The Daruty Forest — also known as the Belle Vue Forest — is a wooded area of over 108 hectares located in Petit Raffray, in the Rivière du Rempart district. It is a forest park managed by the Mauritius Forestry Department, which was officially designated as a nature trail on March 21, 2022, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests.

This official recognition makes the Daruty Forest the only marked nature trail in the entire northern part of the island. Previously, hikers in the north had to travel to the south or the central highlands to find developed trails. Since 2022, the site has benefited from improvements: benches have been installed along the trails, and signs with motivational messages mark the routes.

The name "Daruty" comes from the Daruty family, former owners of a nearby sugar mill. The official name "Belle Vue," on the other hand, is inherited from the former Belle Vue Robillard sugar estates, the ruins of which are still visible within the forest.

Where is the Daruty forest?

Daruty Forest is located in Petit Raffray, a village in the north of Mauritius, in the Rivière du Rempart district. It is about a 10-minute drive from Grand Baie, the most lively seaside resort in the north, and close to the villages of Fond du Sac and Belle Vue Maurel. Access is mainly via the B12 road.

How to get there

By car or taxi (see map at the end of the page): from Grand Baie, head towards Petit Raffray via the coastal road or the B12. The journey takes about ten minutes. Informal parking is available near the entrance, but it can fill up quickly on weekend afternoons. move around the island easilyRenting a car remains the most flexible option, especially for accessing remote sites like this one.

By bus (see Bus Routes button in the Info section): a bus stop is located on the main road (B12), near the forest entrance. Bus lines connecting Grand Baie to Petit Raffray and Grand Gaube serve this area. However, allow some walking time from the bus stop to reach the trailhead.

The Daruty Forest bears witness to a past intimately linked to the sugar industry, a pillar of the Mauritian economy for over two centuries. Mauritius once boasted more than 250 sugar mills spread across its territory. Around the Daruty Forest, several sugar estates flourished in the 19th century before gradually closing due to falling sugar prices and the centralization of the mills.

The belle Vue Robillard Estate

The most visible remnant in the forest is the ruin of the Belle Vue Robillard sugar mill. In 1839, Victor de Robillard acquired 260 acres of land and established a sugar mill on the site. By the late 1860s, the estate had expanded to over 400 acres. The mill ceased operations in 1867, and the land was subsequently reclaimed by the Forestry Department, which allowed the vegetation to gradually regenerate. Today, the ruins of the mill's chimney still stand in the heart of the forest. A sign on site incorrectly identifies them as a "Jute Mill."

The daruty Mill

Just beside the forest stood the Daruty sugar mill, owned by Jean Rose Daruty. Built in the early 1800s, it operated until 1865. The Daruty mill's chimney still exists, but it is now located in a private residential area and is not accessible to visitors. However, it is from this family that the forest derives its most common name.

To learn more about thehistory of Mauritius and the importance of the sugar industry in the development of the island, see our dedicated page.

The Daruty forest offers a network of loop trails totaling approximately 3 kilometers. The paths are relatively flat and have no significant elevation changes, making them accessible to a wide range of users, including families with children and seniors in good physical condition.

The trails wind beneath the trees, offering welcome shade even during the hottest hours of the day. Since the 2022 improvements, the routes are better marked and dotted with benches for rest stops. Motivational messages are displayed at regular intervals along the way.

The terrain is generally stable, with a hard-packed earth surface and some areas with exposed roots. After heavy rain, some sections can become muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The complete main loop takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your pace.

The daruty forest Is part of the hiking trails of Mauritius the easiest to access. If you are looking for more challenging hikes, the south and center of the island offer options with more elevation gain and technical difficulty.

The Daruty forest is home to diverse vegetation, a mix of species planted during the colonial era and species that have recolonized former agricultural lands. Among the most characteristic trees of the site are araucarias (majestic conifers that give the place a special atmosphere), as well as several other species identified along the trail: Cordia alliodora, Gmelina arborea and Vitex glabrata.

The dense canopy creates a cool, shady environment that contrasts pleasantly with the heat of the nearby coast. This plant cover also shelters local wildlife, including endemic and introduced birds that observant visitors may spot during their walk.

