Mahébourg is a quaint, historical town on the southeastern coast of Mauritius, known for its deep connections to the island’s colonial past. Once the capital during the French rule, it now offers a quieter, more laid-back and authentic atmosphere compared to the bustling cities and the tourist hubs of the island’s west and north. It is also considerably cheaper. Hence we chose it as our base during the two months we resided in Mauritius.
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We struck a good deal at Orient Guesthouse Auberge, a nice place for a long stay with balconies and rooms with large windows overlooking the turquoise bay, a fully equipped kitchen, and kind, obliging staff. Then we rented a scooter from this guy in Curepipe (much cheaper and more accommodating than anyone else we contacted) and explored the entire island on day trips.
Since Mahébourg was our place of residence, we naturally experienced it more thoroughly than any other part of Mauritius. Here, I’m sharing some of the best sights and experiences we enjoyed in Mahébourg and its surroundings. At the end of this post, I’ve also included recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, and tours.
Learn about Mauritius’s history in the Mahébourg Museum
The Historical Museum in Mahébourg offers a fascinating journey through Mauritius’s history. Housed in an 18th-century French colonial mansion nestled in an enchanting conifer grove, the museum showcases various artifacts from the island’s military and civilian history, including cannons, shipwreck relics, paintings, and hand-drawn maps. It highlights the island’s colonial past and the effects of slavery and indentured labor. Admission is donations-based. It consists of five rooms: one dedicated to the Dutch period, one to the French, one to the Battle of Grand Port, and two upstairs focusing on the English period.
Visit a historic biscuit factory
A short trip to the Rault Biscuit Factory, located near Mahébourg, allows you to step back in time and witness a unique slice of Mauritian culinary history. This small, family-run factory has been producing cassava biscuits using traditional methods for over 140 years. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the biscuit-making process, from the milling of cassava roots to the final product, and enjoy some freshly baked samples and fresh coffee in the estate’s lovely garden. Personally, I enjoyed a bit more than barely some samples; I got full on them until dinner. Upon our visit, the ticket cost 300 rupees. It’s a good stop for anyone interested in local food traditions and small-scale manufacturing.
Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront
Mahébourg’s waterfront is a picturesque stretch along the town’s tranquil bay, perfect for a relaxing walk, particularly at sunrise. The wide promenade, lined with palm trees and benches, offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the calm waters covering a range of delightful hues. Fishing boats dot the bay, adding to the serene atmosphere. Off the northern end of the promenade lies a little island with a lone house. We heard it belongs to a local due who made it big with mining in Namibia.
Trinket peddlers roam along the waterfront, waiting for the few passing tourists. One of them is quite a character. Going by the self-given alias of Spiritual Playboy, he is an ex-addict turned disciple of Osho (that controversial Indian guru who founded that cult in that Oregon ranch if you remember). We had an interesting chat by the water. He claimed to have quit drugs and even cigarettes through self-imposed hypnopaedia, recording his own voice on tape. Nice guy. Say hi if you bump into him.
Check out the Monday Market
Mahébourg’s famous Monday Market is one of the largest and most vibrant in Mauritius, offering a true taste of local life. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and street food to handmade crafts and textiles, Hindu icons, flower garlands, and incense. It’s the perfect place to sample local delicacies like samosas and fresh tropical fruits or buy unique souvenirs. We thought it might be cheaper than the supermarket for some groceries, but that wasn’t the case.
Chill by the Cavendish Bridge
The Cavendish Bridge, also known as Pont de la Grande Rivière Sud-Est, is a historic landmark in Mahébourg, built in 1911. Spanning the river, it offers lovely views of the water and the lush surrounding landscape. I very much enjoyed sitting below or on the bridge, watching the slow flow of the river and the occasional passing boat, drawing inspiration for some of my songs’ lyrics. It’s a great spot to relax and soak up the quiet charm of Mahébourg while appreciating the town’s colonial-era architecture.
Visit the Notre Dame des Anges Catholic Church
Notre Dame des Anges is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Mauritius, located near the center of Mahébourg. This serene, whitewashed building offers a peaceful retreat with its simple yet beautiful interior, featuring stained glass windows and wooden pews. The church has been a spiritual hub for the local Catholic community for over 100 years. Whether for prayer or to admire its understated architecture, visiting Notre Dame des Anges provides insight into the island’s religious diversity and history.
Visit the Shri Vinayagar Seedalamen Kovil Hindu temple
The Shri Vinayagar Seedalamen Kovil is a beautiful Hindu temple located on the outskirts of Mahébourg, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Its vibrant, colorful exterior and intricately decorated statues make it one of the town’s most striking landmarks. The temple is an important place of worship for the local Tamil community and a great example of the island’s multicultural religious heritage. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple grounds, observe the rituals, and appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and spiritual ambiance. We visited it during the Great Night of Shiva, just after returning from a day trip to the curious pilgrimage at Grand Bassin. The temple was filled with devotees attending a bizarre ritual, where a topless priest, standing before a cow statue, continuously poured milk over a stone.
