LE CAUDAN WATERFRONT

Le Caudan Waterfront is the Mauritian hot spot for shopping. Sitting right on the Port-Louis harbour, in the island’s capital, Le Caudan Waterfront offers a lively atmosphere and full range of services, varying from restaurants to casinos. It allows tourists and locals to fully embrace nightlife, outdoor events, unique shopping experience, entertainment and cultural opportunities.

More than just another modern commercial centre, Le Caudan Waterfront carries part of the local history. Named after the French explorer Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, Le Caudan Waterfront started out as a saltpan near Port-Louis in 1726. The peninsula where its is situated was first known as a powder magazine, before hosting the island’s first meteorological observatory as well as warehouses and quays used as a sugar terminal. The former salt pan area has become today the Robert Edward Hart Garden.

The Port-Louis Cultural Walk

The Walk is a journey through Port-Louis’ cultural landmarks including an old marketplace, past historical buildings, the gate to China Town and the main gardens of the city. Le Caudan Waterfront was chosen as the starting point of the Cultural Walk, with two main features, the Blue Penny Museum and the Observatory.

The Blue Penny is a must see for all. Its walls of origin are still standing, from the time that the site hosted the New Mauritius Dock Company Head Office in 1930, bearing an authentic touch to its purpose. Indeed, the museum’s exhibits include artefacts and possessions from the island’s historical heritage, including the famous and very rare Blue Stamp of 1847, after which the museum was named.

Another main attraction of the Cultural Walk, the Observatory was built in 1832 as a powder magazine. It was taken over in 1866 by the New Mauritius Docks Company. Given its ideal view over the harbour, the building became the first meteorological observatory in the Indian Ocean; the weather forecasts issued were essential for the ships and the Observatory played a major role part in navigation at the time. The tower was razed in 1880 but the remaining building still standing today dates back from the original 19th century construction.

The information kiosk inside Le Caudan Waterfront provides the full itinerary of the Port Louis Cultural Walk.

Bassin des Chaloupes

Le Caudan Waterfront offers a sheltered mooring area for a certain number of yachts and other boats. This marina, named Bassin des Chaloupes has already made a name among organ-isers of sailing events. It is also very popular among mariners and visiting foreigners, as it caters for their needs during their stay, including fresh water supply, bathroom facilities and all other necessities at quay. The marina is also an attraction for the locals and tourists.

Le Caudan Waterfront also hosts two hotels on its premises for the more demanding mariners. The Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel and Le Suffren Hotel & Marina provide easy and quick access to the shopping centre and a practical location, close to the quay and the city.

Things to do Shopping is the most prominent activity at Le Caudan Waterfront which has built a reputation of excellence in this sector. The centre’s 170 stalls and boutiques offer an amazing variety of products and customers will love to stroll around casually and enjoy this enthralling experience.

Throughout the galleries, from the Barkly Wharf and the Pavillon to the most recent Dias Pier, the shopper discovers international brands as well as local designers’ collections in fashion and textile, jewellery, leather products, luxury fabrics while others shops offer sports equipment, cosmetics, books as part of the innumerable goods available at Le Caudan Waterfront.

Hunger and thirst will be quenched at the Food Court, with its breathtaking view of the harbours under the sun; rom full Chinese cuisine, Indian delicacies or Italian specialities to pastries and coffee for a snack, the restaurants and food stands of Le Caudan Waterfront will satisfy anyone’s taste.

Children are not forgotten at Le Caudan Waterfront! The Magic Entertainment arcade is open everyday, offering games suitable for children and teenagers. These include video games, simulation games, snooker and other fun activities. For a family experience, the Movie Theatre’s three rooms have a varied program changed every week
on average. The casino will welcome adults for their entertainment, with its peculiar design. Indeed, the casino’s doors open in a ship’s hull, guarded by a fearsome golden carved lion. The casino is a fantastic spot for late entertainment, with its two bars and its dress code for eveningwear.

