In the Central North East of Mauritius is a trio of smaller villages that encompass Petite Retraite, Bois d’Oiseaux, and Grand Retraite. Sometimes referred to as “the place that time forgot.” This unassuming area contains under 5000 people, or should I call them the
St. Pierre is an up-and-coming town. With a population of 16 000, you know you are in for a treat when you get there. What I wasn’t prepared for was how nice everyone is. Located in what I like to refer to as the heart of Mauritius, this central town is booming.
Lallmatie in Flacq Mauritius is a friendly village with a werewolf legend. The village also changed labour rights in Mauritius with the 1937 Uba riots and had one of the first cinemas.
Francois de Chazal, the Sugar Estate owner and Renaissance Man in Mauritius. Or is it Francois the Tenth Degree Rosicrucian, alchemist who discovered the Philosophers Stone?
Most people would not consider Notre Dame to be a place to visit but it really is. We knew about the beautiful old church and had researched a few other historical landmarks such as the old train station and the tobacco barns. What was a welcoming surprise though, was the friendliness of the people. Do stop over and visit this lovely town if you are in the area, particularly on a Saturday morning so you can experience the market and it’s amazing foods.
Forbach sugar estate was built by the Staub brothers from 1815 and utilized a windmill (now a National Heritage Site) to crush the canes. The family suffered many tragedies but one at least managed to find love and happiness.
We visited St Antoine, an old sugar estate in Goodlands Mauritius which was built in 1835 by the charismatic Edmond de Chazal. Come with us on this journey of discovery to learn more about this historic place, it’s owners, a temple that grants wishes, and a rediscovered extinct flower among other things.
I walk around Shri Nagar, looking for a long-lost sugar mill tower of Sottise. Which, as it turns out, is visible from the main road, or Sottise Road! Um well.
Who knew such a big wood and furniture factory was actually based in Mauritius!
I spotted the owner from The Chinese Garden in Grand Baie doing some shopping in Super U so figured he must have his Work Access Permits for the restaurant.