Discover Mauritius differently
Let us tell you about the island as you don't know it...
Follow the guide ...
We could write a novel about Mauritius, about its beautiful landscapes, its white sandy beaches, its turquoise waters and its friendly people... But you can already imagine all this.
Let us tell you about the Mauritius you don't know: the lazy villages and chaotic cities; the drunken summer evenings; the open-air festivals and the hot, oily, spicy street food. Follow the guide...
Discover Mauritius differently
Let us tell you about the island as you don't know it...
We could write a novel about Mauritius, about its beautiful landscapes, its white sandy beaches, its turquoise waters and its friendly people... But you can already imagine all this.
Let us tell you about the Mauritius you don't know: the lazy villages and chaotic cities; the drunken summer evenings; the open-air festivals and the hot, oily, spicy street food. Follow the guide...
Follow the guide ...
7h00
Here, waking up to the rustling of the palm trees and the singing of the bulbuls is a gentle process. It is Thursday and the day starts with an exotic breakfast under the varangue, the nerve centre of the Creole house.
On the menu: garden mangoes, pineapple, passion fruit and sweet red papaya.
All around, the neighbourhood comes alive. The fishermen return from their morning pirogue trip, the engines of the old coloured buses hum and the vendors of chilli cakes, samoussas and badjas (Mauritian tapas) blow their horns across the village to attract their customers. It's time to go to work...
Dipin diber
For a truly Mauritian breakfast, make yourself a bread/butter/chilli roll with a black vanilla tea (or a locally roasted coffee, such as Jiva or Dodo Café).
8h30
In the car, turn on the radio to hear the heartbeat of the country: from the tipik sega to the rhythmic seggae, via folkloric programmes during which the guests talk about various subjects (from political problems to a neighbour who doesn't maintain his garden).
You finally arrive in Port Louis, the island's capital. Built between the mountains and the sea, this port city is home to the majority of the country's medium and large companies.
Park at the Caudan and walk across the famous Place d'Armes lined with royal palms to the office. On the busy pavements, the amusing cries of the street vendors set the mood: "Zarikoooo 2 rupees a live, Pom damour 30 rupees a live...".
Port-Louis is an organised chaos where everyone finds their place amidst the glass towers, the old market and the vehicles that criss-cross the narrow streets.
Tip
Tune in to Xplik or K (Radio Plus) for a socio-cultural immersion!
9h00
Arriving at the office is a ritual. Except for the top management, all employees kiss each other. You'll see, you'll get a taste for it! After all, Mauritius is (also) chosen for its human warmth, far from the anonymous cities where you are a number.
The office
The Mauritian office is like anywhere else, only more folkloric. Over an instant coffee, we discuss the latest news published in L'Express; we talk about our bus problems; we share a slice of La Vierge Bleue cake (in August), gulab jamun (for Diwali) or gato cravate (for the Chinese New Year). And then, eventually, we get to work!
12h00
Here, lunch is sacred, and for a quick meal, nothing beats the dholl-puri of Château La Paille. Pea curry, rougaille, brèdes songes and bilimbi achard accompany this savoury crepe served hot on a sheet of paper. Forget your cutlery and manners: dholl-puri is eaten by hand, standing in the street.
Got half an hour to spare? Venture between the stalls of the Port Louis market to soak up the authentic atmosphere and oriental scents, then drop by the Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean (ICAIO) for an exhibition of contemporary art.
Don't forget your umbrella... turned into an umbrella for the sun!
Tip
Do you prefer to eat seated? Wapalapam La Place's menu is a knockout, especially its vegetarian and vegan dishes made from jackfruit.
7h00
Here, waking up to the rustling of the palm trees and the singing of the bulbuls is a gentle process. It is Thursday and the day starts with an exotic breakfast under the varangue, the nerve centre of the Creole house.
On the menu: garden mangoes, pineapple, passion fruit and sweet red papaya.
All around, the neighbourhood comes alive. The fishermen return from their morning pirogue trip, the engines of the old coloured buses hum and the vendors of chilli cakes, samoussas and badjas (Mauritian tapas) blow their horns across the village to attract their customers. It's time to go to work...
9h00
Arriving at the office is a ritual. Except for the top management, all employees kiss each other. You'll see, you'll get a taste for it! After all, Mauritius is (also) chosen for its human warmth, far from the anonymous cities where you are a number.
