Culture / Religion

Green Tourism

Les Vergers of Labourdonnais at Mapou

Close to Grand Bay, discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees and colourful fragrant flowers.

After a walk among the anthuriums, bougainvillea and hibiscus, taste jams and freshly squeezed fruit juice made from fruit grown in the orchard. Those living in Mauritius buy plants and flowers for their gardens and homes at Labourdonnais.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Pamplemousses garden is known by botanists from around the world for the large collection of indigenous and exotic plants that grow there, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and the numerous species of palm trees.

The talipot or coryphe parasol is of particular interest: the legend says that it flourishes only once every fifty-seventy years then dies.

Leave the busyness of the towns behind you… Whether you want to go for a gentle stroll or a brisk walk, you can relax and breathe in the fresh, unpolluted air.

Culture

The Red Roof Chapel in Cap Malheureux

Cap Malheureux is the northernmost part of the island. This is where the Commander-in-Chief John Abercromby landed his troops when the British attacked the island for the second time in 1810. Moreover, Cap Malheureux owes its importance to a small chapel: Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, commonly known as the Red Roof Chapel. Once there, simply appreciate the quality of the meticulous carpentry work and its giant clam holy water stoup.

The Maheswarnath Mandir of Triolet

Triolet is not only the longest village of the island but also the place where you can visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath Mandir. The Shivala was built in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha among others.

Entrance: Please respect the sacred places and remove all leather objects.

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Goodlands Market

Goodlands market. Goodlands, a huge village of 14,000 inhabitants, comes alive on Tuesdays and Fridays because of the fabric and fashion (ready to wear, printed cotton, saris) fairs, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the fruit and vegetable markets.

Paul and Virginie monument at Poudre D’or

The most famous Mauritian myth is undeniably the one of «Paul and Virginie». It was inspired by the sinking of the Saint Géran on the northeast coast. A small monument marks the spot where the ship sank.

The legend tells that Paul, of humble origin, awaited the return of his beloved Virginie, of noble blood. Her ship, the Saint Géran crashed against rocks. It is said that Paul jumped into the water and swam to his beloved who, shy and chaste, refused to remove her clothes to follow him back to shore. Finally, her waterlogged Victorian clothes dragged her to the bottom, and she drowned. The book of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre tells that Paul died of grief afterwards.

Van Ann Chocolate Manufactures

Unique in Mauritius, Van Ann chocolate manufactures invite locals and tourists to visit their premises at Calebasse, located close to both highways. Founded in 1992 by a Belgian lady and famous for its Belgian-style pralines, innovative packaging and delicious chocolates distributed mainly in hotels, this is an opportunity to discover how some of the sweetest things in Mauritius are created and, of course, to buy your favourites!

Heritage

History of Pamplemousses

Pamplemousses - named after the grapefruit imported by the Dutch who first colonized Mauritius in the seventeenth century - has a rich past too. The places worth visiting there include: the old cemetery, the church of St Francis of Assisi which dates from the eighteenth century and «L'Aventure du Sucre», a fascinating museum that relates the history of the Mauritian sugar industry while providing a more comprehensive overview of the history of the island, including its history linked to slavery and rum production.

The north of the island has plenty of beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. The most popular ones among Mauritians and tourists are Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, and the long curvy beach of Mont Choisy which continues from Pointe aux Canonniers to Grand Bay and to the divine Pereybere public beach.

For the more adventurous or those in search of peace and quiet, take a walk over the stones, to the left or right of Pereybere’s public beach and discover the private beaches of Casita and Bain Boeuf with their clear blue waters and exquisite views.

If the horizon is clear, you can appreciate the sunset from any point along the coast. Try to catch a glimpse of the “green rays” especially in the winter months when as the sun’s path is more northerly and the atmosphere more able to separate the colours. But be careful to protect your eyes and don’t stare directly at the sun!

La Place D’Armes

At the historical centre of the city is the Place d’Armes surrounded by Bottle Palm trees and several statues, and is the main square connecting the seafront to Government House.

Statue of Mahe de la Bourdonnais

This statue of one of the founding fathers of Mauritius is situated at the entrance of the Place d'Armes and is a symbol and reminder of our French heritage.

