This time you will travel to the heart of history! Located in Mapou in the north of the island and only a few kilometres from Grand Baie and 20 minutes from Port-Louis, you can't miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Labourdonnais estate during your stay in Mauritius. The cultural heritage of this residence blends with the gastronomy and Mauritian cultures for a delicious visit rich in lessons. With family or friends, the estate offers an escape into the colonial history of the island as well as a discovery of the orchards and Mauritian know-how.
This private estate dating from 1776 was founded by the Wiehe family and still belongs to the Wiehe family, whose descendants lived in the house until recently. The 540-hectare estate, which was privately owned for a long time, has recently opened its doors to the public to share its history. The Château de Labourdonnais was built in 1856 in the style typical of 19th century colonial houses. It can be visited almost entirely and is fully furnished with luxurious antique furniture and thus offers a tour of the living rooms such as the lounges or dining rooms which reproduce the atmosphere and lifestyle of the 19th century colonies. The château was renovated between 2006 and 2010 and offers visitors the opportunity to watch a short film of great quality on the work and renovation of the château where renowned French museologists and scenographers have worked. In addition, you will have the opportunity to discover the museum which retraces the history of the estate and colonial life in Mauritius.
At the same time, the castle is surrounded by sugar cane fields where many people have worked on the estate's history. In addition, since 1959 the estate has had orchards full of tropical fruits such as numerous varieties of papaya, mangoes and citrus fruits. The activity having gradually diversified from the production of sugar cane, we also find agriculture and vegetables with the creation of a nursery. Since 2000, the estate has also had a vanilla plantation where the cultivation of vanilla is a typical activity in Mauritius and represents an intense activity. You will also have the choice to visit the estate on foot by walking in the alleys and the various magnificent gardens where you can choose to make the visit on board the Labourdonnais express, a small train which criss-crosses the estate and passes all the places not to be missed such as the old park where you can observe giant turtles.
Thanks to its many cultures, the Labourdonnais estate has developed many activities in the manufacture of craft products. Whether through the estate's distillery, which offers a wide range of rums, 10 of which have received international medals, or through its grocery store, the estate will satisfy your taste buds. Indeed, since 2007 a small factory has been created where 50 employees work to make homemade products according to family recipes. We can find fruit juices, jams, fruit pastes, sorbets and ice creams that are now available in many Island supermarkets. In addition, the estate's small factory supplies the majority of the surrounding hotels. The entrance ticket to the estate will also give you the opportunity to taste the specialities of the estate including rum, fruit juices and fruit pastes. If you wish to continue the culinary experience, the restaurant La Table du Chateau will welcome you to discover the Mauritian gastronomy where a refined and generous cuisine is proposed. If you only wish to bring back some local products as a souvenir or to have a snack, you will find your happiness in La Corbeille, the grocery store of the estate or Mauritian delicacies such as toffees, coconut cakes or Neapolitans.
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