The Jardin de Pamplemousse, nestled in the heart of Mauritius, is an ode to the senses: here, palms mingle with lantana trees, camphor trees rub shoulders with imposing elephant trees… Every corner of this plant paradise is imbued with memories of Bougainville, Commerson and the illustrious French botanist Pierre Poivre. We invite you to lose yourself in this marvellous garden, renowned worldwide for its priceless ecological wealth.
Nestled in the heart of the district of the same name, in the north-west of Mauritius, lies the phenomenal Jardin de Pamplemousse. This exotic green setting, stretching majestically over some 37 hectares, offers a breathtaking naturalist spectacle: thousands of species from every corner of the planet flourish here, displaying an array of shimmering colors and diffusing intoxicating scents. This is undoubtedly the most famous excursion in Mauritius.
With origins dating back to the 18th century, the Jardin de Pamplemousse evolved under the perceptive guidance of Pierre Poivre. His unparalleled dedication has enabled this unique place to grow and develop over the centuries. Today, this botanical Eden boasts the name of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, marking its history with an indelible stamp. Through its incredible diversity, it continues to delight and dazzle visitors from all over the world, including the most illustrious personalities.
The historical roots of Jardin de Pamplemousse
In 1770, the famous Pierre Poivre, then known as Intendant de l’Isle de France – the name by which Maurice was known in those days – acquired the renowned Mon Plaisir de La Bourdonnais estate. It was on this land that he created today’s Jardin de Pamplemousse, introducing a panoply of plant specimens from the four corners of the globe.
Following on from the nutmeg and clove trees, a whole catalog of varieties appeared: camphor, laurel, as well as trees and spices straight from the West Indies, India, Africa, China and elsewhere… He worked passionately to continually enrich his collections, and thus to expand the garden. This green setting, once taken over by the King of France, will continue to be sublimated by other botanists. The latter, remaining faithful to the work of Pierre Poivre, succeeded in making the site a renowned place. Over the years, the garden has been embellished with a variety of flowers, ferns, araucarias, orchids, bougainvilleas and, the icing on the cake, numerous species of palm trees. Immersing yourself in this garden is a veritable procession through multicolored lands, a paradise of scents that will accompany you throughout your peregrinations.
A journey through the garden of delights
Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of the botanical garden, an experience that invites you on a transformative adventure, at the crossroads of another reality. There, a myriad of plant specimens surround you, delicately touching your epidermis, enveloping you in their captivating flagrances. You’ll be astonished by the sheer size of some of the trees, such as the majestic baobab that greets visitors as they enter, followed by the mysterious victoria amazonica, known as a water lily of gigantic proportions rocking on its pond, the undisputed star of Mauritius’s paradise shots. And let’s not forget the talipot, an imposing palm destined to perish after a single splendid bloom.
In this edenic space, you’ll admire a breathtaking collection of no fewer than 95 species of palm from the four corners of the globe. As you stroll along, you’ll also marvel at the presence of majestic araucarias, rustic vacoas, monumental ravenalas and charming guava trees. In addition, prepare to be mesmerized by the brilliant color palette of the flamboyant trees, while the hypnotic scents of jasmine, mango and various spices, including cinnamon, will be a real treat for your nostrils.
In this oasis of biodiversity, you’ll discover an exquisite range of floral species from various terrestrial horizons, complemented by the presence of some of the quintessential endemics of Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands, including the precious ebony wood. Having said that, the appeal of this enchanting place is not limited to its extraordinary flora, but extends to the local fauna, which often roams freely and invites itself in: birds such as the kingfisher and the cardinal, among others, frequent the area, their harmonious songs adding to the ambient enchantment. Expect to encounter swirling butterflies, enigmatic reptiles, graceful fish and other charming creatures at every turn.
An internationally renowned botanical haven
The Pamplemousse Garden, a world-renowned ecological gem, is a favorite haunt of many prominent figures. Famous personalities such as Franรงois Mitterrand, Nelson Mandela and Indira Gandhi have left their mark on the site, planting their own tree. These distinguished guests often stay at the “chรขteau”, an affectionate term for the building rebuilt on the remains of Mon Plaisir’s former residence.
The Garden commemorates the names of eminent botanists and naturalists, many of whom contributed to its development. As a precious sanctuary for the fauna and flora of the Mascarenes, it also preserves the richness of island legends. You’ll have the pleasure of strolling through alleys named after illustrious figures such as La Bourdonnais, Pierre Poivre, Darwin and other pioneers in their field. It also pays tribute to the writer Bernardin de Saint-Pierre and his fictional characters, Paul and Virginie. In this enchanting setting, you may have the opportunity to visit the imaginary tombs of these legendary lovers.
Don’t be surprised if, in these spectacular surroundings, you come across a park full of giant tortoises and deer native to Java, seemingly sprung from a fantasy tale.
Mon Plaisir castle
Chรขteau de Mon Plaisir, located in the picturesque Jardin de Pamplemousses in Mauritius, is a jewel of colonial architectural heritage. Built in the 19th century, this elegant building once served as the residence of the British governor. Today, it attracts visitors with its timeless charm and lush surrounding gardens. The castle, with its refined architecture and well-preserved interiors, offers a fascinating insight into Mauritian history and culture. A visit to this iconic site promises an enriching and memorable experience.
Insects and other invertebrates
In addition to birds, reptiles and mammals, the Jardin de Pamplemousses is home to a rich diversity of insects and invertebrates. Endemic bees play a crucial role in pollinating the garden’s many plant species. Dragonflies and damselflies fly over the ponds, adding a touch of grace to this aquatic ecosystem. Spiders, like the famous Nephila, weave their large golden webs between the branches of the trees, while ants and beetles play an active role in the decomposition and balance of the ecosystem. In addition, terrestrial molluscs such as tropical snails are often visible, feeding on the moist leaves after the rains. This biodiversity of insects and invertebrates makes the garden a haven for nature lovers and microfauna enthusiasts.
Here are a few useful tips to keep in mind during your visit.
Located on Independence Street, north of Port-Louis, Le Jardin de Pamplemousse is open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. The complete visit takes about 1 hour. Admission is 300 rupees per person (about 6.50 euros), and 100 more if accompanied by a guide. It is strongly recommended to take a guide to get a full explanation of nature and Mauritius. For those who find it difficult to walk, it is also possible to hire a buggy to take you around the garden. For Mauritian residents, admission costs 25 rupees, and is free for children under 5 and adults over 60, as well as on Sundays and public holidays.
