1. Bois Chéri

The jewel in the Mauritian teapot crown

Founded in 1892, Bois Chéri is the oldest and largest tea plantation in Mauritius. Located in the south of the island, near the town of Curepipe, this emblematic plantation covers more than 250 hectares.

The Bois Chéri tour includes several highlights:

• The production plant Watch the tea-making process, from the plucking of fresh leaves to the packaging of the final product. Guides explain the various stages: withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting.
• The Tea Museum Mauritius: Housed in an old colonial house, this small museum traces the history of tea in Mauritius through a collection of antique tools, period photographs and historical documents.
• The tasting On the restaurant's terrace, with a breathtaking view of the lake and plantations, enjoy a variety of local teas: traditional black tea, vanilla tea (a local specialty), green tea, caramel tea and other infusions flavored with tropical fruits.
• The restaurant For a complete experience, the Bois Chéri restaurant offers refined Creole cuisine, with tea often incorporated into recipes, from starters to desserts.

Contact :

• Address: Bois Chéri Road, Bois Chéri
• Website:www.saintaubin.mu/tea-factory
• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, Monday to Saturday

2. Domaine des Aubineaux

The historical starting point

Domaine des Aubineaux in Curepipe is often the first stop on the Tea Route. This elegant colonial house, built in 1872, belonged to one of Mauritius's pioneering tea-producing families.

The tour includes :

• The colonial house The house: beautifully preserved and converted into a museum, it offers an authentic insight into the life of tea planters in the 19th century. Period furniture, old photographs and personal objects tell the story of the families who developed the tea industry.
• The gardens Stroll through the magnificent gardens surrounding the property, with their endemic plants and rare essences, some of which are used in the preparation of essential oils.
• The tea room The old kitchen of the house has been transformed into a charming tea room where you can enjoy local teas accompanied by traditional pastries.

Contact :

• Address: 1, Émile de Chazal Street, Forest Side, Curepipe
• Telephone: +230 670 1200
• Website:www.domainedesaubineaux.com
• Opening hours : 9h00-17h00, closed on Sunday

3. Saint Aubin

Successful diversification

Although best known for its rum factory, Saint Aubin is an integral part of the Tea Route. This former sugar plantation has diversified to offer visitors a complete experience of Mauritian agricultural heritage.

What to see on site :

• The mansion The "Mansion": Dating back to 1819, this restored colonial residence showcases the architecture and way of life of the planters of yesteryear.
• The vanilla plantation Discover how vanilla, the precious orchid, is grown, hand-pollinated and processed.
• The tropical garden Explore a magnificent garden featuring medicinal plants, spices and various tropical herbs used in local cuisine.
• La table d'hôte The restaurant offers traditional Mauritian cuisine, with products sourced mainly from the estate.

Contact :

• Address: Saint Aubin, Rivière des Anguilles
• Telephone: +230 626 1513
• Website:www.saintaubin.mu
• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00, daily

The Tea Route Experience

The Best Time to Visit

The Tea Route can be explored all year round, but certain periods offer particular advantages:

• May to September (austral winter): Cooler, more comfortable temperatures for exploring the plantations, with less rainfall.
• December to February Hot but lively season, with maximum activity on plantations during the main harvesting period.
• Early morning : Whatever the season, early morning visits are the best way to avoid the heat and watch the pickers at work.

How to organize your visit

Self-guided tour :

• Rent a car and explore the Tea Route at your own pace
• Allow a full day to visit the three main stages
• Start at Domaine des Aubineaux, then Bois Chéri, and finish at Saint Aubin

Guided tours Several tour operators offer day trips including :

• Transport by air-conditioned minibus
• English/French-speaking guide
• Entries for all three areas
• Lunch at one of the plantation restaurants

Tea crafts

The Tea Route is also an opportunity to discover local crafts inspired by this culture:

• Tea souvenirs Tasting boxes, tea bags flavored with tropical fruits, Madagascar vanilla or local spices.
• Cosmetic products Green tea-based soaps, oils and creams with antioxidant properties.
• Handicrafts Carved wooden tea caddies, local ceramic tea sets, traditional basketry.

Tea Culture in Mauritian Society

Beyond its tourist appeal, tea plays an important role in the daily lives of Mauritians. This beverage reflects the island's cultural mix:

• Vanilla teaThis icon of Mauritius bears witness to the influence of the region's vanilla plantations.
• Milk tea served with spices such as cardamom or ginger, recalls Indian heritage.
• The ritual of afternoon tea endures as a tribute to British influence.

In many Mauritian homes, the day invariably begins with a cup of robust black tea, often accompanied by fresh bread and butter.

Environmental impact and sustainable development

Faced with today's environmental challenges, Mauritian tea plantations are moving towards more sustainable practices:

• Organic farming Some sections of the plantations are gradually adopting organic farming methods, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
• Biodiversity conservation Wooded areas between tea plots act as ecological corridors for endemic fauna.
• Water saving Installation of drip irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting.
• Responsible tourism Raising visitors' awareness of the fragility of the local ecosystem and limiting the number of visitors in certain sensitive areas.

Practical advice for visitors

What to bring

• Hat and sunscreen (the sun can be intense, even on cloudy days)
• Comfortable shoes for walking in the plantations
• Light but covering clothing (protection against sun and insects)
• Camera (the panoramas are spectacular)
• A light raincoat (showers are frequent, especially in summer)

Prices (approximate)

• Domaine des Aubineaux: 350-400 Mauritian rupees
• Bois Chéri: 350-400 Mauritian rupees
• Saint Aubin: 350-400 Mauritian rupees
• Full tour with tour operator: 2500-3000 Mauritian rupees

Accessibility

Most of the main sites are accessible to people with reduced mobility, but some sections of the plantations may be difficult to access. It is advisable to contact the estates in advance for specific arrangements.

Conclusion

The Tea Route is much more than just a tourist excursion; it's a journey through the history, culture and traditions of Mauritius. Moving away from the beaches to the verdant heights of the island, visitors discover a more authentic and lesser-known side of Mauritius.

From the rolling plantations of Bois Chéri to the elegant colonial mansions, this tourist route offers an insight into how tea cultivation has shaped the landscape and contributed to the island's cultural identity. Whether you're a tea lover, a history buff or simply looking for a different experience, the Tea Route is an enriching detour during your stay in Mauritius.

In the steaming cups served at the end of your visit, the subtle aromas of local leaves mingle with the echoes of a rich history and know-how preserved over generations. It's this unique alchemy that makes the Tea Route one of Mauritius's hidden treasures.