Port Louis is the idyllic capital of Mauritius, the dreamy island state in the Indian Ocean in East Africa. Famous for its verdant parks and lush vegetation, sandy beaches and turquoise water, Mauritius has been one of the most popular destinations for unwinding for travelers from around the world. Take advantage of the best prices offered by Air France to travel to Port Louis for your perfect stay in the seaside city. Simply search for Flight Port Louis using our search engine and choose the best dates for your flight to the coastal city.
Are you excited to learn more about the beautiful Mauritian capital? Do you need any suggestions for what to do, see and eat during your stay in Port Louis?
The Perfect Climate for Your Getaway
The climate of Mauritius is simply perfect. The island is located in a dry tropical climate zone where temperatures rarely falls below 27 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The hottest months are November through March, when temperatures rise up to 35 degrees Celsius. Between December and April, is also the wettest time of the year.
Why Port Louis?
Port Louis is one of the choicest holiday destinations. Unsurprisingly so - located on the shore of the Indian ocean, the capital of Mauritius is a perfect getaway. Remote and peaceful, Port Louis has the perfect climate, delicious cuisine, rich in seafood, stunning ocean views and sandy beaches. Tea and rum plantations are never too far away, and there are multiple opportunities for swimming, diving and snorkeling. With its many luxurious hotels, quiet streets, lush parks and gardens, and long sandy beaches, Port Louis is just the perfect vacation destination.
Discovering the Rich Culture of Port Louis
Once you are done with swimming, diving and snorkeling in the blue waters of the Indian ocean, discover the rich cultural heritage of Port Louis and Mauritius. The culture of the island was shaped by waves of colonization and migration. Here, make sure to enjoy the eclectic cuisine, rich in seafood and shaped by Indian, Creole, European and Chinese culinary traditions. While visiting Port Louis, plan a trip outside the city to visit one of the islands lush tea and rum plantations. Located on volcanic soil, the island is hilly and is replete with hiking trails that take you up into verdant hilltops.
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Symbolic and Spectacular Festivals
The Spring Festival and Chinese New Year take place in January and February. These celebrations feature colorful parades and dragon dances in the streets. Tamil and Hindu festivals are also held during this period. Hindu festivals are celebrated in August in Mauritius. Devotees create statues of deities, which they carry in processions to rivers or the sea to immerse them before sunset. Divali, the festival of lights and renewal, takes place in November. Devotees traditionally light up their homes and purify themselves through bathing and offerings to invite prosperity and abundance throughout the year.
A Mosaic of Religions
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism coexist peacefully on the island. You can visit mosques (such as Al-Aqsa and Jummah Mosque), churches, and temples. Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval is honored every year in September. On this day, Catholics and Mauritians of other faiths gather at Father Laval’s tomb, known as the Apostle of the Black people.
Music and Dance
A hallmark of traditional Mauritian folklore, sega is both a dance and a music style of African origin, brought to the island by enslaved people. It is characterized by its fast-paced and lively rhythm.
TIK TIKé (Laura Beg) - Sega Belly Dance Fusion - Fleur Estelle Dance Company
Things to Do and See
Whether you’re looking for a chilled luxury break, want to explore picturesque landscapes and natural wonders or simply plan to sit back and relax on sun-soaked beaches, Mauritius offers options for every itinerary. Head east to unwind in the lagoons of Île aux Cerfs. Or make your way to the tranquil paradise of Flic-en-Flac, soaking and snorkelling in clear blue waters, before stopping off at Le Morne Beach - it’s framed by Le Morne Brabant mountain range and offers some of the best kite surfing in the world. On the southern tip of the island, Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and island.
Many of the notable attractions, like Black River Gorges National Park, Ganga Talao and Flic-en-Flac are free to visit. In fact, for nature lovers, state parks and national parks typically offer affordable entry fees and opportunities for hiking. Explore the island's beautiful beaches, like Le Morne Beach and Grand Baie, which are both free to access.
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The "Caudan and Port Louis Waterfront" features numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, cinemas, duty-free shops, and craft boutiques. There is also a casino on-site.
Practical Information and Tips
Best Time to Visit
Use our low fare finder to discover the cheapest time to visit Mauritius. While you can enjoy Mauritius’ blissful scenery, food and culture any time of year, you’ll find it's cool, dry and sunny between May and November.
Getting Around
Once you touch down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, you’re only a 25-minute drive from Mauritius’ centre, and taxis can easily be found outside the airport terminal. You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what the island has to offer.
Flights and Baggage
You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg - in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders don’t require a visa to visit Mauritus.
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Safety and Legal Considerations
- No visa is required. Visitors with HIV/AIDS seeking residency or work permits face restrictions.
- Special Note: Overseas departments and territories of France (e.g., French Reunion) are not included in the Schengen Agreement.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Most criminal activity directed against foreigners is non-violent.
- Non-violent crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts, occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, including areas that cater to the robust tourist industry, and have occurred near ATMs.
- Tourists should be alert for petty scams by street vendors and inflated “tourist prices” in markets.
- Women walking by themselves may be at greater risk for verbal harassment and criminal targeting.
- You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.
- Nudism is not permitted.
Driving Information
Most roads are narrow and uneven, lack guardrails, and are bordered by deep ditches. A driver’s license is required. Drive on the left side of the road. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets. Babies and toddlers must be placed in child seats. It is illegal to use your phone and drive.
Additional Tips
- Cellular phones are widely used on the main islands, though there are coverage gaps in some remote areas.
- The Mauritian Rupee (MUR) is the official currency. U.S. dollars and euros are also accepted at major tourist hotels or shops. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations, and malls, but only dispense Mauritian Rupees.
- Access to transportation, lodging, and public buildings is limited for travelers who require accessibility assistance.
- Medicare does not apply overseas. Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
Book Your Trip
Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly.
