Perched at an altitude of over 650 metres, Curepipe is Mauritius’ second-largest town, nestled in the heart of the island. Its temperate, humid climate, with its distinctly European charm, attracts many expatriates. Its proximity to Port-Louis also makes it a prime location for members of the government, including the Prime Minister.<\/p>\n
\n The fascinating story of Curepipe<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n The origin of the name Curepipe is linked to the occupation of the town by French soldiers during the Napoleonic era, who used their pipes as a favorite pastime and took the time to clean them when they became blocked. \n Discover Curepipe<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n A trip to the heights of Curepipe offers spectacular views of superb colonial homes. The town is also full of stores selling model boats, a typical Mauritian craft. Shopping is a must in Curepipe, with its many factory outlets and duty-free stores, for a glimpse into the heart of everyday Mauritian life.<\/p>\n \n Architectural panorama<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n A tour of the town center reveals the elegant 19th-century H\u00f4tel de Ville (originally established in Moka), the old Coll\u00e8ge Royal Anglais, the Monument aux Morts from 1914-18 and the Library’s historic manuscripts. \n Domaine des Aubineaux<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n The famous Domaine des Aubineaux, just a short distance from Curepipe, is a must-see. This colonial mansion, now converted into a museum, is classified as a national heritage site and is on the list of Vieilles Maisons de France.<\/p>\n This is the original formation of Mauritius’<\/a>s famous tea route.<\/p>\n \n \n Le Trou aux Cerfs<\/strong>\n <\/p>\n The ancient extinct volcano, Trou aux Cerfs, is one of the town’s major attractions. The crater, 85 metres deep and 200 metres wide, offers spectacular views over the entire central plateau. Its past is also interesting; a botanist once brought sugar cane species from New Caledonia and even cultivated vines on the slopes.<\/p>\n \n
Formerly covered in forests, Curepipe has gradually been converted to sugar cane<\/a> plantations.
Geographically, its position between Port-Louis and Mah\u00e9bourg has made it an essential stopover for travelers in search of rest and refreshment.
At the turn of the 19th century, the construction of a road linking Mah\u00e9bourg to Port-Louis by the English precipitated the development of the town, which became home to a hotel-relais and several housing estates. Later, with the opening of a railway station in 1825, the town established itself as an essential stopover.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Curepipe really took off, attracting residents from Port-Louis fleeing the malaria epidemic. Well-to-do families found refuge here, escaping mosquitoes and fevers. Thanks to this, the town was the first to benefit from electricity, as early as 1889, and received its city status a year later. Today, it is a residential city with a population of almost 100,000.<\/p>\n
The H\u00f4tel de Ville de Curepipe is a magnificent testimony to Mauritian architectural heritage<\/a>. Built from the materials of a former private residence, it was inaugurated in 1902 and was recently renovated in 2022-2023 to reveal its full grandeur.
The Royal English College, originally located in Port-Louis, was moved to Curepipe following the epidemics that struck Port-Louis, causing the exodus of its population. It is the oldest secondary school in the Commonwealth and is considered a prestigious boys-only institution.
In the Forest Side district, in the south-east of the city, you can admire splendid historic residences surrounded by greenery. <\/p>\n