Mauritius is situated on the south west of the Indian Ocean, in the Mascarene archipelago, at 160 km east from Reunion Island and 920 km east from Madagascar. It includes the main island of Mauritus, Rodrigues, Saint Brandon and Agaléga.
Mauritius is a volcanic island of 1865 km². The coast, 330 km long, is nearly entirely surrounded by coral reefs.
A vast plateau forms part of the landscape culminating with an altitude of 600 m. where you can find sub-tropical forests, rivers and waterfalls. This plateau has 3 chains of mountains with the highest peaks being Piton de la Rivière Noire (828 m), Pieter Both (823 m) and Le Pouce (812 m).
Once called “L’Ile de France”, it has maintained signs of the colonization of the Dutch, French and then British though it is the Indian civilization that has influenced this island more than any other culture.
In addition to the fine sand beaches and the blue lagoon, this paradisiacal island offers superb sugar cane fields, with its canes gracefully bending to the ocean breeze.
Heiress of a past where conquests, migrations and diplomacy have followed one another, Mauritius Island is more than a journey: it is an encounter. Meet with a multi coloured nation which reflects the African, Eastern and Western influences. Discovering the Mauritian people is like being imbued with flavours, colours and scents.
One has to take his time... Stroll down the colourful markets where Creole and Indian salesmen sell fragrant spices, medicinal herbs and silky saris. Take a gastronomic break to taste how the Indian, Chinese or Creole cuisine transform the tropical products – fruits, vegetables, fish and shellfish – into delicate and delicious dishes that will stay in your memory for a long time. |