DOMAINE DE LABOURDONNAIS

In the verdant north of Mauritius, halfway between heritage and modernity, Domaine de Labourdonnais is the perfect embodiment of the Mauritian art of living. A true jewel, it is as much a place to visit as it is to savour, seducing the curious as well as epicureans in search of authenticity.

The beating heart of the estate, Château de Labourdonnais stands proudly at the end of a majestic avenue of old trees. Built in the ^19th century and restored with meticulous care, the Château offers an immersive immersion in the island's sugar-making past. Parquet floors, period furniture, fine crockery, woody aromas and subdued lighting... The visit is a sensory journey, punctuated by family stories and historical anecdotes. A few steps from the big house, an underground museum reveals the site's hidden secrets.

Beyond its château, Le Domaine de Labourdonnais is also a celebration of the senses, where local flavors come to life. Rhum agricole, rhums arrangés, tropical jams, fresh fruit juices, exotic fruit jellies: everything is produced on site. Guided tastings, sometimes blind tastings, fun workshops and production demonstrations enhance the experience.

As for relaxation, the vast landscaped park is home to a variety of wildlife, with an animal park that delights young and old alike. It's the ideal place for a family outing. Shopaholics are not left out with the Quartier des Serres, an atypical shopping and office space created in a former anthurium greenhouse. Here you'll discover refined Mauritian brands such as By Agathe Besse (handmade jewelry, clutches and other accessories...), Oceano Pearls (jewelry combining gold or silver with baroque, ocean or freshwater pearls), Hélios (sunglasses made from eco-friendly materials) and Alicia Swim (an eco-committed brand of top-of-the-range swimwear), as well as "Coup de Cœur, Produit Local" at La Corbeille, the Domaine's delicatessen, and tropical plants at Pépinière de Labourdonnais. Finally, to complete the visit, La Boutique du Château offers a fine selection of souvenirs of this unique stopover.

As for gourmets, they can stop off at La Table du Château, a renowned gastronomic address that revisits local flavours with elegance and creativity. Lovers of local cuisine will be delighted at TiMoris, nestled in La Place du Manguier: a gourmet stopover with a typically Mauritian accent. For a more relaxed break, head for La Terrasse or the Clubhouse at Labourdonnais Sports Club. The latter also offers a wide range of sports and wellness facilities, from tennis and pilates to a fitness room and a holistic medical and paramedical center.

The Domaine de Labourdonnais is a lively venue for a variety of events: craft markets, concerts, festivals, weddings, conferences... All year round, it becomes a cultural stage, a crossroads for exchanges and celebrations. Surrounded by schools, offices and natural spaces, it is a place where professionals, travelers and families come together on a daily basis.

Both local and trendy, it's a destination to be experienced. Whether you come to discover a piece of Mauritian history, stroll through the gardens, savour exceptional products or celebrate precious moments, the experience is always singular, authentic and memorable.