Eat at Chez Filo et Stephanie’s
More than just a meal, this dining experience is a must if you’re visiting Mahébourg for only a day. Hosted in the charming garden of a local family of 5th-generation settlers from Brittany, we enjoyed delightful company with the hosts and fellow guests. We drank homemade rum and savored an exquisite buffet, which, on that evening, featured wild boar and fish. The menu changes daily. You’ll have to book your place. Here’s they on Google Maps.
Go snorkeling in Blue Bay
Blue Bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius. The protected Blue Bay Marine Park is home to a stunning variety of corals and over 50 species of tropical fish, offering a colorful underwater world to explore. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, the shallow waters and excellent visibility make this an ideal location to swim among schools of fish and observe the pristine coral reefs. Snorkeling in Blue Bay is a must-do for anyone who loves marine adventures. The public beach of Blue Bay is 6 km away from Mahébourg downtown. Buses run frequently between the two. Find out more about Blue Bay here.
Go kayaking
Nautique Marine Shop in Mahébourg offers some quality sport kayaks for affordable rental. They are comfortable, fast, and equipped with anchors. The shop owners are friendly and accommodating. You can kayak either in the bay or up the La Chaux River. On our go, we paddled to Blue Bay and a nearby shipwreck. The Lighthouse Island (île au Phare), sitting directly above the breakers 7 km offshore, would also make for a great destination.
Swim and relax at Pointe d’Esny Beach
Pointe d’Esny Beach, 4 km south of Mahébourg, is a serene and uncrowded stretch of white sand, perfect for a day of swimming and relaxation. Although shallow, the calm and clear waters are suitable for swimming, while the beach itself offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the view. Unlike more popular tourist beaches, Pointe d’Esny retains a peaceful, laid-back vibe, making it a favorite for those looking to enjoy Mauritius’ natural beauty without the crowds. I also headed there for most of my afternoon runs from Mahébourg. Since private properties occupy the entire length of the beach, there’s only a narrow path reserved for pedestrian access located here.
Take a tour to Île aux Aigrettes
Île aux Aigrettes is a small, protected island just off the coast of Mahébourg, known for its efforts to conserve Mauritius’s endangered flora and fauna. A guided tour of the island—the only means of access allowed—takes you through native forests where you can see rare species like the pink pigeon, the giant Aldabra tortoise, and ebony trees. The island is managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, and the tours are both educational and inspiring, offering a glimpse into the island’s unique ecosystem and the conservation efforts to protect it. If you’re a nature lover, a visit to Île aux Aigrettes is a rewarding experience. Find out more info here.
Climb the Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain, named for its purported lion-like shape, offers one of the most scenic hikes on the island. Located near Mahébourg, the hike takes you through lush greenery and rocky paths, leading to breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, the nearby islands, and the town below. Though moderately challenging, the climb rewards adventurers with sweeping vistas and a sense of accomplishment at the summit. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure and a bit of a workout, hiking Lion Mountain is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Mauritius from a different perspective. Here is my report from climbing it.
Watch the airplanes landing at the airport
If you’re a fan of aviation or just looking for something unusual to do, head to the viewing spot (location) behind the runway at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport to watch airplanes landing and taking off. The close proximity to the runway allows for a thrilling view as planes approach the island, often against the backdrop of the stunning Indian Ocean. It’s a fun activity, especially for families or anyone who enjoys watching aviation in action. Many local spectators and refreshment stalls are present throughout the day.
Where to stay in Mahébourg
For an economical stay, especially for a long stay, I recommend Orient Guesthouse Auberge. It’s got spacious rooms with desks and a sea view, a fully equipped kitchen, and accommodating staff. We settled there during our entire two-month stay in Mauritius and were totally content.
If you’re on holiday and want some extra amenities like breakfast served by the swimming pool for a reasonable price, Chill Pill Guesthouse across the street might be a better choice for you.
If you’re after some luxury, check out Preskil Island Resort. I ran past it every afternoon and wished I was rich. The place looks amazing.
Look for more options on the convenient map below:
Where to eat in Mahébourg
The one thing you definitely have to try is Julien’s pizza at Chez Juju. Hands down, no exaggeration, it makes it to the top five pizzas I’ve had in my whole life. The guy’s starting out in a container inside the premises of his residential block. Only take-away. If you don’t know him, you don’t find him.
ti kaz creole classic was a place we often chose to dine out. Good, reasonably priced local food.
Sandwiches and doughnuts from London Way supermarket was a cheap option for a quick lunch.
Chez marilyn resto, across the street from our hotel, seemed to be a fave among tourists. But I didn’t personally get the appeal. Reasonably priced average food in tiny portions. The staff were hardly interested in serving you.
Tours near Mahébourg
Photos
View (and if you want use) all my photographs from Mahébourg in higher resolution.
