Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: SSR Botanic Garden, Royal Road Parc, Pamplemousses, Mauritius 21003
The Pamplemousse Garden is located in the district of the same name in the northwest of Mauritius. Covering an area of 37 hectares, this tropical botanical garden will shamelessly reveal its many species from the 4 corners of the world that will amaze you with their bewitching essences and their sumptuous colors. It is the most famous excursion of Mauritius.
From its creation by Pierre Poivre in the 18th century to the present day, where it took the name of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the garden has grown to become this sublime paradise teeming with species, known all over the world and welcoming many personalities.
In 1770, Pierre Poivre, steward of the Isle of France, as Maurice was then called, bought the property Mon Plaisir de La Bourdonnais, where he created the current Pamplemousse garden, introducing plant species from around the world.
To the nutmeg and clove trees, he will add camphor, laurel, trees and spices from the West Indies, India, Africa, China… constantly enriching his collections, developing the garden more and more. This one, bought by the king of France, will continue to be embellished thanks to other botanists who will continue the work of Pierre Poivre, making the site a renowned place. Over the years, flowers, ferns, araucarias, orchids, bougainvilleas and especially many palm trees have been added, all making the garden a true multicolored paradise, whose sweet scent will pursue you throughout your visit.
The paradise of the senses
Visiting the garden is like entering another dimension: here plant species abound that come to surround you on all sides, touch you at times, caress you with their scents. Some are very impressive, like the entrance baobab first, then the victoria amazonica, a species of giant water lily sleeping in its basin (one of the famous photos that illustrate Mauritius), or the talipot, a variety of palm, also very large, which has the distinction of dying after its only flowering.
You will admire the 95 species of palm trees originating from all over the world, but also araucarias, vacoas, ravenalas, guava trees. You will be dazzled by the flaming scarlet, bewitched by the smell of jasmine, mango and many spices like cinnamon.
This area, representative of the island's biodiversity, conserves many species from the four corners of the planet, as well as certain endemic species of the island (such as ebony) and the Mascarenes. Surprising by its flora, it is also thanks to the animals evolving in complete freedom, sometimes coming to greet you or accompany you in your discovery: birds like the martin or the cardinal thus haunt places with butterflies; reptiles, fish, tenrecs, mongooses and other equally fascinating creatures are regularly present.
An internationally renowned garden
The world famous Grapefruit Garden is visited by the most illustrious people, some of whom have left their mark by planting their trees there, such as François Mitterrand, Nelson Mandela and Indira Gandhi… These personalities most often stay at the " castle ", as the house rebuilt on the former residence of Mon Plaisir is called.
The garden retains the name of famous botanists and naturalists, most of whom collaborated in its development. In addition, guardian of the fauna and flora of the Mascarene Islands, he is also one of the island's legends. So wander among alleys named after La Bourdonnais, Pierre Poivre, Darwin and others of their colleagues, but also the writer Bernardin de Saint-Pierre and the heroes he created, Paul and Virginie. In this heavenly setting, you can even go to the fictitious tombs of these legendary lovers.
You will not be surprised, in this fantastic setting, to discover yet a park of giant turtles and Java deer, appearing as if by magic.
Some practical information
The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The complete visit lasts approximately 1 hour. You will be asked 200 rupees per person (around 5 euros), and 50 more if you want to be accompanied by a guide. Finally, the rental of a cart to explore the garden is also possible. Note however that for Mauritians, entry costs 25 rupees, it is free for children under 5, for adults over 60 as well as on Sundays and holidays. Located on Independence Street, north of Port Louis, the location is easy to locate, the route well indicated.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius
The Port Louis seafront
Since its opening in 1996, the Caudan seafront in the center of the capital of Port Louis has become an essential place for Mauritian tourism. There you will find many shops for shopping, clothing and creative craftsmen to buy souvenirs.
There are all the major international brands, but as Mauritius is a major producer of textiles, you will find factory outlets, with the clothes of the biggest brands, at affordable prices which rub shoulders with luxury boutiques specializing in jewelry.
The Caudan craft market called the craft Market offers many local craft products, from Mauritius, but also from Rodrigues. Perfect for finding spices, basketwork, paintings or of course ship models.
There is also a business center and numerous restaurants. You can choose many dishes to import from all nationalities and sit in the middle of a place furnished with tables and chairs under umbrellas. Ideal for a break between two shopping sessions.
There you will find a casino, cinemas to watch the latest international films.
The shopping center also offers plenty of parking. Boaters and sailors can take their boat to moor at the Caudan marina. A highly efficient security system managed by Caudan security services ensures security throughout the shopping center.