The Government House

Government House, built at the time of Governor Nicolas de Maupin (1729-1735), is a splendid building and one of the oldest buildings in Port Louis. It was recently renovated and is the official address of the Parliament of Mauritius.

Port Louis Theatre

The municipal theatre of Port Louis was built in the nineteenth century and is one of the oldest in the Indian Ocean. Decorated in a classic London theatre style, it can accommodate around six hundred spectators.

Fort Adelaide

Located on a hill overlooking the city and harbour, the Citadel of Port Louis (Fort Adelaide) is a fort that was built between 1834 and 1840 to guard the city against riots during the abolition of slavery. Today local and international concerts and artistic shows are performed there and it is definitely worth a visit for the stunning views from this vantage point.

Aapravasi Ghat

Classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Aapravasi Ghat (Immigration Depot in Hindi), honours the thousands of indentured labourers who arrived from India after the abolition of slavery and who finally settled on the island. This is the place where the immigrants first landed.

BRIC

The Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre (BRIC) is located on Wharf Street, where the indentured labourers first disembarked. The centre is dedicated to their indenture and displays objects recovered during archaeological excavations, as well as 22-inch touch screens giving information about this period.

A chilling experience is to spend time inside the replica of a ship like the one these contracted workers had to endure for approximatively six weeks. A 10-minute movie shows testimonies of their descendants. Also, one can admire pipes, phials that medicine bottles (from the hospital on the site), leftover gin and rum bottles, probably drank by British officers, all remains found during archaeological excavations at the Aapravasi Ghat. Other preserved relics include the slipway that existed on that site between 1846 and 1856.

Natural History Museum

Created by the Natural History Society of Mauritius, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1842. It currently conserves 35,000 specimens displayed in four permanent galleries.

Mauritius Postal Museum

Located in a beautiful old stone building next to the Caudan Waterfront, you will be warmly welcomed by the hosts of this Museum which displays stamps, first day covers, and many other interesting objects marking the history of the Mauritius postal service. At 1:00pm on the last Saturday of each month is the meeting of an association of philatelists, which is open to anyone with a passion for stamp collecting. A range of stamps, first-day covers, stamp albums, books, key rings and other souvenirs are on sale at the Mauritius Postal Museum.

Blue Penny Museum

Mauritius is as well known for the extinct dodo as it is for its rare and expensive Blue Penny stamp. An original issue can be seen at the Blue Penny Museum in Caudan. This beautifully decorated museum is also home to other precious collections that represent the mixed historical and cultural heritage of Mauritius.

Marie Reine de la Paix

Overlooking the city of Port Louis and tucked into the side of Signal Mountain is the Catholic Church Marie Reine de la Paix. If you are ready to climb the 82 steps to reach the monument, the view of the city and of the sea from the Church grounds is stunning. The gardens surrounding the church are beautifully maintained and are a great spot for picnics and a place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city Paix.


The Caudan Waterfront

The Caudan Waterfront is a must for those looking for the top designer brands at bargain prices. At this bustling, lively seafront you will find numerous restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines. Take a visit to the artisanal shops and only library in Caudan and browse through the contents of the shelves… You are likely to find a treasure of Mauritian art and literature.


Albion and Pointe aux Sables

Albion is more of a residential area than a tourist spot but it has a public beach worth visiting, and if you take a walk along the coast towards Club Med, you can have a lovely swim in the shade of the trees which border the shore. Albion is also known for its lighthouse.

Not far, at Pointe aux Sables, you’ll find “Montagne Zako” (Monkey Mount) where you can try a 20-metre-high cliff dive into the sea. Check the water below and the wave movement carefully before making the jump! It is definitely worth the detour. Adrenaline rush guaranteed!

Flic en Flac

If you want to relax on the beach, catch a tan and meet some friendly locals, Flic en Flac is the place to be. With its white beaches fringed with Casuarina trees, it is a popular location for weekend beach activities such as swimming and snorkelling, and also has a wide range of bungalows for rent. When you’re done soaking up the sun there are a number of restaurants to choose from, and a lively nightlife.

When the moon is full, the starry sky is clear and the rain ‘walks’ over the ocean far on the horizon, you can see a tiny white moon-rainbow over the sea. Rub your eyes, blink hard and look again… Yes, it’s true!

