LABOURDONNAIS CASTLE
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Old orchards and a superbly staged neoclassical mansion, offering an insight into the art of living
The Château de Labourdonnais cultural site is one of the jewels in the crown of the local heritage, with its castle-museum, orchards, rum distillery and chimney. However, the site is not standing still, as the farm is still active and thriving, with its distillery and the country's largest fruit production. The Château is the jewel in the crown, providing a superb setting in which to discover the art of 19th-century living. The tour begins with a splendid avenue of 150-year-old intendances, trees introduced to Mauritius in the 18th century to embellish the gardens of noble residences. It leads to the château, a proud two-storey neoclassical building made mainly of teak wood, with a shingled roof and a double colonnaded gallery. This is the beginning of a journey into the past, revealing the many facets of life on a Mauritian agricultural estate. Once past the vestibule, the first floor is divided into two areas, as in the private mansions of the period: the dining room with its panoramic hand-painted décor on one side, and the living room and master's study on the other. The bedrooms are on the upper floor, while the kitchen is tucked away in a small outdoor pavilion - a precautionary rule imposed at the time to prevent the spread of fire. The furnishings bear witness to a dual influence, both English and French. The ingenious scenography appeals to all the senses, offering a marvellous plunge back in time.
An ode to life half-in, half-out, the circular varangue opens onto a canopy of ancient trees. You can explore the park on foot, following the didactic totems to discover the tree species, the mango trees (collection of some 50 varieties), the exotic species that produce fruit with strange names - pomme jacot, sapotier, jamalac, prunier de cythère... - or the more common papaya, guava, passion fruit and mango juices and jams... - to be discovered at the end of the visit during a tasting session.
Another nectar: rum from the Distillerie de Labourdonnais is produced on site. No tour, but informative totems reveal the secrets of production, and tastings and workshops are available.
A little further away, a unique underground museum under the old factory chimney reveals the site's hidden secrets. On-site stores and restaurant.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Further information
Opening time and information on LABOURDONNAIS CASTLE
7d/7 9h-17h. Self-guided tour at 700 Rs per adult for château-verger-tasting, guided tour at 900 Rs including the Chimney.
Owner's Message
Chateau de Labourdonnais - After a magnificent restoration, the Chateau de Labourdonnais has regained its former charm and is open to the public since October 2010. A true living testimony of the habits and customs of a Mauritian past of which there is almost nothing left, this castle is a must to discover one of the cultural aspects of Mauritius. The visit of this beautiful Creole house surrounded by its varangues is interactive and lively, where you will be seduced by the beauty of the castle's rooms. The furniture is period, while the history is told in a very contemporary way. Through the pantry, the living room, the dining room, the office, the bedrooms and an exhibition room, you will be able to appreciate the Mauritian art of living. Nestled in the heart of a 50-hectare park, you will then follow a nature trail. The orchards of the castle contain botanical treasures thanks to the preservation of endemic plants and a great wealth of the orchards of the castle are a botanical treasure trove with endemic plants and a wealth of bird species, and boast a wide variety of exotic fruit trees. After a detour to the tasting bar where you can taste the varieties of rum, juices, fruit pastes and jams, the Table du Château welcomes you with a menu that evolves according to the seasonal productions of the domain. At the store, you can buy jams, fruit paste and other delicacies or leave with a souvenir. Located about ten kilometers from Grand Bay, and 20 minutes from Port Louis, the Château de Labourdonnais will take you on a journey through Mauritian history. Let yourself be carried away!
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Members' reviews on LABOURDONNAIS CASTLE
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Pour y aller sans voiture de Grand Baie, prendre le 215 express et signaler au chauffeur que vous allez au château de Labourdonnais. Ensuite 10 grosses minutes de marche.
Retour par le même moyen à l'arrêt en face de celui où vous êtes descendu en arrivant. Trajet rapide.
Nous avons décidé de réserver un guide touristique qui a été absolument incroyable et a patiemment répondu à toutes les questions que l'on se pose naturellement lorsqu'on découvre une période aussi intéressante de l'histoire ! Nous recommandons vivement la visite guidée complète tôt le matin. Merci beaucoup pour cette merveilleuse visite !