Discovering Pamplemousses

Conveniently located in the centre of the island, the botanical garden at Pamplemousses is the largest in the southern hemisphere and considered to have one of the best collections of plants in the world. On this botanical-themed experience you will be taken on a guided tour of the gardens that were first established in 1770 by the aptly named French botanist Pierre Poivre. One of the highlights is the Victorian pond filled with giant water lilies from Amazonia, which grow vast new leaves within hours and change colour each day. Other notable draws include curiously named species such as the fish poison tree, vast number of spice plants from Asia and over 80 species of palms collected from around the globe. Many of the island’s colourful bird species can be spotted in and amongst the foliage, which adds ornithological interest to the experience.

Another place of interest in the area is the local sugar factory of Beau Plan, which was decommissioned in 1999 and since converted into one of the best museums on the island. The interactive exhibits at L’Aventure du Sucre brings the long history of the sugar industry and slavery in Mauritius to life and reveal the complex process of transforming the juice of cane into crystals of sugar.  A visit to the neoclassical Château Labourdonnais can also be included on this experience. Dating from 1758 this mansion is considered the most elegant example of colonial architecture on the island, and guided tours are conducted of the main house and gardens.

The Pamplemousses experience can be done with a guide and driver taking you from place to place, or for a more adventurous alternative on a guided E-bike tour - please ask for more details.