Tamarin and Black River

Tamarin and Black River were once simple villages inhabited by locals and fishermen, but today they are quite different. Although it has been transformed by many luxury villas, shopping centres and restaurants, Tamarin Bay remains a popular surfing spot, with a long left-hand reef break and 10-foot swells.

Part of the cultural landscape, the salt pans of Tamarin are a unique place to visit. Due to the dry conditions of the area, Tamarin is the ideal place for salt making. Simply stop your car on the side of the road and take a look!

The bay of Black River is teaming with deep-sea fishing boats, skippered by professional fishermen who have given their lives to the sea. Try your hand at fishing and see if you’re lucky enough to catch some marlin or tuna.

Martello Tower at La Preneuse

The Martello Tower at La Preneuse was built by the British between 1810 and 1846 to protect them against their sworn enemy, the French navy. Since being restored in 1999, the tower is now accessible for guided tours.

If you have some time to spare, take a dip in the sea at La Preneuse. The scenery is dominated by the beautiful Black River mountain range and the unmistakeable shape of the Le Morne mountain that towers over the transparent lagoon below. Be careful of the strong current!

Black River Gorges National Park

One of the main “green” attractions is the Black River Gorges National Park which extends over 16,680 acres and provides a haven to highly endangered native plants and animals. It plays home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius.

You can walk along a number of dedicated trails inside the gorges itself and can even hike up to the plateau. Make sure you wear the right shoes and clothing if you want to attempt a hike, and take your own food and drinks and other supplies along with you, as there are no shops or medical support within the park.

Case Noyale and La Gaulette

In these small fishing villages, you can find cheap rooms, apartments and guesthouses to stay in, which is great for kitesurfers on a budget. What better way to discover and appreciate how the locals live, work and play! From there you can drive up to the plateau and see the exquisite views from Chamarel and other tourist sites. You can also take a boat ride to Ile aux Bénitiers or, for the more adventurous, go kitesurfing at Le Morne.

Ile aux Bénitiers

Surrounded by turquoise sea, this island is set in a lagoon near Le Morne, where it is safe to go swimming and snorkelling. You can reach the island of Bénitiers using the local fishermen’s boats at Case Noyale and La Gaulette, or by catamarans and speedboats from Le Morne, Black River, or even further from Flic en Flac and the North. This small island is completely flat and measures just 2 kilometres by 500 metres, so you can easily explore it! The boat trip usually includes a barbeque and drinks on the island.

Le Morne Brabant

Some of the most beautiful hotels and golf courses are found at Le Morne. The oldest ones were established with the arrival of the first tourists on the island and have an authentic hostelry culture. There is something for everyone; whether you prefer to walk along the kilometres of white sandy beaches, actively take part in sea sports, or simply want to lounge around and rest. The southern part of Le Morne is ‘The Place’ to try kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing in the strong and steady south-east trade winds that gain momentum after crossing the high mountains of the Black River Gorges.

One Eye

The One Eye surf spot at Le Morne is world renowned, with its fast left tube that makes the shape of an eye before breaking on the shallow reef. On one side of the mountain of Le Morne, which has seven faces, you will see a huge hole crossing the cliff that looks like an eye in a Rasta profile. Some say that this is how the surf spot got its name. Interestingly, the owner of the area around Le Morne has only one eye, so we can safely say that the spot is well named!

Piton de la Rivière Noire and Chamarel

The Piton de la Rivière Noire is part of the mountain range circling the National Park. In the highlands, Chamarel village is known for its seven-coloured earth, its charming restaurants and its rum factory, where you can learn everything about distillation and even do some rum tasting. The viewpoints over the ocean and the West coast are breathtaking, especially at sunset!

In winter, when the sky tends to be clearer, you can see the grey silhouette of the high mountains of Reunion Island far in the distance.

Heritage

Le Morne

The mountain of Le Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a commemorative landmark of the harsh slavery period in Mauritius.

Protected by the mountain’s isolated wooded and almost inaccessible cliffs, the escaped slaves formed small settlements in the caves and on the summit of Le Morne. The traditions associated with the maroons have made Le Morne a symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom, their suffering and their sacrifice, all of which have relevance to the countries from which the slaves came – the African mainland, Madagascar, India and South-East Asia.

