What to do in Mauritius?

Mauritius is not just about dream beaches and postcard-perfect lagoons. It is also an island that tells stories, that vibrates, that surprises. Behind every mountain, every tree, every building, there is a story to uncover. Here are our cultural favourites – places that help us better understand who we are, where we come from, and the extraordinary environment that surrounds us.

L’Aventure du Sucre, our number one – of course!

If you had to visit just one… this would be it, without hesitation. Set in a beautifully restored former sugar factory, just steps away from the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, L’Aventure du Sucre immerses you in the great story of Mauritius – one that begins with a simple sugar cane stalk and leads to the birth of a multicultural nation.
The visit is lively, generous and immersive, filled with anecdotes, hands-on experiences, impressive machinery and sensory discoveries. Along the way, guests can enjoy guided tasting sessions featuring 11 unrefined sugars and 15 award-winning rums.

 

Aapravasi Ghat, a powerful site of memory

To explore further the period of British colonisation and the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius – a pivotal chapter also addressed at L’Aventure du Sucre – head to Port Louis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site retraces the arrival of the first indentured workers from India. This defining moment shaped modern Mauritian society and helped create the island’s unique cultural melting pot.

 

Blue Penny Museum, a treasure for the curious

For lovers of great stories and rare objects, this museum is a must. The famous One Penny and Two Pence stamps of 1847 – two legendary pieces that travelled the world – are proudly displayed here. Much like at L’Aventure du Sucre, the visit traces voyages, explorers, exchanges and legends that have shaped the island.

 

Château de Labourdonnais, an elegant historical escape

Located in Mapou, just fifteen minutes from L’Aventure du Sucre, this beautifully restored colonial mansion invites visitors to discover the Mauritian art of living in the 19th century. Authentic furniture and lush gardens offer a vivid glimpse into the daily life of a great sugar estate family. While L’Aventure du Sucre tells the broader story of Mauritius through sugar, the Château reveals the intimate life of one influential family.

 

Ebony Forest, nature in its purest form

After discovering at L’Aventure du Sucre how sugar cane shaped the landscape, head to Chamarel to explore Mauritius’ native forest. Endemic flora and fauna, scenic walks with stunning viewpoints, and a fascinating interpretation centre make this visit a perfect complement to our History & Sugar experience.

 

Jewish Memorial, a place of remembrance and transmission

In Beau-Bassin, near the Saint-Martin Jewish Cemetery, this small memorial recalls the little-known history of Jewish refugees detained in Mauritius by the British during World War II. A sober and moving site that sheds light on a chapter long overlooked.

 

Photography Museum, Mauritius in images

Old maps, portraits, vanished landscapes and everyday scenes are brought together in an intimate setting. It feels like leafing through Mauritius’ family photo album – echoing the many archives and stories showcased at L’Aventure du Sucre.

 

Slavery Museum, an essential narrative

Located in Port Louis, this museum sensitively addresses the history of slavery, a crucial foundation for understanding Mauritius’ development. The visit perfectly complements L’Aventure du Sucre, particularly the sections highlighting the vital contribution of enslaved people to the building of the nation and Mauritian culture.

 

Shell Museum, a charming marine detour

Situated in Bel Ombre, this small museum houses one of the finest shell collections in the Indian Ocean, featuring thousands of specimens with astonishing shapes and colours. After exploring land-based heritage at L’Aventure du Sucre, visitors discover here the richness of marine life.

 

Mahébourg National History Museum, a journey through time

Housed in a charming colonial residence, this museum brings to life naval battles and the history of the southern region. Slightly old-fashioned but sincere and informative, it extends the historical themes explored at L’Aventure du Sucre.

 

Natural History Museum, perfect for a quick visit

In the heart of Port Louis, this small free museum is home to the famous preserved dodo, whose extinction during the Dutch period is discussed at L’Aventure du Sucre. Ideal for understanding Mauritius’ past and present wildlife – a light and enjoyable stop.

 

Odysseo, a deep dive into the Indian Ocean

In Port Louis, vast aquariums showcase fascinating marine species in a fun and family-friendly experience. After exploring at L’Aventure du Sucre the island’s history, landscapes and sugar-related ecosystems, visitors discover another major strength of Mauritius: its rich and colourful underwater world. L’Aventure du Sucre is proud to support marine conservation efforts in Mauritius through its partnership with the Odysseo Foundation.

 

Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth, a spectacular landscape

In Chamarel, this geological wonder captivates visitors with its rippling sands in surprising natural hues. A must-see to appreciate the diversity of Mauritian landscapes. After learning at L’Aventure du Sucre about sugar’s role in shaping the land, this site reveals another side of the island, entirely sculpted by nature.

 

This list is, of course, not exhaustive. Mauritius is full of fascinating places, and we would love for you to share your own discoveries to enrich our future favourites. In the meantime, visit them all – but start with the most delicious one!

 

L’Aventure du Sucre invites you to discover the story of an island shaped by sugar — a vibrant tribute to the people of Mauritius.

Where heritage, culture and culinary discoveries meet, come and explore one of the island’s most iconic attractions!