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Port Louis
Port Louis , the
capital of Mauritius, was founded by the French governor and colonist
Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735.
Situated on the north-west coast, Port Louis is the business and
administrative capital of Mauritius. Packed with office-workers during
the day, it quickly quietens down after office-hours – allowing
visitors to enjoy a night out along the famous Caudan Waterfront.
Those arriving during daylight hours should head for the bustling
Central Market or Champ de Mars: the oldest racecourse in the Indian
Ocean region.
North
The northern coast of
the island is the place where the most development has taken place in
recent years. Thanks to this work, Grand Baie has an abundance of
restaurants and discotheques. If you like to party to the sound of
good music, you will find plenty of options to choose from here.
The north isn’t only about night life, however. It also boasts some of
Mauritius’ best-loved sights, including the charming red-roofed church
that overlooks the lagoon at Cap Malheureux.
South & South East
The south reveals
a dramatically different landscape from the rest of the island: one
typified by high cliffs – in places – that are battered by waves.
These are created where the protective barrier of coral reef that
surrounds Mauritius falls away on the seabed, so leaving the coastline
exposed to a punishing Indian Ocean.
But the south is not singularly about cliffs and rough waters. Further
round the coastline, heading westwards, are an array of beautiful
beaches and top-rate hotels and resorts, in up-and-coming areas such
as Bel Ombre.
East
A coastline comprised
of exquisite coves and emerald lagoons, permanently enhanced by a cool
sea breeze: life goes by at a slow pace in the east – whether you’re a
member of the fishing community or a holidaymaker.
Situated between the mountains and the sea, the east is characterised
by charming little villages with poetic names like Petite Julie, Mare
d’Australia and Queen Victoria. It also plays home to some of the
country’s best beaches, including Belle Mare, where you will want to
spend hours basking in the sun, glorying in the sight of the long
stretch of white sand.
West & South West
Off Tamarin Bay or
Flic en Flac, heading in the direction of Île aux Benitiers, you can
see the dolphins that come to these waters to rest and breed. The
Morne Mountain, with its historical links to slavery, can also be
found in this region –as well as some fine hotels known for their wide
choice of watersports.
Slightly inland, in the hills around Chamarel, is the rum distillery
that bears the name of the village. Here, you can learn about rum
production and taste some of the delightful produce.
Inland
In the ‘highlands’
you will discover the island’s four other towns. In Quatre Bornes,
head for the local market if you want to do some bargain-hunting. In
Curepipe, where it is generally cooler than elsewhere on the island,
try visiting the botanical gardens.
In the early evening the gardens of the Plaza – the municipal theatre
of the town of Rose Hill – fill up with families who come to relax and
enjoy an ice–cream. This is a heart-warming sight definitely worth
beholding!
For Sight Seeing & Under
Sea Walk Visit:

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