Mahebourg

One of the main fishing villages on the island, Mahebourg is built along the shore of the immense bay of Grand Port. Founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaen, Mahebourg witnessed the only Napoleonic naval victory over the English in 1810. This victory is also listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. A major centre of economic life under French administration, Mahebourg was also known for its slave market.

Full of emotions, it is one of the rare places on the island that has kept this particular period of our history engraved in stone.

Pointe Canon

Pointe Canon in Mahebourg is an excellent place to photograph Lion Mountain and the Grand Port mountain range to the left of it. Ilôt Mouchoir Rouge with Ile aux Aigrettes to the right are also worthy of a place in the photo album. Pointe Canon is a popular concert venue and is known for its annual memorial ceremonies celebrating the abolition of slavery on the 1st of February. It also announces the departure of regattas where colourful pirogues are steered with speed and skill by their proud teams, who come from all over the island to compete in this friendly competition within the beautiful lagoon.

National History Museum

There are so many places to visit in Mahebourg, but a must-see is the fascinating National Naval and Historical Museum. Located at the entrance of the town, the Château de Robillard, a French colonial building from the eighteenth century, houses the National History Museum. Old maps, engravings, crockery, pirates' swords and even fragments of shipwrecks, recount the rich maritime history of the island. The crown jewel of this fascinating museum is the bell recovered from the wreck of the St Géran.

Cavendish Bridge

Constructed in 1856 for sugar cane transportation, Cavendish Bridge, commonly known as the “Pont de la Ville Noire”, literally “the black town bridge”, was originally constructed from wood while all other bridges in Mauritius were made from steel. Between 1908 and 1911 it was transformed into a reinforced concrete bridge, an innovation at that time. At 155 metres it is said to be the longest bridge on the island. The water flows under the bridge towards the river mouth and it has a great view of Lion Mountain and the Grand Port Range – a stunning backdrop!

The inhabitants of Mahebourg like to tell the story of a tourist who, in the late 70s, stopped on the bridge, looked over, and saw a sandy islet below. An old man standing beside him said to the tourist that he was the owner of the islet. The tourist asked the old man if he would sell him the property, at which the old man hesitated, and then agreed. He requested a deposit, which the tourist promptly paid, and they arranged to meet on the bridge the next day to go together to the notary and sign the deed. When the tourist arrived the following day, neither the old man nor the islet was there. The sea level had risen, covering the islet, and the old man had disappeared... So legend has it!

Battery of Devil's Point

Under the French occupation, 27 defence guns controlled access to the island. The fearsomely effective battery of the Devil's Point for a long time prevented the English from approaching Grand Port.

Ile aux Aigrettes, Nature reserve

Since 1985, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has weeded, replanted and restored 90% of this coral island by reintroducing native plants, birds and reptiles. Thus, MWF recreated the ideal sanctuary for a flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else.

This small 27-hectare island, located 800m off the south-east coast near Mahebourg, is home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest, once found around most of Mauritius. Over time, Ile aux Aigrettes was affected by tree cutting and land clearance, and the introduction of exotic animals and plants almost destroyed the native fauna and flora.

Today this lost paradise is open to the public. A professional will guide you amongst the giant tortoises and the pink pigeons that have been rescued and freed after a 30-year conservation effort. The 10 bronze sculptures exposed on the island by artist Nick Bibby will take you back in time.

Blue Bay

Pointe d'Esny, a white sandy beach lined with bungalows, leads to Blue Bay. This beach, surrounded by a semicircle of casuarinas is one of the nicest of the island with its fine sand, clear water and lively corals, perfect for snorkelling.

Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue bay is an exceptional preserved marine park. Corals and fishes are visible a few meters from shore. Among them, you have the parrot-fish, the trumpetfish and baby barracudas. Have a better view and snorkelling experience with a glass bottom boat.

Le Souffleur

A really spectacular 30m geyser at high tide and on windy days.

La Roche Qui Pleure

At Gris-Gris, the profile of the poet Robert Edward Hart was carved by waves and the wind on the side of a promontory called "La Roche qui pleure" (the crying rock). Get close to the waves blowing up between the cliffs and breathe in the breeze that comes straight from Antarctica.

