Port Louis Mauritius Guide
Port Louis, Capital of Mauritius
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, was founded by the French governor and colonist Bertrand-
Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and was established in 1735 by a French colonist as well as governor Bertrand Francois Mahe De François Mahé de La Bourdonnais.
This business as well as administrative coast is located on the north western coast of Mauritius. It is crammed with daily office-employees but gets quiet after office working hours giving visitors enough space to enjoy the exciting nightlife on the renowned Caudan seafront.
Those entering during day time hours should go to the busy central market, alternatively to Champ de Mars, which is the most ancient race course on the entire region of the Indian Ocean.
Port Louis – What to See?
Places d’Armes
The Places d’Armes is the historical centre of this city and is lined with palm squares that join the government house to the capital’s port.
Statue of Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais
The statue of one of the founder fathers of the capital aa French governor called Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais can be found at the Place d’Armes’ entrance.
Government House
Constructed during Governor Nicholas de Maupin’s rule between 1729 and 1735, the House id one of the ancient building in Port Louis but still stands with a lot of elegance.
Theatre of Port Louis
Constructed in nineteenth century, the theatre is among the oldest on the Indian Ocean. It is well decorated in atypical London theatre fashion with a seating capacity of close to six hundred people.
Fort Adelaide
Located on a hill that overlooks the harbor plus the city, the Citadel-like formation was constructed in 1835 by the British to observe possible riots in the adjacent Port Louis prior to the obliteration of slave trade. Currently it hosts several concerts plus shows of both local and international artists.
Aapravasi Ghat
This is a UNESCO international heritage site also known as the Immigration depot in Hindi that pays honor to the thousands of apprenticed laborers that came from India and settled in Mauritius following the obliteration of slavery
More about Port Loiuis
This port was only used in summer because of the existing winds by the French plus the Dutch between the 1600s and the early 1700s. However, it gained its popularity in 1735 when Labourdonnais decisively made the port the major harbor as well as the administrative head-office of Mauritius.
Labourdonnais got the city plan drawn, ruled that buildings be put up to provide basic services to the colony and gain income of the ‘Compagne des Indes’. Among these buildings where the military plus government headquarters, hospitals, granaries, printing office, powder mill, aqueducts, schools, boat repairs plus a foundry. Today, some of these structures particularly the channels for waste water can be see across some streets.
In 1964, Port Louis gained the status of capital city of Mauritius. The port holds a residential population of more than one hundred and fifty thousand, and receives several visitors through the day being a business centre.
Majority of the large and medium organizations have their headquarters, agency or department here. Therefore, during weekdays the roads are crowded with traffic but become empty and quieter from seven o’clock in the evening.
Climate
GeIn general, the port is sunny and somewhat dry being either hot or extremely hot.
Topography
Located on the north east coast, the port is nestled at the foot of the Moka mountain ranges. Being a small area, its landscape is mostly flat with gentle slope down to the ocean.
Fetish: Traffic jams.
Throughout rush hours, one spends twenty to forty minutes driving across the Port. In the early morning, the southern section of the motorway is very jammed and may take close to an hour to drive just twenty five kilometers, and likewise in the north it is much the same.
To see
Although Port Louis is an exciting destination, we suggest you visit ‘Place d’Armes’ as well as Chinatown.
Place D’Armes
The Place d’Armes is an irresistible destination as it’s the congregate point for the south or north traffic as well as the exit place of Port Louis.
It is the oldest place in Port Louis although several old building have today been replaces by big roads plus modern architecture.
It is a perfect beginning point for touring other sections of town as well as some monuments like the authentic Government House, the oldest theatre on the Indian Ocean , St James Cathedral- church of England, central market, national museum and some paved roads like the Georges Guibert street and the rue du vieux conseil, among others.
The China Town
China town is another fascinating place in Port Louis with an outstanding atmosphere different from the rest of town. The eldest residents of Chinatown dress up the Chinese way and have for ages reserved the deep Chinese accent that makes their speeches perplexing.
The small shops next to each other all sell the same products which include 2nd hand spare parts, Chinese painting, books, medicines, plastic toys and clothes.
The strong scents of their spices plus ingredients heat and dust all ascend into a characteristic Chinese impression. And this area is very deadly in the nights. Efforts are being made to convince restaurants plus shops to remain open through the evening though the success of the campaign is still minimal.
To do
Strolling down the streets to observe the day to day events is just enough. The shopping areas are so exciting as well as boutiques in which you can always bargain any items it being that most of them are duty free. On the other hand it is more exciting to shop in the standard area and the central market.
The central market in Port Louis was refurbished in 2004 and today is much more organized although it lost some of its fetishes. Going to the bazaar is also very fascinating although similar items can be acquired at other local shopping centers and towns such as Mahebourg.
The historical national Museum plus additional private museums are worth visiting especially during the time of exhibitions.
At night fall, there is not so much to do just counted movies or go watch a play in the theatre. We only hope that the efforts of the municipal to awaken the nightlife of Port Louis pays off, because for instance when there are special events, plays or even concerts, the Port suddenly comes to life.
