The beating heart of Mauritius is Port Louis, its capital city. Port Louis is located in the west Indian Ocean and is the capital and main port of the island of Mauritius. Against a mountainous backdrop, it blends modernity with tradition and is home to a mix of cultures, featuring many influences from India, Africa, Europe, China, and the Middle East.
Combining a rich array of cultures, languages and influences, Port Louis is a truly fascinating place to sit and watch the world go by. As the most populous cultural, commercial and economic hub in Mauritius, Port Louis is a stark contrast to the white sandy beaches that encircle the island - its streets are bustling, loud and always lovably chaotic. Like the rest of Mauritius, the people are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Whether you're in town for business or an extended stay, its fine selection of hotels will delight you, while its local sights and natural beauty will take your breath away.
Skyline of Port Louis, Mauritius
A City of Contrasts: History Meets Modernity
Port Louis was founded about 1736 by the French as a calling place for ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) on the passage between Asia and Europe. You're Going to Love Port Louis Located in the west Indian Ocean, Port Louis is the capital and main port of the island of Mauritius.
Read also: Unforgettable Egypt Trip: Where to Stay
The city is dominated by an old fortress, the Citadel (1838), built on a hill almost in the center. A small racecourse is located on the eastern side. Port Louis possesses Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals, a natural history museum and an art gallery, several libraries, educational institutions, publishers, and research institutes, government offices, and the colonial-era Government House.
In the late 1990s there was considerable development in Port Louis, including the addition of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and lodging in the city’s Caudan Waterfront area. Nearby is Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration depot used from 1849 to the mid-1920s and the site where the modern indentured labour system was begun by the British government in 1834; it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006.
The University of Mauritius (1965) and the Sugar Industry Research Institute (1953) are at Réduit, just south of Port Louis.
Delving into History and Culture
On your jaunts and strolls through the town you are likely to come across some of the town’s fascinating and well preserved French colonial buildings. Take a look at the Government House, built in 1738, to get a unique insight into the island’s past that cannot be found on the busy, albeit beautiful, beaches.
Delve even deeper into the history of Mauritius by visiting the shrine of French Catholic priest and missionary Père Jacques Désiré Laval - who apparently converted 67,000 people to the Christian faith during 23 years in Mauritius. Today, he is a popular figure for Mauritians of a number of different religions, and miracles have been attributed to visits to his grave.
Read also: Population Growth in African Capitals
The Blue Penny Museum is a popular attraction. It houses and celebrates two of the rarest stamps in the world; the red one-penny and blue two-penny stamps of 1847. You will also find artefacts documenting the history of Mauritius’s exploration and settlement, giving you a unique opportunity to contrast the Port Louis of today and yesterday.
Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration depot in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. There an estimated 500,000 indentured laborers from the Indian subcontinent entered Mauritius from 1849, when the depot was built, through the 1920s. Many of the laborers remained in Mauritius, though some were sent to other colonies within the British Empire, whose administrators were responsible for the migration of these ostensibly “free” workers. Aapravasi Ghat is today a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Exploring the City's Charms
As you walk through Port Louis, you can discover old buildings disseminated everywhere in the middle of modern buildings. The rue Saint Georges is a beautiful emblem of this mixture of old and modern. Follow the little streets, along the canals, you can be sure to come across a jewel of the patrimony.
In the heart of Port-louis, the Garden of the Company which formerly belonged to the Compagnie des Indes is a haven of greenery and shade in the heat of the capital. Popular place in Port-louis, the garden offers benches located under the immense banyan trees. Enjoy a cool break while discovering the many statues of members of former governments of the island during the colonization. You will see a slice of the life of Port Louis. Crossing the garden you will discover the account of travelers who have crossed the Indian Ocean including Marco Polo.
It is impossible to walk through the streets of Port louis without going through the Central Market. The entrance is an explosion. Explosion of sounds, with the merchants shouting louder than the others to attract customers, but also, explosion of colors and scents. On all the estates are local vegetables of all shapes and colors. The scarlet reds are followed by irradiating greens interspersed with oranges and yellow.
Read also: Chad Johnson: Current Activities
On the Royal road, as you see two pagodas above the road, you are in china town. Besides, even without the pagodas, you can not go wrong. The Chinese shops are aligned on each side of the road, with a number of heteroclite products crammed into the windows. The labels as the name of the storefronts are in Chinese characters. The small stalls stick to each other sell all the same things. You can find in the same shop, spare parts of second hand, Chinese engravings, clothes and books. Heat, dust and strong smells of spices or Asian cuisine take you to the heart of China.
Chinatown in Port Louis
The Champ de Mars is another site to visit, especially during the saloon of horse races (from March to December). Horse races are organized during the weekend. The crowd gathered in the center of the racetrack feasts hot badjas, while following with passion the races that follow the whole day (Saturday and sometimes on Sunday as well) The atmosphere is hot!
To appreciate the visit of the Aapravasi Ghat, you must understand what “engagism” is. After the abolition of slavery, it was necessary to find another system for bringing in labor. By raising it, you can imagine what the workers who touched the land finally felt. The rest of the building shows the conditions in which they had to wait until the end of their quarantine, sanitary, housing, hospital.
