Port Louis
Aapravasi Ghat, a small complex of buildings located on the seafront, served as the island's main immigration depot for indentured labourers from India…
Must-see attractions in Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles
Réunion
Entirely modernised in 2014, the Maison de la Broderie is home to an association of 30 or so local women dedicated to keeping Cilaos' embroidery tradition…
Rodrigues
Caverne Patate, in the island's southwestern corner, is an impressive cave system with a few stalagmite and stalactite formations. Visit is by guided tour…
Mauritius
The manor house of the Domaine des Aubineaux was built in 1872 in a classic colonial style; in 1889 it was the first residence on the island to be…
The East
If you need to cool off, the Bassin Boeuf waterfall beckons with its enticing natural pools fringed with stone slabs, ideal for picnicking and sunbathing…
Frederik Hendrik Museum & Vieux Grand Port Historic Site
Mauritius
The battered ruins of Fort Frederik Hendrik stand in a park near the church at the northern end of Vieux Grand Port and include the remains of an old…
Bassin La Paix & Bassin La Mer
The East
A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly…
The East
Very few visitors have heard about Îlet Bethléem, a magical spot by the Rivière des Marsouins that locals would like to keep for themselves. Reached after…
Mauritius
In the 1830s the British built five 'Martello' towers – copies of the tower at Mortella Point in Corsica (vowel order was apparently not a priority for…
Port Louis
This small but engaging museum, down a cobbled lane opposite the Municipal Theatre, is the labour of love of local photographer Tristan Bréville. He's…
Mauritius
Rochester Falls are by no means the country's most spectacular falls, but they're worth a detour if you're in the area. Follow the makeshift signs from…
Mauritius
Around 2.5km southeast of central Souillac, a grassy clifftop affords fine views of the black-rock coastline. A path leads down to the wild Gris Gris…
Réunion
Don't miss this ecologically conscious marine and research centre dedicated to sea turtles, about 2km north of St-Leu. It features exhibits, interactive…
Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux's much-photographed church, the red-roofed Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, is worth a quick peek inside for its intricate woodwork and a holy…
The East
A fabulous place to chill out is this aptly named viewpoint, in upcountry Bras-Panon. From Bras-Panon, take the road to St-André, then turn left onto the…
The East
Around 12km southwest of St-Benoît along the road towards Plaine-des-Palmistes is the 3km road to Grand Étang (Big Pond). This pretty picnic spot lies at…
Le Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
Réunion
Inland between Le Baril and St-Philippe, don't miss the 3-hectare garden, Le Jardin des Parfums et des Épices. It contains over 1500 species in a natural…
Port Louis
The city's most imposing boulevard, Place d'Armes is lined with royal palms and leads up to Government House, a beautiful French-colonial structure dating…
Réunion
One of the loveliest of Hell-Bourg's Creole houses is this typical 19th-century bourgeois villa almost engulfed by its densely planted garden. You can…
Morne Seychellois National Park
At the working tea factory, about 3km above Port Glaud, 20-minute tours take you through the tea-making process. It's best to visit before noon, when you…
The East
North of St-Benoît the D53 strikes southwest, following the Rivière des Marsouins 15km upstream to end beside the Takamaka viewpoint. Be prepared to fall…
Réunion
Those who want to understand how the ambrosia called rum starts in the sugar-cane fields and ends on their palates should come to this museum, set on the…
Mauritius
The butter-coloured tower of Notre Dame des Anges dominates the Mahébourg skyline. The original church was built in 1849, but it has been restored several…
Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin
Réunion
Along the Route des Colimaçons, on the slopes north of St-Leu, this attractive garden is in the grounds of a 19th-century Creole mansion and contains an…
Port Louis
This interesting museum beside the Central Post Office houses a mishmash of commemorative stamps and other postal paraphernalia from around the world. One…
Réunion
In 1986 the lava unusually flowed south of Le Grand Brûlé to reach the sea at Pointe de la Table, a headland that lies a few hundred metres north of Puits…
L'Union Estate & Copra Factory
La Digue
At one time, the main industry on La Digue was coconut farming, centred on L'Union Estate coconut plantation south of La Passe. These days L'Union Estate…
La Digue
Easily accessible on the northern outskirts of La Passe, Anse Sévère is a great beach to spend a day on. Set alluringly behind stands of takamaka trees,…
Réunion
Beach lovers should stop at Plage de Grande Anse, which is framed with basaltic cliffs and features a white-sand beach, a protected tide pool and picnic…
The East
The lava flow from a 1977 eruption went through Piton Ste-Rose, split when it came to the church and reformed again on the other side. Many people see the…
Réunion
Housed in the former bishop's palace, built in 1845, this museum hosts Réunion's most important collection of modern art. The more high-profile works may…
Praslin
Curieuse is a breeding centre for giant Aldabra tortoises. The wardens at the giant tortoise farm show visitors around the pens, after which you're free…
Port Louis
Fort Adelaide resembles a Moorish fortress. Built by the British, the fort sits high on the crown of a hill, offering splendid views over the city and its…
Réunion
Appealing to a wider audience than just plant lovers and gardeners, Le Jardin d'Eden, across the main road from L'Hermitage, is definitely worth an hour…
Réunion
The little white chapel of Notre-Dame de la Salette, perched on the side of the hill to the east of town, was built in 1859 as a plea for protection…
Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano
A lovely 1920s Creole building just south of the town centre, Domaine des Tourelles now houses a shop selling local produce and souvenirs. Outside you'll…
The North
Housed in a charmingly restored sugar mill, the Galerie du Moulin Cassé features the vibrant floral scenes of painter Malcolm de Chazal (1902–82) and a…
Réunion
Head to the Marvellous Rock for an eagle-eye panorama of Cilaos. It's accessible on foot or by road. From Cilaos, take the road to Bras-Sec. The turnoff…
Mauritius
Overlooking a small park in the centre of Curepipe, the Hôtel de Ville is one of Mauritius' best surviving structures from its colonial era. Notice the…
Réunion
Not a fan of tan lines? Head due south and lay your towel on Plage de la Souris Chaude, which is a favourite among nudists (only just tolerated) and gay…
