Mahebourg: all about the historic town of Mauritius

Mahebourg is not just a coastal town in the southeast of Mauritius, but a witness of the colonial era that has preserved in its streets and architecture the traces of three great empires: Dutch, French and British. The town served as the first capital of the island and is still considered one of the most authentic on the island.

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History of Mahebourg

The history of Mahebourg began long before its official foundation. In 1598, the southeastern coast became the landing place of the first inhabitants of the island - the Dutch. It was here, in the area of Old Grand Port, that they founded their settlement.

With the arrival of the French in 1715, the development of the region accelerated. The town was officially founded in 1805 and named in honor of one of the most outstanding French rulers of the island - Bertrand-Francois Mahe de Labourdonnais.

Mahebourg entered world military history in August 1810. It was in its waters that the Battle of Grand Port took place - Napoleon's only naval victory over the British fleet, immortalized on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However, the triumph was short-lived: after a short time, the British seized power in the region, and Mahebourg gradually turned into a quiet, but charming trade and fishing center.

Today, Mahebourg is the historical mecca of Mauritius, and the town is conveniently located near the airport, so it is worth setting aside a few hours for it.

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What to see in Mahebourg and surroundings

Mahebourg is a kind of open-air museum. Here, ancient architecture reminds of the colonial past, memorials remind of naval battles, and the colors of the market remind of what modern Mauritius lives by.

National History Museum

Located in an 18th century colonial mansion. The National History Museum keeps relics of the past. Among the exhibits are the skeleton of the extinct dodo bird and turtle bones, old maps, weapons, coins and objects raised from sunken ships, for example, the bell from the legendary ship Le Saint Geran, mentioned in the famous work "Paul and Virginia".

By the way, the historic museum building was used as a field hospital during the battle of 1810.

आशीष भटनागर, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mahebourg waterfront

A pleasant place for walks with panoramic views. Wooden fishermen's boats sway at the pier, emphasizing the town's loyalty to its maritime roots. A monument in honor of those who fell in the Battle of Grand Port is installed on the Mahebourg waterfront. Nearby spreads the local market, where you can not only buy fresh vegetables, but also try traditional street food.

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Pointe Canon

The historical monument Pointe Canon is dedicated to the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, a symbol of resilience and the struggle for freedom.

Rault biscuit factory

Biscuiterie H. Rault is a family enterprise founded in 1870. It is one of the few factories in the world where gluten-free cassava biscuits are still produced according to a technology that has not changed for more than 155 years. The factory has survived many trials, from land loss to destructive cyclones, but managed to preserve its uniqueness. Today it is open to visitors: guided tours and tastings of the famous biscuits are held here.

Biscuiterie H. Rault

Blue Bay Marine Park

Not far from Mahebourg stretches Blue Bay Marine Park with a magnificent lagoon, the color of which absolutely justifies the name of the place. The water here shimmers in various shades of blue, from pale turquoise to deep ultramarine, and beneath its surface hide more than 50 different species of corals.

The main way to explore the location is a glass-bottom boat trip. Through the transparent panels you will see the famous "coral jungles", located at a depth of only 5-6 meters. The boat makes stops at the most picturesque points, where you can snorkel surrounded by hundreds of bright fish. The price of such an excursion is about 18 euros.

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Ile aux Aigrettes

By visiting the coral islet Ile aux Aigrettes, which is protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, you will discover plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world except Mauritius. Some of them were under threat of extinction for many years.

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Where to stay in Mahebourg

The choice of location for accommodation in this part of the island depends on preferences: historical atmosphere or beach holiday. In Mahebourg itself, authentic guest houses prevail, located within walking distance of museums, the market and the waterfront, which is more suitable for lovers of evening walks and immersion in the local flavor. As an alternative, you can consider the Blue Bay area, located just a few kilometers away. Villas and resorts focused on beach holidays and snorkeling are concentrated here.

Several accommodation options worth paying attention to when planning a trip:

• Le Jardin de Beau Vallon (Mahebourg) - a guest house located about 25 minutes' walk from the market. Guests are offered air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool and a restaurant. Wi-Fi is provided throughout the territory.
• CHILLpill Bed & Breakfast (Mahebourg). A cozy guest house offers bed and breakfast accommodation, an infinity pool with a sun terrace, as well as barbecue facilities.
• Le Clos des Bains Mauritius (Blue Bay). A hotel 50 meters from the lagoon, offers 10 adult-only rooms, a restaurant, rooftop bar, swimming pool, massage services, as well as help in organizing excursions and entertainment activities.
• Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Trésor by IHG (Blue Bay). Located a few minutes' drive from the airport. The hotel offers 140 standard rooms and suites, a restaurant with international cuisine, a bar, swimming pool, spa center, free access to the 3-star boutique hotel Astroea Beach, as well as a free transfer from the hotel to the airport and back.
• Constance Le Chaland IKO Mauritius (Blue Bay) - a calm resort on the secluded shore of Le Chaland beach. Comfortable rooms and villas with private pools are available to travelers, as well as 3 signature restaurants and 5 bars, and a spa center with a wide range of treatments.
• Shandrani Beachcomber. A large all inclusive resort, next to Blue Bay. Guests have access to spacious rooms and family apartments, 6 restaurants and several bars, a wide choice of water sports and a spa center. Close location to Mahebourg and the airport.

Shandrani Beachcomber

Mahebourg gives an idea of Mauritius not only in the context of a tropical oasis. Here you can feel all the multifaceted nature and historical heritage of the island.