Discover all the secrets of sugar production in Mauritius!
What happens to sugarcane once it has been harvested? How is this iconic plant of Mauritius transformed into sugar? At the heart of the museum trail at L’Aventure du Sucre, the “From Cane to Juice” area immerses you in the first stages of sugar production, surrounded by impressive historic machinery from the former Beau Plan sugar factory.
Blending industrial heritage, interactive demonstrations, and insights into Mauritian expertise, this must-see stop offers a deeper understanding of the history of the sugarcane industry that has shaped the island for over two centuries.
How is sugarcane transformed?
From the moment you enter this space, your attention is drawn to the vast cast-iron gears and monumental mills, perfectly preserved. These machines, which remained in operation until 1999, tell the story of generations of workers and the evolution of sugar production in Mauritius.
The visit lets you explore each stage of the process through videos, interactive models, and engaging installations designed for all audiences.
Here, you don’t just observe—you are invited to handle, experiment, and understand the transformation process of sugarcane.
Turn the crank of a small mill to feel the power required to crush the cane, discover how water, wind, and later steam revolutionised sugar production, or let yourself be surprised by the mysterious “talking pipes” revealing the secrets of fluids circulating throughout the factory.
To better understand the journey of sugarcane, it is essential to follow the first major stages of its transformation:
Step 1 – Cane reception: From June to December, freshly cut cane is continuously delivered, weighed, and transported to the shredder after unloading.
Step 2 – Crushing the cane: The fibre is then pressed in mills to extract the juice, producing bagasse, which is used as fuel, while the raw juice—known as fangourin—is collected for further processing.
Step 3 – Clarification: This juice is purified by adding lime milk, which causes natural impurities to coagulate.
Step 4 – Decantation: The mixture is then left to settle in large tanks, where residues known as scum are removed and repurposed, leaving a clear juice ready for transformation.
Stay tuned, as the next part of the tour reveals the other fascinating stages of sugar production in Mauritius!
Understanding Mauritius’ sugar heritage
Beyond the technical process, this space tells above all a human story.
By visiting L’Aventure du Sucre, you discover how sugarcane has shaped the heritage, economy, and identity of Mauritius.
Whether you are passionate about history, curious about sugar production, or simply looking for a unique experience in Mauritius, this part of the tour offers many discoveries—and a few surprises that we’ll leave you the pleasure of exploring on site!