Because the Caudan seafront is not reserved for tourists, you will come across many Mauritians coming for lunch or a shopping break. It is obviously the meeting place for Mauritian youth. It is a place of extraordinary life.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: L'Aventure Du Sucre, B18 Pamplemousses MU, Pamplemousses, Mauritius 21001
Back to the origin of the Sugar Adventure
Located in a superb sugar estate in Beau Plan not far from the Pamplemousse garden, l'Aventure du Sucre is an old sugar refinery transformed into a modern and fun museum. He proposes to rediscover the history of sugar in Mauritius through a complete tour of the exploitation of sugar cane for processing. Sugar cane is the first agricultural production in the world.
It began at the end of the 18th century on Mauritius and continues today through the 5 sugar factories still in operation on the island.
A cultural and fun visit
It is by following an alley planted with coconut palms and bougainvilleas that travelers access a superb entirely renovated sugar refinery. The smells and the multitude of colors alone evoke the exoticism of the place. At the entrance, giant screens welcome visitors in an atmosphere full of mystery. Then begins an interactive journey that introduces us to the history of sugar cane in Mauritius, the manufacturing and processing processes, the different technologies used for production and the ancient sugar roads. After visiting the children's amphitheater and the temporary exhibition space, visitors enter the Boutik Village where it is possible to find exotic souvenirs to take home.
The long-awaited moment: the tasting
The Sugar Adventure in Mauritius allows you to end your visit with a tasting of the 12 unrefined sugars produced locally. Through tropical flavors and scents, travelers discover that, ultimately, all sugars are not alike! While the little ones will be seduced by an artisanal confectionery such as a lollipop or a candy, adults, for their part, will prefer tasting an exotic jam or honey from Rodrigues Island. All these products can be purchased in the Aventure du Sucre boutique and represent not only exceptional souvenirs, but also ideal gifts to please loved ones.
Practical information to visit the Sugar Adventure
The museum is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except January 1 and 2 and December 24, 25, 26 and 31).
Prices for non-residents:
Adults: € 9.50
Children (6 to 12 years old): 5 €
Students: 5 €
The visit to the Sugar Adventure can be combined with the discovery of the Pamplemousse Garden during a trip to Mauritius Otherwise. On site, a typical Mauritian restaurant awaits you for a tasting of local specialties in an breathtaking exotic setting. Lobster salads and marinated fish dishes await you against the backdrop of the superb Pieter Both mountain. L'Aventure du Sucre is the ideal museum to help children discover and discover the importance of sugar cane production in Mauritius. In a relaxed atmosphere, travelers learn more about the local culture while tasting some of the best sugars in the world.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Grand Baie, Grand Baie
This fishing village located in the north of Mauritius is a must, with its hotels like the Mauricia (right next door), the Royal Palm, the Canonnier and its restaurants, bars and shops, which have made Grand Baie a tourist hotspot and a truly renowned seaside resort. It is not for nothing if it is the most visited place in Mauritius.
But it is also a popular place for Mauritians and expatriates, who find a better quality of life there than in Port-Louis, located about twenty kilometers to the south. They can meet in the evening on the beach to enjoy the sunset and savor the sweet Mauritian life
You can do everything in Grand Baie, indulge in the sun on a deckchair or practice water sports. There is something for everyone during the day!
You can let yourself be tempted by the many shops for shopping on Sunset Boulevard where you will find all the major fashion brands (Ray-Ban, Vilebrequin, A&F, Oxbow, Billabong ...).
If you have to buy a swimsuit, you will find it in Grand Baie. Even if there is a little less choice than in Port Louis, it is a real pleasure to shop in front of the beach and its lagoon.
It is also a small marina very famous because its mooring is exceptional and well sheltered thanks to the bay and you will find many proposals to practice all kinds of water sports.
Thanks to a great cultural mix, you have a wide choice of restaurants, from Chinese or Indian cuisine to high-end gastronomy to enjoy grilled lobster, the addresses of restaurants are numerous.
It is also the occasion to taste hot Rotis (spicy sandwiches) or Indian dishes to take away. You can find everything and at all prices.
At night, especially on weekends, Grand Baie stays awake with its many trendy lounges and nightclubs like Terribles Kids or the Bhuddha Bar. Get hip on Sega and the international hits of the moment.
As you can see, Grand Baie is a place where everyone will find the activity they like. Ideal for families and people looking for leisure.
It is also the starting point for many excursions to the northern islands.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
The famous Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice church of Cap Malheureux owes its success to its red roof which dominates the bay of Cap Malheureux and its exceptional view on the corner of Mire. It is an unmissable excursion to Mauritius that offers photographers authentic shots with striking contrasts.
Facing the sea in front of a small public beach, it nevertheless suffers from bad weather and the sea air damages its roof. Because it is not made of tiles but of painted wooden planks.
To keep its vibrant colors and preserve this heritage, for several weeks workers have completely redone the roof. The works should continue until the end of September.
But let the tourists reassure themselves, even in work it has kept all its charm and this is an opportunity to meet Mauritian workers who will be happy to tell you about the Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice church. It is also a way of discovering a craft way of working.
And the panorama remains unchanged.
Duration: 1 hour