Live Tours are carried out by our hosts, who are outdoors, on location and connected live to you via video call at all times.
- LanguagesEnglish, German, French
- Duration60 Minutes
Let us start walking along the waterfront which is situated next to the only harbour of the island. It is worth noting that as we are a small island isolated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, everything has to start with the harbour which has over the years been extensively modernised to become a hub in this part of the ocean for the shipping lines. The waterfront is where Mauritian families like to spend time on the hot summer days. They casually stroll along the jetties, do some window shopping, spend time watching the ships and yachts moored at the harbour or marina or just meet up with friends and sit at the numerous cafés and restaurants.
Just across the street, opposite the Central Post Office dating back to 1772 when the French set up the local postal service, we will enter the famous Central Market through its wrought iron gates built in 1844 and bearing the initials VR after Queen Victoria. The noise of the sellers shouting to promote their produce and the smell of herbs, exotic spices, fresh fruits and vegetables strike you as soon as you enter. People are running around, talking loudly to each other, trying to sell their produce, inviting you to their stalls. Walking through the market is just like walking through the living mix of different cultures and culinary experience that make up the cosmopolitan population of Mauritius.
A few steps away, we get to the Place D’Armes which is an avenue bordered by royal palms leading up to the Government House. It is one of the oldest buildings on the island. This imposing building whose construction works started back in 1729 originally served as the residence for the various French governors before being over the years converted into government offices and now our parliament.
Walking away from the Government House, the quiet colonial era cobble-stoned alleys contrast sharply with the modern high rise buildings and are a stunning reminder of the colonial past of the island. One easily feels that the French and afterwards the English left their different prints, architecture, habits and cultures behind and the modern side of Mauritius is undeniably a reminder of the economic success of the island.
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Hosted By Alain
Hello... I am Alain, I am from the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean where I am born and where I grew up. I have been working for many years at different levels in the local tourism industry. The reason is that I always loved the contact with foreigners and working in hotels gave me the possibility and the time to share my experience as an islander as well as my in-depth knowledge of the local nature with our guests, I eventually decided that the next logical step would be to be on the frontline and work as guide. I have been working as outdoor guide for so many years by now and the love of nature and the freedom of being outdoors have over the years brought me to nearly every corners of this beautiful island. I took the time to explore the towns and villages, the lagoons and hidden beaches, mountains and valleys, rivers and waterfalls. I have also always been curious to know more about the different cultures living here. Mauritius has so much more to offer than just the postcards clichés of beaches, turquoise lagoons and tropical sunsets. One just needs to get off the beaten tracks, see behind the curtains and be curious. The people of different cultures, the local customs, the mixture of the different cuisines, the print left behind by the past colonies have all contributed to shape Mauritius as a rainbow nation where people of different cultures coexist. This is what I would now love to show you...
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