Le Domaine de Saint-Aubin - A historic jewel in the heart of Mauritius
A rich and captivating story
Nestled in the south of Mauritius, Domaine de Saint-Aubin is a living testimony to the island's colonial and agricultural heritage. This majestic colonial mansion, built in the late 19th century, was once the residence of influential families linked to the island's sugar industry. Its name comes from one of its first owners, Pierre de Saint-Aubin.
The main house, with its typical colonial architecture, elegant verandas and lush gardens, invites visitors to take a trip back in time. Carefully restored to preserve its authenticity, it is now open to the public and houses a museum that tells the fascinating story of the estate and the Mauritian sugar industry.
An essential stop on the Tea Route
Domaine de Saint-Aubin is proud to be a major stop on Mauritius's famous Tea Route. This tourist and cultural route traces the history and production of tea on the island, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century.
On the estate, visitors can discover the carefully tended tea plantations and learn more about the techniques involved in growing and processing this precious plant. Traditional plucking demonstrations and tasting workshops enable visitors to understand the subtleties of the different varieties of tea produced locally.
The tea experience at Saint-Aubin represents a complete immersion in one of Mauritius' finest agricultural traditions, offering a perfect complement to the estate's other activities.
A wide range of activities and discoveries
Domaine de Saint-Aubin is much more than just a historic house. It's a multi-faceted site that offers visitors a complete immersion in Mauritian culture:
The artisanal rum factory
One of the estate's star attractions is undoubtedly its artisanal rum distillery. Here, visitors can discover the secrets of making rhum agricole, produced from sugar cane grown on the estate. Guided tours allow you to observe every stage of the process, from harvesting the cane to distillation, right up to the tasting of rums with their varied, authentic flavors.
The vanilla plantation
The estate is also home to a vanilla plantation, where the precious orchid is cultivated using traditional methods. Visitors can learn how this luxurious spice is hand-pollinated, harvested and prepared before it reaches markets around the world.
The tropical garden
The estate's gardens are a botanical paradise of tropical plants, spices and fruit trees. A stroll through these lush green paths offers a moment of serenity and a chance to discover the island's exceptional flora.
La table d'hôte
To complete the experience, Domaine de Saint-Aubin offers a renowned table d'hôte where guests can savor authentic Mauritian cuisine. The dishes, prepared with fresh produce grown on site, offer an explosion of flavors that will delight the most discerning palates. The tea room also offers tastings of the different varieties of tea produced on the estate, often accompanied by local pastries.
A commitment to sustainable tourism
Domaine de Saint-Aubin is committed to sustainable development and ecotourism. The estate strives to preserve traditional farming techniques while adopting environmentally-friendly practices. Crops are largely organic, and the estate employs mainly local villagers, contributing to the local economy.
Practical information for your visit
- Location Located in the south of the island, near Saint-Aubin
- Opening hours Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Guided tours : Available in French, English and Creole
- Restoration Table d'hôte open for lunch, booking recommended
- Store Artisanal products from the estate (tea, rum, vanilla, jams, etc.)
An unforgettable experience
Whether you're a history buff, a gourmet or simply in search of authenticity, Domaine de Saint-Aubin promises you a day rich in discoveries and flavors. It's an unmissable stop-off point for understanding the very soul of Mauritius, beyond its paradisiacal beaches.
Come and soak up the unique atmosphere of this place where time seems to have stood still, where traditions and ancestral know-how are perpetuated with passion.
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Paying
Walk
Accessible child and stroller
Wheelchair accessible (partially)
Parking
Catering available on site
Bus routes: Click here
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