The north of Mauritius is where lush gardens, colonial heritage, and some of the island's best beaches come together in one unforgettable day. From the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and the elegant Chateau de Labourdonnais to a string of turquoise bays—Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Grand Baie, Pereybere, Bain Boeuf—and finally the iconic red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux, this route captures the essence of the north coast.
Whether you're after giant water lilies and historic estates in the morning or sun, sea, and local vibes in the afternoon, a road trip in the north offers a perfect mix of culture and relaxation. Pack your swimwear, bring your camera, and set off early to make the most of the day.
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, home to giant water lilies. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, commonly known as Pamplemousses, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. Founded in 1770, the garden spans 37 hectares and features an impressive collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the famous giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies.
Discover Mauritius's long and rich history at this 1856 colonial estate with gardens, distillery, and Creole cuisine. Looking for places to discover the long and rich history of Mauritius and its people? Look no further and head over to Le Chateau de Labourdonnais. By now, you're probably aware of Mauritius's multiculturalism and its influence from past colonies, but the island's history is much more than that. Spending a day at Le Chateau de Labourdonnais reveals all that is unknown to you – several facts about the major island of Mauritius. Experience, learn and immerse yourself in what makes the island so unique in its history, fine arts and people. Le Chateau de Labourdonnais is itself an encyclopedia of history – it dates back to 1856.
Mauritius is home to some of the best beaches in the region. Located in the North of Mauritius, Trou aux Biches is simply, paradise. The white sand, crystal clear azure water and stretch of coconut trees make it a photographer's paradise for postcard-like sceneries. Whether you choose to work on your tan or get sporty, Trou aux Biches is perfect. With a wide range of water sport activities such as scuba diving and windsurfing, you are sure to satisfy the thrill-seeker in you. However if you choose to simply read a good book on a sunbed and take a dip in the beautiful blue waters, Trou aux Biches welcomes you to do so. In short, Trou aux Biches is heaven on earth. You'll know why we say so after you've been there.
Mont Choisy is one of Mauritius best beaches and you should totally consider it when figuring out what to do in Mauritius. If you fancy some interaction with locals, we recommend you to visit Mont Choisy beach during the weekend when Mauritians spend time among friends and relatives. It can get pretty amazing and exciting for visitors as the day often ends with typical Mauritian Sega music accompanied by other instruments. It's a remarkable occasion to connect with the island's multi-culturalism and glaze at how magical this pot-pourri is. The beach also features a football field where locals spend time on evenings and weekends. Beautiful turquoise water and shady areas (thanks to the Casuarina trees) are what we can assure you at Mont Choisy.
Grand Baie is the tourism hub of the north, known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and excellent restaurants and bars. Grand Baie Beach is one of the most popular destinations in northern Mauritius, known for its lively atmosphere, calm lagoon, and vibrant nightlife. More than just a beach, Grand Baie is the island’s main tourism hub, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, water activities, shopping, and entertainment. The sheltered bay features calm, clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports, making it perfect for families and beach lovers. Surrounding the beach, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants, cafés, bars, and boutique shops, creating a dynamic and welcoming coastal vibe. While the public beach can be busy on weekends, the energy of Grand Baie is part of its charm. It’s the ideal place to enjoy Mauritius beach life by day and vibrant nightlife by evening, making it a must-visit destination on the island.
Can't decide whether you want family-friendly or white sand beaches with various food options? Well, you don't have to at Pereybere. The pristine shore's beauty is only matched by the bright blue waters, which are prime for swimming and snorkeling, icing-sugar sand and of course a set of open-air food joints… voila! Job done! Paradise found! Indeed, if asked to design and illustrate your perception of a perfect beach, Pereybere is probably what you would come up with. Due to its remarkable convenience and beauty – it is also ideal for kids and inexperienced swimmers – the beach gets quite crowded during weekends. However, if you totally do not mind that, the place is worth a visit while you explore Mauritius.
On the west coast of Mauritius is a small paradise near Turtle Bay, named by 17th century sailors because of the abundance of turtles in the area. The lush greenery, white sand beaches and crystal clear water is the reason why many luxury resorts (some of Mauritius best hotels) chose this area as their preferred location. If you are planning a weekend getaway with your loved ones, Bain Boeuf should be right on top of your list. On a sunny day, you'll know why Mauritius is known as the paradise island. This bay is one of the most fascinating places for divers and snorkelers in Mauritius. The fine white sand and the clean picnic areas round off the picture of a tropical idyll. Despite its beauty, the area is peaceful and unspoilt away from every hustle and bustle – ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Cap Malheureux owes its name to all the shipwrecks that took place on its shores. It was also here that the English, in 1810, landed to take possession of the island. But now it's known for its red-roofed church! Postcard decor, breathtaking views of the Gunner's Corner and the North Islands. Hosting many weddings throughout the year, or couples just coming for a photo shoot to immortalize their union, this place is well appreciated.
Tips
Scenic south coast
Le Morne, Chamarel & south coast
Beaches & landmarks of the south east
Adventure & Explore
Capital highlights: waterfront, heritage & museums
Iconic gardens, waterfront, nature & aerial views