Mauritius has a long history of deforestation linked to sugarcane cultivation, and sites like the Daruty Forest demonstrate nature's capacity for regeneration when agricultural land is returned to forest. To discover another remarkable example of Mauritian ecological preservation, see our article on round Island.

Hiking and walking

The main activity remains walking. The loop trails are perfect for a morning or late afternoon stroll. The route is short enough to be completed in under two hours, making it an easy activity to combine with a day at the beach in the north of the island.

Jogging

Daruty forest is Very popular with local joggers, especially in the late afternoon and on weekends. the flat, shaded paths Offer an ideal setting for running away from the noise and heat of the roads. if you're used to running On holiday, this is one of the few places in the north of the island where you can do so in the heart of nature.

Mountain bike (all-terrain bike)

Mountain biking enthusiasts also appreciate the Daruty Forest. A marked mountain bike trail winds through the forest and extends towards Grand Gaube and Calodyne, across sugarcane fields and along rocky tracks. The varied terrain is suitable for both beginners (within the forest itself) and more experienced cyclists (on the outer sections).

Horse riding

It's possible to encounter riders in the forest. Some local providers offer horseback riding excursions that take you along forest trails, providing a unique way to explore the area.

When to visit

The Daruty Forest can be visited year-round. The most pleasant time for hiking is during the southern winter (May to November), with cooler temperatures and a dry climate. In summer (December to April), the heat is more intense, but the shade of the trees makes the walk bearable, provided you set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What you need to bring

• Closed walking shoes: the ground can be uneven and muddy after rain. Sturdy sneakers or lightweight hiking shoes are recommended.
• Sufficient water: there is no water source or commerce inside the forest.
• Mosquito Repellent: as in any tropical wooded area, mosquitoes are present, especially at the end of the day.
• Sunscreen: for the less shaded sections of the trail.

Safety and precautions

The Daruty Forest is a secluded area, especially on weekdays or early in the morning. It's best to visit with someone, or at the very least, let them know you're going. Weekends and late afternoons are busier, but the atmosphere is more peaceful. As with any isolated natural site, be careful with your valuables and don't leave anything visible in your parked vehicle.

To properly prepare for your entire stay, consult our a complete guide to planning your trip to Mauritius.

The Daruty forest is ideally located in the north of Mauritius, making it easy to combine a visit with other activities and sites in the region:

• Grand Baie (10 minutes by car): The main seaside resort in the north, with its shops, restaurants, beaches and departures for catamaran excursions to the northern islets.
• Calodyne and Grand Gaube (5 to 10 minutes): quieter coastal villages, with tranquil beaches and easy access to excursions to Amber Island.
• The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (20 minutes): The oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, with its giant water lilies and majestic palm trees. You can include this visit in a one-day tour in the north.
• Cape Unhappy (10 minutes): famous for its red-roofed church facing Coin de Mire, one of the most photographed landscapes in Mauritius.

The Daruty forest is particularly well suited to a morning visit before enjoying the beach in the afternoon, or at the end of the day after a relaxing day by the lagoon.

Is visiting the Daruty forest free?

Yes, access to the Daruty forest is completely free and open to the public. There is no ticket office or entrance gate.

How long is the walk?

The main loop trail is approximately 3 kilometers long. Allow between 45 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on your pace and whether you stop to admire the ruins or the vegetation.

Is the Daruty forest suitable for children?

Yes, the trails are flat and relatively short, making them suitable for families. However, the terrain can be uneven in places, and there are no strollers suitable for the dirt paths. Children aged 5-6 and up who can walk well will be able to enjoy the walk without difficulty.

Can we go there with a stroller?

No, dirt paths with exposed roots are not suitable for strollers. A hiking baby carrier is preferable for very young children.

Are there toilets or food outlets?

No, there are no such facilities inside the forest. Bring water and snacks before your visit. The nearest shops are in the village of Petit Raffray or in Grand Baie.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are the most pleasant times. The light is beautiful for photos, the temperatures are bearable, and the trails are often more frequented, which is an advantage in terms of safety.

Is it safe to walk your dog in the forest?

The Daruty forest is a public space and it is common to see walkers there with their dogs, kept on leashes.