All this busy activity is often highlighted by exhibitions, live concerts, art displays and other cultural entertainment, for the delight of all visitors. You have heard of it, now go ahead and experience it! Le Caudan Waterfront will provide you with a full day’s enjoyment with guaranteed fun!

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved

BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK

One of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring natural spots in Mauritius is the Black River Gorges National Park. This World Heritage-designated site is home to the rarest flora and fauna found only on this island, making it a must-see destination for tourists and residents alike. Nature buff or not, the wondrous vistas afforded by a hike through the park are well worth the exercise.

About the Park

Black River Gorges is the only national park of Mauritius, located on the southwest portion of the island in a district of the same name. Surprisingly enough, this district receives the least amount of precipitation throughout the year, hence the name of “Black River”.

The park comprises over 6,500 hectares, a total of 3.5% of the island’s surface land. There’s enough to see here to make a whole day out of the trip, so plan accordingly. More than 300 species of plants and nine birds endemic in Mauritius can be spotted within the confines of the park. It is the only place where you will find a pink pigeon – a bird that was once facing extinction but is now strengthening in numbers due to its protected status. Birders will be ecstatic about all the unique species available for viewing.

The rare pink pigeon is joined by the island’s native kestrel, parakeet, bulbul, grey white-eye, fody, and olive white-eye. There are more than just avian species calling the park home. It is also the preferred habitat of Mauritius’s unique flying fox – actually a fruit bat – and macaque monkeys, wild pigs, and rusa deer. Aspiring botanists will surely be excited to identify Bois de Natte trees draped in orchids and fern fronds, Colophane Ebony, Tambalacoque, and Mauritius’s national flower, Trochetia, amongst the dense foliage of the Macchabee and Bel Ombre Forests. Wild sugarcane grows throughout, along with Chinese guava trees and numerous other plant species.

There are three ways you can view what the Black River Gorges Park has to offer: on foot, driving through, or via bus tour. The best way to experience this nature preserve is by hiking one or more of the trails that crisscross the park’s expanse. Le Pétrin Information Center provides maps for hiking or driving, and you can also hire a personal guide through the facility if you desire.

The most popular attraction in the park is the gorges. Created millions of years ago by volcano eruptions followed by rivers of water cutting through the landscape, rich red, brown, purple, violet, green, blue, and yellow hue colours the visible layers of earth. Plaine Champagne is one of the higher points on the island and a viewpoint near Chamarel provides a spectacular view of the gorges, the sea beyond, and Alexandra Falls. Throughout the park majestic waterfalls and deep, clear pools abound.

Getting There You can drive to the Black River Gorges National Park via La Marie from the town of Curepipe and Mare aux Vacoas from Vacoas. At the visitor’s center, a boardwalk leading to the dwarf rain forest and a conservation area fenced off from visitors are viewable. The hiking trails, ranging from 7 km to 828 meters long, can also be accessed from the boardwalk. Camping areas are provided within the park with drive-in access from the coast road. Be aware that due to the slightly higher elevation of the Black River Gorge plateau, the temperatures will be lower than that of the surrounding plains which make up the majority of the island’s topography.

There are no food or drink facilities available within the park itself, although there is a small café located along its edge featuring spectacular views of the surrounding green valley. Remember to take plenty of water and a few snacks along on a hike. Binoculars, insect repellant, sturdy shoes, and wet weather gear are also recommended. There are picnic areas within the park’s confines if you want to bring along your own food and enjoy a repast amongst the natural beauty.

The Pétrin Information Center is open Monday through Saturday while the visitor’s center operates daily from 9 am to 3 pm during the week and from 9 am to 4 pm over the weekend. September through January are recommended as the best months to visit as that is when the numerous flowering foliage show off their magnificent colors.

If you have not visited the Black River Gorges National Park, then you have not truly experienced the unique plant and animal life and awe-inspiring geographical features of the island. No matter if you prefer riding in the comfort of your own vehicle or taking an up close look at nature on foot, the spectacular scenery is not to be missed.

© Mauritius in your hands - Islandinfo. All rights reserved