You will find down under, the "Bain des négresses" (the Negresses Bath).

Gris-Gris Restaurants

The restaurants at Gris-Gris cliffs serve a range of fresh seafood, cooked the Mauritian way, and at very reasonable prices.

Robert-Edward Hart Museum - Souillac

This bungalow made entirely of coral was offered to Robert Edward Hart, prince of the poets of the Indian Ocean, by his friends and named "La Nef". It became a museum in 1962.

Open daily from 8 am to 4 pm except on Sunday and public holidays

Telfair Municipal Garden

Witness the stunning view of the southern sea and the Riambel naval cemetery. Discover the charming alleys shaded by centenarian trees where friendly locals spend their time.

Rochester Falls

The Rochester Falls out of Souillac are worth a visit. The road passes through the sugar refinery of Terracine. Over time, curious carvings have appeared in the lava shaped by the waters and green crystals were formed in the soil.

Beaches

The beaches in this part of Mauritius are rare but striking. One of them is the famous family Blue Bay beach. Another one is Gris Gris which has the particularity of having the coral reef very close to the shore. Huge waves break a few meters away and wash the grainy sand mixed with colourful tiny shells. Leave your footprints there.

Rivière des Galets and Ilôt Sancho

There is not much to do at Rivière des Galets besides catching some excellent waves. The shingle beach, right next to the river mouth, is one of the best surf spots of Mauritius. Not too far away is Ilôt Sancho, another less popular surf spot where you can ride the waves, often in solitude. Keen surfers will know the best times of the year to surf there and make the most of the swells. There’s also some good fishing to be done from the shore.

Baie du Cap Road

The famous hairpin bend of Macondé is found on the Baie du Cap road, where many tourists stop and take photos from the rocky outcrop that offers a stunning view of the sea below and the beautiful southern coastline. Join the other tourists and climb up the stairs to the top of the rock and at least you can say you’ve been there!

If you have the time, a walk on the public beach of Baie du Cap will definitely relax you and will be an opportunity to meet the friendly and genuine locals. You may even have the opportunity to buy freshly caught fish from local fishermen.

The Baie du Cap road is considered to be among the best roads to drive in the world, and will take you from the South-West to the South-East of Mauritius through villages and sugar cane fields, most of the time right on the coastline.

The Dutch landing spot

As fate would have it, the Dutch were forced to land in Mauritius in 1598 after a violent storm drove them to the shore of the uninhabited island. There is a monument to mark the point of their first landing on the coastal road near Ferney, Mahebourg, in the south-east, with the majestic Lion Mountain in the background. Take a walk over the little bridge and appreciate the view of the little islands off the shore.

Ile aux Cerfs

Considered by others as a water sports paradise, and as having the most attractive beaches of the island by others, Ile aux Cerfs, a precious little jewel located five minutes from Le Touessrok hotel is a must-see in the Mauritian tourism landscape. A lively boat-house, restaurants and long beaches will appeal to you, just like the tortoise farm.

Golf fans will be delighted by a superb 18-hole course designed by the famous golf champion Bernhard Langer.

You can reach Ile aux Cerfs in a variety of boats: speedboat, pirogue, glass bottom boat, catamaran and even a pirate ship! Setting out from either Trou d’Eau Douce or even further South from Blue Bay, most boat trips consist of a stopover at Grand River South East, snorkelling in the lagoon, a barbeque and drinks on board or on shore, sega dancing, and many other fun activities.

Grand River South East

The Grand River South East is a real attraction. The wide estuary enters an impressive gorge ending on a pictorial waterfall. An ideal place for excursions.

Beaches

Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette

The public beach of Roches Noires extends to Poste Lafayette, an excellent place for fishing and breathing in the crisp air. These are two very popular summer resorts, especially during the warmer months as the sea breeze there blows almost all year round, which makes it an ideal place for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Bras d’Eau

Bras d’Eau is a small bay inside the lagoon of Poste Lafayette. Its public beach has a view of the south, which means that you can see both the sunrise and the sunset - unique in the East. At night, it is the best place in Mauritius to see the milky way.

