Château de Labourdonnais
Discover the Timeless Elegance of Château de Labourdonnais: A Must-Visit Destination in Mauritius
Set amidst the lush greenery of northern Mauritius, Château de Labourdonnais is a beautifully restored 19th-century estate that reflects the island's rich history and cultural heritage.
More than just a historical site, it offers visitors a journey through time, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the past and the vital role of the sugar industry in Mauritius.
A Journey Through History at the Château
Built in 1859, Château de Labourdonnais was a model estate, known for its innovative sugar production and elegant architecture.
Its neoclassical, Italian-inspired design and a grand two-level gallery blend European sophistication with tropical charm.
Today, the estate preserves the stories of its past residents and Mauritius's cultural evolution.
A Multitude of Experiences Awaits at Domaine de Labourdonnais
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, Domaine de Labourdonnais promises a memorable visit filled with discovery, relaxation, and inspiration.
- Interactive Museum: The château's museum showcases 19th-century artefacts and exhibits, bringing the period to life. Interactive displays offer insight into the island's history, the sugar industry, and the daily lives of the estate's former residents.
- Enchanting Gardens and Orchards: The estate's gardens are a botanical paradise, featuring a mix of exotic and native plants, such as century-old mango trees, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Animal Farm: You can make some new friends at the animal farm, where encounters with rabbits, Aldabra tortoises, chickens, goats and more await amidst picturesque surroundings.
- Gastronomic Delights at La Table du Château: For a unique taste of Mauritian cuisine, La Table du Château offers a gourmet dining experience. Chef Fabio de Poli blends tradition with innovation, creating dishes inspired by family recipes and fresh produce from the estate.
- Boutique and Delicatessen: La Boutique du Château and La Corbeille provide visitors with a chance to take home a piece of Mauritius. From handcrafted souvenirs to locally produced jams, rums, and other delicacies, these shops offer a variety of gift options.
- Tasting and Distillery: Visitors can enjoy the estate's local produce at the tasting bar, including Labourdonnais rums, fruit jellies, juices, and jams. The distillery, open during the distillation period, provides a unique look at the traditional rum-making process in Mauritius.
The distillery produces the following ranges of rum:
- Classic range - Comprises different white and amber rums, offering different aromas and flavours for rum enthusiasts’ greatest pleasure.
- Fusion range - A selection of refined rums crafted from fruits and spices harvested at Domaine de Labourdonnais, naturally macerated for up to three months before being filtered and bottled.
- Flavours available: vanilla, species, ginger, coffee-vanilla, calamondin and lemongrass
- Prestige range - The rum cellar ages rums in barrels of old Cognac, Bourbon, Port, American Whisky, and new Sauternes or French oak, enriching their exceptional aromas.
Good to Know
- La Boutique, La Corbeille, and the 2 restaurants are subject to an extra cost, payable onsite.
- The Classic Tasting includes 2 juices, 4 fruit jellies, jam & 5 rums (Prestige range excluded).
- No alcohol included in the children’s tasting.
- Château ground floor is accessible to wheelchairs with the help of staff. Virtual visit to the 1st floor is possible from the ground floor.
- The Underground Museum is not accessible to wheelchairs.
- The Visit to the Underground Museum (optional) cannot be done if it rains.
- The Château de Labourdonnais is also available for events and private functions (receptions, weddings, cocktails…). Contact us for more info.
Practical Information
Location: Mapou, North Region
Opening Times: 09:00 - 17:00 (Guided visit times may vary; find out more here)
Recommended Visit Duration: A minimum of 45 minutes, with a few hours recommended to fully explore the estate.