Indian Ocean
Flights to Mauritius from 779 €
Practical Information
Before departure, you must have:
a valid passport.
a return ticket.
Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, all travelers, whether vaccinated or not, must present a Passenger Locator and Health Form (available here: Mauritius All in One Travel Form). It is recommended to fill it out before departure to avoid delays at the airport.
The information on customs and immigration procedures is provided for informational purposes only. Corsair cannot be held responsible if you are not compliant with the authorities' requirements. To prepare your trip, we recommend contacting the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority:
MTPA Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority in France
c/o Interface Tourism, 16 rue Ballu 75009 Paris, France
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 25 12 07, ilemaurice@interfacetourism.com
Good to Know
No vaccinations are required.
On Site
Store Hours
Shops are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Transportation
To get around the country, there are many bus companies that operate extensively across Mauritius. It's an efficient and affordable means of transport. Traveling by car is also possible, but be cautious of local driving habits and certain “challenging” roads.
Safety
Be cautious of certain insect bites, which can be dangerous.
Don’t hesitate to consult a specialist locally.
Services
Banks and administrative offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Holidays and Celebrations
January/February: Spring Festival and Chinese New Year.
March: National Day.
August: Hindu festivals are celebrated in August in Mauritius.
November: Divali, the festival of lights and renewal.
Not to Be Missed
Often compared to a small Singapore, Port Louis is indeed a bustling hub where old houses and colonial buildings stand alongside towering modern skyscrapers.
The Port Louis Citadel, the Vallée des Prêtres, the Champ de Mars (the oldest racecourse in the Indian Ocean), the Chinatown district, the Allée des Voyageurs, and the central market are among the city's must-see sites.
Parks and Gardens
The city boasts lush vegetation you can enjoy almost everywhere, with Le Pouce Park being a standout. For relaxation, the Jardin de la Compagnie is ideal.
Monuments
You can wander through the city in search of the last remaining colonial-style Creole houses. The city also features several major buildings, including the Bank of Mauritius Tower, the Telecom Tower, the Newton Tower, the Paille en Queue Court, and the Garden Tower. Don’t miss the Place d'Armes, the Port Louis Theatre, and the Parliament.
Must-Sees
Museum
The Port Louis Museum and the Blue Penny Museum are well worth a visit if you have the time. Dedicated to local art and history, they offer a deeper understanding of the city and the island.
Around Port Louis
The Pamplemousses Garden is a marvel: discover palm trees, screw pines, camphor trees, and majestic elephant trees. A magnificent 19th-century colonial house, the Eureka House is famous for having belonged to renowned writer Le Clézio. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
The Aapravasi Ghat
This site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the landing point for Indian indentured laborers on the island from November 1834 to 1910. The only remaining remnants of the site are the entrance gate, the hospital, a stable for two horses, the kitchens, common rooms, restrooms, and the washing area for the immigrants.
Gastronomy
An Indian Influence
A blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European cuisines, Mauritian food is quite diverse. However, Indian influence is predominant, and most of its characteristic dishes can be found in Mauritius, such as biryani, samosas, curry, and chutney. Rice is the base of many meals, and the food is generally spicy, similar to Indian cuisine. Ask before ordering at a restaurant if you want to avoid burning your palate.
Local Specialties
The island also has its own culinary specifics, such as bol renversé (a meat stew with rice served by flipping a bowl), Mauritian rougaille (a tomato and spice-based side dish originally from Réunion), and fried noodles. Grilled fish is also commonly served.
Beverages
Tamarind juice and alouda (milk flavored with grenadine and thickened with a local tapioca) are typical and refreshing drinks. As for water, it is best to drink bottled water. Finally, for enthusiasts, rum distilled on the island is available.
Mauritian Red Bean Soup
Soak red beans in a bowl of hot water for about 1 hour. Finely chop the onions and tomatoes. Sauté the onions in a pressure cooker, then add the garlic, ginger, and thyme. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the red beans and 750 ml of water. Add salt. Let cook for about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped coriander at the end of cooking.
Culture
Symbolic and Spectacular Festivals
The Spring Festival and Chinese New Year take place in January and February. These celebrations are accompanied by costumed parades and dragon dances in the streets. Tamil festivals also occur during this period.
Hindu festivals are celebrated in August in Mauritius. Devotees create statues of deities which they carry in processions to rivers or the sea, to immerse them before sunset.
Music
A hallmark of traditional Mauritian folklore, sega is both a dance and a music genre of African origin, brought by slaves. It is known for its lively and energetic rhythm.
A Mosaic of Religions
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism coexist harmoniously on the island. You can visit mosques (such as Al-Aqsa and Jummah Mosque), churches, and temples. Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval is honored every year in September. On that day, Catholics and Mauritians of other faiths gather at Father Laval’s tomb, known as the apostle of the Black people.
Going Out
Recently developed, the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis features numerous restaurants, cafés, bars, cinemas, duty-free shops, and craft boutiques.
You will also find a casino there.
Divali
Divali, the festival of light and renewal, takes place in November.
Devotees traditionally light up their homes and purify themselves with a bath and offerings to bring prosperity and abundance throughout the year.
Climate
Exceptionally Mild Winters
Port Louis enjoys exceptionally mild winter weather. It is very rare for temperatures to drop below 18 °C at night or 25 °C during the day in the winter season, which lasts from June to September. The heaviest rainfall and highest temperatures occur over several months, from January to March. The best months to visit are April, May, June, September, October, and November, although no time of year should be completely avoided.
Cyclones
Like its neighboring islands, Mauritius is subject to cyclones. The cyclone season begins in December and ends in March.
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