We started at the pier where the ferries leave for Ile aux Cerfs. I took the opportunity to lie back and enjoy a rest in a well-placed hammock, my first mistake of the day. I was trapped. It took all of Riki’s strength to haul me out, while the locals had a good laugh. The boats bobbing out on the ocean were extremely picturesque, but nothing compared to the beautifully painted pirogues on the shore. No guess for Riki’s art of the day.
After walking the slightly windy pier we head for a lake. Only ten meters from the sea this was an actual freshwater lake, I know, I tasted the water. It might be the Dutch well, but the dimensions didn’t fit the description. Whatever it was, it was certainly beautiful.Â
Across the road is an old structure, reminiscent of a lime kiln, but we weren’t sure. Next to it is another lake, or should I call it a lagoon? In the middle of this saltwater lagoon is a kiosk on a jetty. The perfect spot to have a midday break. We left because we were hungry.
As luck would have it, the town has many local eateries. We choose the one under the mango tree, literally its name in Creole. There we met Sam, a local character, that is full of hidden surprises. The first stop for any would-be travelers, he can find you almost anything from accommodation to tours and boat rides. His restaurant is painted with sea creatures, artworks by his niece. We had a few snacks to refuel and head of to explore the town.
We hit pay dirt on our next stop, actual lime kilns. They have been perfectly restored and you can climb all over them, what a treat. The views from the top across the seafront are mesmerizing. There are so many photo shot opportunities through the arches and up the chimneys, you would be hard-pressed to choose your favorites.Â
The area is well-appointed with toilets, parking, bus stops, and an on-sea stage, with the best backdrop. Across the road is another lagoon, this one had mangroves and brackish water, but not very salty, yes, I tasted it
Back to the high street, and Notre Dame Du Bon Secours a church built in 1990, but it holds a magical interior when the sun shines through the blue glass windows. The glow inside turns the huge structure into an ethereal realm. Our cameras gave up trying to portray this and turned us into shiny, purple people.Â
Next door is a house that was built shortly after the British arrived, over 200 years ago. Preserve in its original state. We walked around a bit and then head out to Cafe des Arts
Petite Victoria sugar mill has been restored into a restaurant and art gallery called Cafe des Arts. It was closed, but we were welcome to look around. I ate some star fruit and my advice is to eat the yellow ones. The chimney is in pristine condition and worth the trip on its own, but the whole package is a feast for the eyes, and a must-visit when it reopens
We finished off at the Tropical Attitude, as they were preparing to reopen in a few days we looked around the outside. For the next few months, it is part of the resort bubbles, a place tourists can finally revisit, and the lucky ones who get to stay there are going to have a great time, even though it was a bit windy on our visit.
Trou d’Eau Douce is one of Mauritius’ treasures and after our visit, I can see why. It feels like a sleepy coastal town that is about to wake up after its siesta and start the party, or just chill with a cold cocktail.