Your traveler’s guide for Mauritius

Mauritius is undeniably one of those destinations that make always dream. Only eleven hours flight from France, it plunges travelers into an idyllic setting.

Mauritius, or “Moris” in Creole, paradise island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, in the heart of the Mascareignes archipelago was discovered in 1513 by a Portuguese navigator Pedro de Mascarenhas. The French and the British then colonized these islands.

68% of the population is of Indian origin: Bhojpouris, Tamils, Hindis, Urdu, Telougous … 27% are Creole, French-Mauritian or Rodrigues. Add to that 3% of Chinese and 2% of Europeans.

The official language is English, but the Mauritian speak both English and French, and will speak more easily in Creole, very close to French.

By choosing to rent a villa rather than going to the hotel, you can better enjoy the landscapes and activities that Mauritius offers. Take the time to visit the interior of the island.

We’ve put together a list of the best activities (some child-friendly) to do during your stay :

Water activities: The Kite Surf (there are several clubs and several places on the island to practice it), Visit of small islands by catamaran or fast boat (Flat Island, Islet Gabriel, Aigrettes Island, Ile aux Cerfs, Iles des 2 cocos) or by plane to Rodrigues, Meet the dolphins in Black River, water skiing, day kayaking,Walking into sea, scuba diving, Stand-up paddle, Fly n ‘Dive, Cruise pirate ship, Discover whales, or just snorkeling.

Natural Spaces, Parks and Domains: The Vanilla Park (reptile park: giant turtles, crocodiles, lizards of all kinds, snakes, etc.), Casela (Zoo and amusement park), the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, Le domaine de l’Etoile, the ebony forest, the 7 waterfalls, without forgetting the lands of 7 colors and its waterfall in Chamarel. If you like hiking, you can discover the Morne Brabant, the Pouce, or Peter Both or the Black River Gorges.

Land and air activities: the Golf of course (10 courses 18 holes on the island), Buggy & Quad Biking, horse riding (horseback riding), parachute jumping, parasailing, electrobike, bike ride, flight over Mauritius (plane or helicopter), horse racing, Mauritius Glass Gallery, aquarium of Mauritius, and much more.

Cultural side: The melting pot of Mauritius will allow you to discover monuments and sites of different origins and religions. Ganga Talao at Grand Bassin (Hindu temple), Notre Dame Auxiliatrice (Church overlooking the beach of Cap Malheureux), Jummah Mosque, Aapravasi Ghat (World Heritage Site), the Domain of Labourdonnais (colonial house completely renovated  few years ago), The Eureka House, Saint Aubin, L’aventure du sucre, etc.

For sure, you will not get bored in Mauritius!