To finish in a smooth way, the Caudan waterfront is ideal. Certainly, the Caudan is at Port Louis, but without being in Port Louis. Once the tunnel passes, the traffic noise fades. The bustle of the streets disappears, the heat is also less, a slight wind passes over the sea and sweeps the Caudan waterfront.
Top Reasons to Visit Port Louis
Here are some of the top reasons to visit Port Louis:
- The Beach: In between Pointe aux Piments and Mont Choisy lies a public beach right beside one of the major hotels: the Trou-aux-Biches Village. This stunning stretch of blue water is bordered by white sands and filao trees, while the accommodation itself is truly a luxury experience.
- Water Sports: Mauritius will make you fall in love with activities such as parasailing. Catch a bird's-eye view of the lagoons and lose yourself (figuratively speaking) atop the vast and magnificent turquoise waters.
- Cocktails and Nightlife: A sophisticated bar and nightlife scene has been developing here in recent years. World-class microbreweries such as Lambic and Flying Dodo Brewing Company are fast garnering an international reputation, while hotspots such as Karma Lounge or Le Suffren Hotel & Marina are abuzz on the weekend. The city's iconic Le Caudan Waterfront also boasts numerous watering holes.
- So Many Museums: From the acclaimed Natural History Museum & Mauritius Institute and the amassed treasure trove of old cameras and prints at the Mauritius Photography Museum to the Mauritius Postal Museum, which houses a mishmash of commemorative stamps and other postal paraphernalia from around the world, there is no shortage of fascinating historical perspectives to occupy history buffs in Port Louis.
- Bask in the Tropical Climate: Port Louis enjoys some of the nicest weather in the world. Its tropical maritime climate ensures sunny weather across the year, with very minor temperature variations (the mercury usually sits between 65 and 80 degrees). A constant sea breeze blows across the island, experienced mainly along the eastern coast. This helps keep the climate refreshingly cool.
Caudan Waterfront
Navigating Port Louis
Travelers typically arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, roughly an hour’s drive from Port Louis. While there are no domestic flights within Mauritius, the airport connects the island to major international hubs. Taxis, private shuttles, and car rentals are readily available for transfers into the city.
Renting a car gives visitors the freedom to explore beyond Port Louis on generally well-maintained roads. Just remember that traffic in the capital can be heavy during peak hours. Driving is on the left side of the road, so keep that in mind as well. Buses are the most common and affordable way to travel around Port Louis and connect to other parts of Mauritius. The routes are frequent, but travel times can be slow due to traffic. The new Metro Express light rail can be a faster and more comfortable option for moving between Port Louis and nearby towns.
Walking is the best way to soak up the city’s energy, especially in the more compact downtown. Stroll through the busy Central Market, waterfront promenade, and cultural landmarks. Sidewalks are generally safe, though crossing busy streets requires caution.
Essential Information for Visitors
Climate: Port Louis has a tropical climate, modified by trade winds from the southeast, with the central plateau being cooler than on the coast. Mauritius has only two seasons, winter and summer. It is warm and dry during winter (May to November) and hot, wet, and humid during summer (November to May). Temperatures don't vary that much between the two seasons of the year.
Transportation: The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is at Port de Plaisance and is the major gateway for travelers coming from abroad. Buses will run you into town. The trip takes about 70 minutes and costs MUR30. If you wish to take a taxi, expect to pay around MUR1,300.
Accommodation: Le Suffren Hotel & Marina features a comfortable setting and is a free water-taxi ride away from Le Caudan Waterfront. If you're looking for 5-star luxury, you'll enjoy Le Labourdonnais Waterfront Business Hotel, with stunning views and a wellness center. If you're watching your budget, try the Cocotiers Seaside Boutik Hotel, a basic beach-side option with great food. Staying in the city center will mean easy access to sights and shopping.
Getting Around: Traffic can be congested during business hours. If you're staying in the center, you can easily reach most destinations on foot. In the evening, expect to pay between MUR100-150 for short trips. Vehicles can be rented from companies such as ABC Car Rental and Endeavour Car Rental with prices starting at MUR1,500.
Shopping: The Caudan Waterfront provides a central shopping district with fashion, local crafts, and live entertainment. The marina is a must-visit shopping destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in addition to specialty shops selling unique local goods. As a tourist, be sure to take advantage of tax-free shopping.
Food: Eating in Port Louis can be an amazing culinary experience. Expect to pay around MUR1,100 or less for an excellent meal.
A Glimpse into Mauritian Culture
Mauritian culture is a blend of Asian, African, European, and Indian influences. The cuisine reflects the island’s cultural variation, with blends of African, Indian and European food being common. Public dances are common among the Afro-Mauritian population, including the Sega, a type of ritual dance based on African musical styles and patterns. Football (soccer) and tennis are among the most popular sports on the island and are often played in public venues.
As Port Louis is located near a number of popular beaches, ocean activities such as boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing are also common recreational activities for many Mauritians.
a Day in Port Louis, MAURITIUS // travel vlog
Port Louis City
Popular articles:
tags: #Mauritius
