Historic Mauritius: 3 Emblematic Residences of French Colonization

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Historic Mauritius: 3 emblematic residences of French colonization

While the history of Mauritius is fairly recent, it is nevertheless dense and fascinating. To follow the architectural traces of its occupants of the last centuries is to immerse yourself in an astonishing mix between European influences and exotic decorations. A fascinating dive into three historic French-inspired buildings and jewels of Mauritian colonial heritage, under the sign of authenticity.

The Domaine de Labourdonnais

The Domaine de Labourdonnais is located in the north of the island, about fifteen minutes by car from Mythic Suites & Villas. Built in 1856, the Castle was the residence of a Mauritian family for over 150 years, before being transformed into a place to visit. This magnificent colonial building, which has a beauty and a historical cachet, was the origin of a reflection on its cultural and historical highlight, as well as the valorization of its magnificent Estate. In 2006, a renowned French museologist and scenographer made it possible to position the Castle as an essential cultural and heritage site in Mauritius.

At the end of a superb alley, visitors discover this magnificent building where history, nature, gastronomy and Mauritian know-how meet. The grand mansion is a historical monument and since its conversion into a museum, it has been inviting visitors to discover the 19th century Mauritian way of life.

The splendid floor, the excellent state of conservation, the beauty of the period furniture, the magnificent paintings, the beautiful volumes, and the huge circular veranda, everything in this visit allows you to better immerse yourself in the Mauritian way of life.

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An agricultural estate full of colors and flavors

The field has diversified towards increased agricultural activity in the production of tropical fruits and vegetables. The orchards date back to 1975, and cover an area of 45 hectares that produce passion fruits, guavas, papayas, citrus fruits and mangoes. These fruits are sold in their own grocery store “La Corbeille”, to local customers, to supermarkets and to their processing plant “Les Vergers de Labourdonnais”. This factory produces a variety of jams, juices, candies and fruit pastes. There is also a nursery that offers a wide variety of fruit trees and decorative plants for sale. The excursion by small train in the gardens and ancient orchards of the Domaine allows you to discover endemic plants, the numerous spice trees, exotic fruit trees and a wide variety of century-old mango trees. At the end of the park, placid giant tortoises enchant children.

After the excursion, go eat at La Table du Château, a contemporary and refined restaurant in the heart of the estate that offers a gastronomic and creative menu that enhances the fruits and vegetables of the estate. On the splendid “La Terrasse” of the café, treat yourself to a snack or a fine selection of traditional Mauritian and international dishes (breakfast, lunch or tea in the afternoon). Finally, finish the visit by the shop to bring back local specialties as souvenirs.

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The Eureka Creole House

Located in the center of Mauritius in Moka, this old house from 1830 is characteristic of the colonial period and a nostalgic dive into the Mauritian lifestyle.

Few colonial houses have withstood the ravages of time and cyclones. Designed in wood, their maintenance is particularly expensive for their owners, who had the excellent idea of transforming them into a museum and giving the unique opportunity to discover an ancestral way of life.

The Eureka House, nestled in the heart of a lush garden, has retained all its authenticity and charm of yesteryear. Against the background of the Pouce mountain and a river and benefiting from the extraordinary green climate of the center of Mauritius, the Creole House can be visited with a guide. Do not miss to meet its colorful owner, Jacques de Maroussem, and his beautiful face.

Perfectly renovated, Eureka allows you to discover the traditional habitat of the time of the colonies, with splendid solid wood furniture and precious collector's items. On the menu of the visit: the music room, the Chinese corner, the large living room dedicated to Paul and Virginie, the bedroom, the four-poster beds, the gramophone, the chandeliers, the Kashmiri carpets as well as numerous paintings, photographs and ancient manuscripts and Japanese porcelain.

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The pleasures of the mouth after the feast of the eyes

Euréka, from Escale Créole, welcomes visitors to its guest rooms. If you are only passing through, do not miss its restaurant renowned for its excellent Creole cuisine prepared according to traditional recipes, including fruits and vegetables from its organic garden.

Among the nice culinary surprises: smoked marlin as a starter, beef curry served with giraumon fricassee, pistachio rougaille and coconut chutney. After the tasting, take a digestive stroll among endemic plants on the kilometers of hiking trails and enjoy the freshness of the various waterfalls.

At the gift shop, you will find scented candles, local tea, tea, spices, exotic jewelry, jams, books and accessories.

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The castle of Villeague

Much more confidential and much less known, the oldest colonial house in Mauritius keeps its promises of architectural and heritage discovery of Mauritius. Located in the tiny village of Grande-Rosalie in the north-east of Mauritius and therefore very close to Mythic Suites & Villas, the castle built in 1740 takes us back to the time of the great sugar owners. Mahé de Labourdonnais, to whom we owe the development of colonial Mauritius, owned this magnificent and imposing residence which later belonged to René Magon de La Villeague (1722-1778), former governor of Île de France and Île Bourbon (1722-1778), former governor of Île de France and Île Bourbon.

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A very ancient architectural heritage

A huge bronze deer welcomes visitors at the entrance of this more modestly sized house. The Château de Villeague reflects the French colonial architectural style, with its white walls and gray shingle roof. The castle is built on the site of the first sugar exploitation in Mauritius. Its gardens are home to a unique and rare fauna that testifies to the botanical diversity of Mauritius. The discovery and visit of the castle can only be carried out on request from the terra group, owner of the castle.

Majestic, exuberant and generous or confidential: follow in the footsteps of three magnificent colonial homes with old-fashioned charm and frozen time to immerse yourself in a historical universe that is the pride of Mauritius.

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