We are used to talking to you about the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius, its most luxurious resorts, its best diving spots … But did you know that the territory was also one of the richest in Indian Ocean in terms of culture? We have made a small selection of the best cultural tours and excursions in Mauritius to enrich your next stay with new discoveries!
Aapravasi Ghat
Located in the district of Port-Louis on the north-west coast of the territory, the Aapravasi Ghat is one of the most important historical vestiges of Mauritius. This Unesco listed site was a major transit point for workers who arrived on the island from India before being sent to sugar plantations there, but also to Reunion and even Australia and up to ‘in the Caribbean. Of these 19th and 20th century vestiges, only a few traces remain, including kitchens, a hospital and a few rooms. It is one of the most important symbols of the mixed identity of Mauritians.
The Eureka House
We now take the direction of the Moka river, near Port-Louis, to discover the most beautiful colonial house in Mauritius: the Eureka house. Built in the first half of the 19th century, this fabulous building is surrounded by magnificent gardens. The interior can be visited and allows you to discover photos and antiques from the time when it was inhabited by French and British aristocrats. All around, miles of walking trails allow you to dive into the countryside and access magnificent waterfalls. It is a special place, which we particularly like to discover for travelers who love history and architecture.
Le Château de Labourdonnais
Further north, halfway between Grand Gaube and Pamplemousses, it is the Château de Labourdonnais which caught our attention for its colonial architecture, its orchards and its rum factory. The visit allows you to discover the interior and exterior of the estate. It begins with the fruit plantations – the largest in the country – and continues in the perfectly maintained gardens of the site. Then we enter the castle, recognizable by its neoclassical facade. Inside, exhibitions allow you to dive into the life of the squire of yesteryear. We visit the living room, the dining room, the kitchen now transformed into an exhibition room, the upstairs bedrooms… Each room is still furnished with its original furniture!
The Blue Penny Museum
In Port Louis, we loved visiting the Blue Penny Museum. This museum is essential for us to retrace the history of the island century after century. And the best part of it is that it is perfectly adapted to children thanks to its interactive route! After browsing the rooms exhibiting newspaper extracts, old maps and other objects from different eras, you will arrive at the highlight of the visit: the famous Blue Penny. There are only 5 specimens of this stamp printed in 500 copies, today estimated at one million euros per unit!
L’Aventure du Sucre
Another cultural visit not to be missed if you are going to travel to Mauritius with your family. L’Aventure du Sucre is a fun and modern museum housed in a former sugar refinery. We discover all the sugar history of Mauritius as well as the manufacturing and processing of sugar. After discovering the exhibits, the amphitheater and the boutique space, the most awaited moment of the visit arrives: the tasting. The museum offers visitors to taste the 12 unrefined sugars produced on site. A real journey of the senses!
Experience Mauritius like never before: https://smart-villas-mauritius.com/en/
