Château de Labourdonnais, Colonial mansion in Mapou, Mauritius
Château de Labourdonnais is a colonial-era mansion in Mapou with restored rooms furnished with 19th-century pieces that reflect island life of that period. The property now functions as a cultural venue, hosting a working distillery, a shop for regional products, and a restaurant in addition to its historic rooms.
The mansion was built in 1856 and remained under private family ownership for over 150 years before becoming a public cultural site. This transition from private home to open venue reflects broader changes in how the island's heritage has been managed and shared.
The estate displays local craftsmanship and traditions through exhibitions and a working rum distillery that remains active today. The garden with dozens of mango varieties shows how agriculture shaped daily life and food culture on the island.
The site is straightforward to navigate, with clear areas for the exhibition spaces, distillery, shop, and restaurant. Plan to spend time walking through the gardens, as paths lead through various sections of the grounds.
The gardens are home to giant Aldabra tortoises from another island group that roam freely across the grounds. A small animal enclosure also houses local species, offering visitors a chance to see wildlife that inhabits the region.
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