a magnificient garden. The ownershave imagine make public this magic place – the exotic garden of scents , of flavors and of colors .
The old property propose shops – la « Maison du Rhum » where you may find local rum of different flavors; “Anthurium and vanilla greenhouse” that sells essential oils and “la Maison Vanille” which proposes vanilla flavored products.