Ah! Passion when you got us! Thus of Eric Le Court de Billot, this tireless collector of shells (or conchyophile for the scientists) who, for decades travelled the four corners of the globe to find conches, nautilus, cones and other molluscs with more or less strange and/or spectacular shapes. Half of his personal collection is exhibited in a gallery located in the partially renovated ruins of a former sugar factory in the south of Mauritius, in Bel Ombre. To date, it is believed to be the largest collection in Africa dedicated to this "object from the world of nature and culture that captivates adults and children alike", comprising 8,000 specimens of more than 1,500 species and 80 families. Since one can observe rare shells and learn about their lifestyles, their defence systems, the mystery of their shapes and colours, etc., one will cross the threshold of this atypical place to be moved and amazed at what nature can shape, model, chisel. The museum's scenography lends itself all the more to this as the display cases benefit from lighting reproducing daylight so as not to distort the colours of the different specimens. The visit is organized in thematic spaces which, through interactive experiences, question us on the myths and legends linked to the symbol of the shell, on the perfect logarithmic shape of the spiral etc. In the mini-laboratory, children become mini researchers through scientific-play activities. The circuit ends with a small shop offering a variety of souvenirs, jewellery and decorative objects around the shells.
To discover: World of Seashells
