Port Louis
Port Louis - the capital of Mauritius
#portlouis
The capital of Mauritius, a mix of cultures, the oldest stamps in the world, Fort Adelaide
Port Louis is the capital and largest city of Mauritius.
A colorful mix of cultures, tastes and nations.
The port city was founded in 1735 by the French, it was named after the then ruler Louis XV. The place was chosen for a reason - it is located in a bay near a hill on the top of which is Fort Adelaide, which held defense auctions.
The city was designed along the lines of other French colonial ports. The streets are located perpendicularly to each other, which greatly facilitates orientation in the maze of crowded streets.
The Great French Revolution left no trace here, but the political balance of power changed its name to Port Napoleon. The abolition of slavery in France was not transferred to Mauritius.
After the British invasion in 1810, troubled times followed, and the British came out on top.
Unfortunately, in those years 80-90% of the island's population were slaves.
In 1834, slavery was abolished in Mauritius.
The mixture of cultures accumulated in Port Louis results from the colonization of the island initially by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, French and British.
Mauritius declared independence in 1968
Citadel
At the very top of the hill there is a citadel that served as a warning and defensive.
From here you will see the beautiful panorama of Port Louis.
On the west side, we see middle-class houses and apartments.
This part of the city is not amazing. Buildings in a typical Mayritian style. Uncrowded streets, saturated with local culture and eateries.
Front view of the Caudan Waterfront, the harbor and the Indian Ocean
This is the business part of the city. This is where government institutions, banks and all corporations are located. Further on, the port with a beautiful promenade. The entire district is saturated with contrasts. On the one hand, wealthy businessmen, right next to the central market where you can buy everything from Calvin Clein jeans to a pig's head :-)
The western part with the horse racing track - Le Champ de Mars
It is the oldest British facility built in Port Louis.
The Indian Ocean Hippodrome is the 2nd oldest hippodrome in the world.
Entry to the Citadel is free
Le Caudan Waterfront
The promenade makes a great impression. It is a colorful place full of bustle, tourists and working people looking for a bit of European flavors. Here you can shop in chain stores or drink a classic Italian-style coffee.
We go further to the most famous street, Port Louis
This place appears on most postcards from Mauritius
Best Farata and Doll Puri on the island - yum
At one stand, we had the opportunity to prepare a meal on our own :-)
Port Louis is a city of contrasts.
On one side you can buy unearthly Mauritian culinary specialties, on the other side you just need to turn around to shop in the Hugo Boss salon :-)
Central market and shopping
Central market is a place where we can buy everything from a pig's head to Armani jeans. Unfortunately, this place has a bad reputation among the locals.
Every day there are many pickpocketing thefts, and prices are sometimes overstated by up to several hundred percent
We found several shops nearby with great prices for fruit and regional products like tea and vanilla - all hermetically packed on site, ready to be carried in your luggage.
A tea room in the port district
Kuan Fu Tel Factory
You probably ask what for?
This is the place where there used to be a tea factory.
Today it is the tasting site and tea museum of Mauritius.
We highly recommend it, despite the high prices for tea.
On the other hand, we can try the top teas from Mauritius, and then buy a supply in a local supermarket at a price several times lower.
The tea room made the greatest impression on the youngest.
Ladies are prepared for the visit of little guests, and at every step we are welcomed by a big Dodo.
Admission to the tea house is free
Because it is a charming place, admission is free and the impressions are priceless.
In addition, the museum is air-conditioned, which is important when traveling in hot weather.
Port Louis streets
The streets at rush hour are overcrowded, it is colorful, bustling and cheerful. Pots and eateries are crowded with workers, traders, but also tourists and embassy employees.
The city is teeming with life.