The office
The Mauritian office is like anywhere else, only more folkloric. Over an instant coffee, we discuss the latest news published in L'Express; we talk about our bus problems; we share a slice of La Vierge Bleue cake (in August), gulab jamun (for Diwali) or gato cravate (for the Chinese New Year). And then, eventually, we get to work!
Dipin Diber
For a truly Mauritian breakfast, make yourself a bread/butter/chilli with a black vanilla tea (or a locally roasted coffee, like Jiva or Dodo Café!).
8h30
In the car, turn on the radio to hear the heartbeat of the country: from the tipik sega to the rhythmic seggae, via folkloric programmes during which the guests talk about various subjects (from political problems to a neighbour who doesn't maintain his garden).
You finally arrive in Port Louis, the island's capital. Built between the mountains and the sea, this port city is home to the majority of the country's medium and large companies.
Park at the Caudan and walk across the famous Place d'Armes lined with royal palms to the office. On the busy pavements, the amusing cries of the street vendors set the mood: "Zarikoooo 2 rupees a live, Pom damour 30 rupees a live...".
Port-Louis is an organised chaos where everyone finds their place amidst the glass towers, the old market and the vehicles that criss-cross the narrow streets.
Tip
Tune in to Xplik or K (Radio Plus) for a socio-cultural immersion!
12h00
Here, lunch is sacred, and for a quick meal, nothing beats the dholl-puri of Château La Paille. Pea curry, rougaille, brèdes songes and bilimbi achard accompany this savoury crepe served hot on a sheet of paper. Forget your cutlery and manners: dholl-puri is eaten by hand, standing in the street.
Got half an hour to spare? Venture between the stalls of the Port Louis market to soak up the authentic atmosphere and oriental scents, then drop by the Institute of Contemporary Art Indian Ocean (ICAIO) for an exhibition of contemporary art.
Don't forget your umbrella... turned into an umbrella for the sun!
Tip
Do you prefer to eat seated? Wapalapam La Place's menu is a knockout, especially its vegetarian and vegan dishes made from jackfruit.
17h00
By 4.30pm, Port Louis and Ebene - the island's second largest business centre - start to empty. In Mauritius, quality of life is a priority and for many, that means spending time with family or playing sports after work.
On the way to the coast, admire the spectacle of burning sugar canes that spread the smell of sweet molasses over the whole region. And be patient, as traffic is unfortunately a daily reality in Mauritius!
Where to settle?
The majority of expats settle in Moka, on the West Coast or on the North Coast. These three regions are well served in terms of public schools, restaurants, leisure and health facilities.
Choose Moka if you prefer to live in the city. Otherwise, Grand Baie and Black River (and the surrounding area) are nice seaside villages with a family atmosphere.
For a combination of nature + beach + tranquillity, head for Poste-Lafayette or Roches Noires on the east coast. But it's REALLY quiet. You have been warned!
Ps: Port-Louis may seem tempting but it is not. The city is hot, noisy, polluted and congested.
You didn't travel 10,000 km for that!
17h30
When you get home, put on your swimming costume and head for the beach.
Jogging under the filaos, paddle yoga and sand castles with the children are all part of the experience.
In summer, the water at this time is 27° and the sun takes its time to disappear on the horizon. Afternoons in Mauritius feel like your holiday... even on weekdays!
Time to relax ...
17h00
By 4.30pm, Port Louis and Ebene - the island's second largest business centre - start to empty. In Mauritius, quality of life is a priority and for many, that means spending time with family or playing sports after work.
On the way to the coast, admire the spectacle of burning sugar canes that spread the smell of sweet molasses over the whole region. And be patient, as traffic is unfortunately a daily reality in Mauritius!
Where to settle?
The majority of expats settle in Moka, on the West Coast or on the North Coast. These three regions are well served in terms of public schools, restaurants, leisure and health facilities.
Choose Moka if you prefer to live in the city. Otherwise, Grand Baie and Black River (and the surrounding area) are nice seaside villages with a family atmosphere.
For a combination of nature + beach + tranquillity, head for Poste-Lafayette or Roches Noires on the east coast. But it's REALLY quiet. You have been warned!
Ps: Port-Louis may seem tempting but it is not. The city is hot, noisy, polluted and congested.
You didn't travel 10,000 km for that!
17h30
When you get home, put on your swimming costume and head for the beach.
Jogging under the filaos, paddle yoga and sand castles with the children are all part of the experience.
In summer, the water at this time is 27° and the sun takes its time to disappear on the horizon. Afternoons in Mauritius are like your holidays... even during the week!
Time to relax ...
Do you want to discover Mauritius?