When the wind is up, which is fairly often, you can kitesurf in the shallow and well-protected bay with its steady easterly onshore wind. Locals meet here on weekends and public holidays giving it a relaxed and fun ambience.

If you are in Mauritius on the 31st of December and want to experience something magical, make sure you get to Bras d’Eau at midnight. On the opposite side of the lagoon are some of the island’s most prestigious hotels and no expense is spared as they treat their guests, and lucky local onlookers, to a magnificent New Years eve fireworks display which goes on for nearly an hour!

Belle Mare

Belle Mare has a beautiful white sandy beach. The coastal road which follows large stretches of white sand from Palmar to Trou d’Eau Douce winds down to Grand Port right next to the sea and ends in the village of Mahebourg.

During weekends and on public holidays, the locals flock to the beach at Belle Mare making it a great place to meet the people of Mauritius and discover their culture. Enjoy a tasty ice cream from one of the many colourful and musical ice cream vans. And for the more adventurous at heart, why not go parasailing, which gives you a magnificent birds-eye view over the turquoise lagoon.

Flacq

Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. A lively hub in the East, this small town has one of the largest open-air markets in the country on Wednesdays and Sundays. Very popular, the colourful market stands a few meters from the Court House, a historic building.

Towns

Four towns, namely Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas and Curepipe, make up the heart of the island.

Rose Hill’s busy high street is swarming with shoppers during the day and is worth a visit if you’re ready to brave the crowds and look for some great bargains. There are many shops to browse and local restaurants to choose from.

Quatre Bornes is a cosmopolitan town, where you will be able to barter for great deals at its famous market. The shops on the main road are also a good place to go bargain hunting!

The town of Vacoas is best known for the Gymkhana Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere. Locals run and walk around the outdoor track for exercise and play football in the grounds.

Finally, Curepipe, where you’ll experience the coolest temperatures in Mauritius, has retained its charm and is home to two of the island’s treasures: Trou aux Cerfs, the crater of a dormant volcano, and the Botanical Garden with its rare plant species.

Trou aux Cerfs

The most famous dormant volcano in Mauritius. From there, you have a fantastic 360° view of the high plateau of the Island of Mauritius. Local joggers meet every day at 5am at Trou aux Cerfs.

Ganga Talao

Not far from Mare aux Vacoas reservoir is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. It is one of the rare natural lakes in Mauritius, formed inside the crater of an extinct volcano and is the renowned pilgrimage place for Mauritians of Hindu faith. Every year in February, during the Maha Shivaratri week, thousands of Hindus walk miles from every corner of the island to bring their gifts for Lord Shiva at Grand Bassin.

Eureka "La Maison Créole", Moka

This historical mansion built in 1830 with no less than 109 doors will provide you with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the more affluent Mauritians during the colonial era. The Eureka House Restaurant also offers Creole meals that will delight the finest palates.

The Folk Museum of Indian Immigration

Mahatma Gandhi Institute

This museum evokes the influx of coolies who came to work as labourers after the abolition of slavery in Mauritius in 1835.

Working for a pittance, they gave a new impetus to a non-competitive sugar industry. In 1909, at the end of the Indian immigration, they were 450,000.

Today their descendants account for two-thirds of the Mauritian population. This well-documented folk museum shows in detail the daily life of Indian workers during the nineteenth century.

Curepipe Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Curepipe were created in 1870 and are the second largest botanical garden in Mauritius. The garden is home to some rare trees and other indigenous plants. You’ll find locals fishing in the river that runs through the gardens and there is a lake surrounded by Nandia palms.

A walkway runs through the gardens where you’ll find families and children playing and running, and couples walking hand-in-hand. The gardens are where the famous Mauritian writer and painter Malcolm de Chazal saw an azalea flower “looking at him” and so began his famous writings, which he later published in his book “Sens plastique” in 1947.

Balfour Garden

A garden and playground in the quiet suburbs of Beau Bassin, a sister town to Rose Hill, is where locals come to exercise, children play and couples and families picnic. Take a walk, through the pretty, tranquil gardens and appreciate the fresh air and quiet setting. Beautiful views of a waterfall, the Grand River North West flowing towards Port Louis, and the stunning Moka Mountain range in the background add to the charm of these gardens.