Port Louis Travel Guide

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is full of character and slightly faded elegance, and lies prettily within an amphitheatre of mountains at the midpoint of the western coastline. Reminiscent of its multi-faceted colonial history, it boasts some fine French buildings dating from the 18th century, both an Anglican and a Catholic cathedral, a mosque, and a fortified citadel, known as Fort Adelaide. The fort is the best place from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the town, harbour, and famous racecourse, which was once a French military parade ground, and became the first racecourse in the southern hemisphere.

Though most Mauritians reside in the cooler, wetter highlands instead of in the capital, Port Louis is the gateway to the prime beaches and resorts of the Mauritian coast, including Flic en Flac and Grand Baie. The city also has some interesting museums and entertaining excursions to offer those who choose to make it their base for exploring the rest of the island.