Why the village bears the name of Pamplemousses? This name was given by the French due to the abundance of grapefruit trees (Pamplemousses in French) in the area. Do you know that this village was one of the first outbreaks of the French colonization? Many famous French lived at Pamplemousses, such as Mahé de Labourdonnais and Pierre Poivre.
It is most probably its historic aura which inspired Bernardin de St Pierre for his epic novel Paul et Virginie. A few kilometres from the capital city, Pamplemousses is a district situated in the North of Mauritius. The village is particularly renowned for its botanical garden and its relics of the Mauritian history. A trip in Pamplemousses is similar to a walk on our country’s vestiges, by going through the old powder mills, the cemeteries, the famous botanical garden, the colonial houses and the old sugar factory transformed into a museum.
The jewel of Pamplemousses
You probably guessed that the jewel of the village is simply the Pamplemousses Garden, the most remarkable botanical garden in Mauritius. Created by Pierre Poivre, it was renamed in the name of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, former Prime Minister of Mauritius and father of independence. However, many Mauritians still call the Pamplemousses Garden. This garden is full of treasures, such as the talipot, a single plant of its kind that blooms only once and dies immediately after flowering.
The giant water lilies
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Daily Life in Pamplemousses
Over time, Pamplemousses have not lost in tranquillity. Despite the daily tourists’ visits, the few new restaurants and the frequent buses, Pamplemousses’ roads remain quiet most of the time. If you are looking for tireless nightlife, you are in the wrong neighbourhood. It must be noted that Pamplemousses, attached to traditional values, enjoy time with their family, in the shelter of their homes. As for shopping, you will find some souvenir shops while wandering in the village’s streets or after a visit to the museum. The market of Pamplemousses is held every Sunday, where you will find a variety of products and fresh vegetables.
The Period of slavery
Pamplemousses’ alleys tell the story of the burdensome past of Mauritius painted by slavery. Indeed, as an ancient village hosting a sugar factory, several slaves were assigned to work in the fields or in their masters’ properties. The famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is in itself a monument of the painful episodes of Mauritius’ history, since many parts of this place were built by slaves. Though, there is no written proof of this, collective memories from the inhabitants as well as stories regarding certain monuments remain in Pamplemousses. They talk about the Bassin des Esclaves, of the Cimetière Noir and the Marché des Esclaves.
According to villagers, the ‘Bassin des Esclaves’ was the place where slaves were washed before being sold to the Marché des Esclaves situated where the Pamplemousses district council’s is now located. Other local rumours state that the Bassin des Esclaves was rather a spot where slaves refresh themselves after a hard day’s work. The Cimetière Noir, where slaves are buried, is another vestige of slavery in Pamplemousses.
The District Council of Pamplemousses
Although today, slavery no longer exists, one can feel the historical atmosphere prevailing in the village of Pamplemousses. History is everywhere, whether you visit the Château de Mont Plaisir or in front of the St François d’Assise church; both of these places were built by slaves.
Pamplemousses or Rural Pleasures
A trip to Pamplemousses will make you discover nice restaurants serving typically Mauritian dishes. From gastronomic restaurants to traditional fast food, everyone will find something to fill their stomach after a walk in the botanical garden or after a visit to L’Aventure du Sucre.
The musuem L’Aventure du Sucre
At Pamplemousses, no need to rush. Take time to simply stroll on the streets to feel the atmosphere prevailing in the village or to chat with the villagers who will gladly guide you. In the village, within only a few areas you will come across a building or a monument worthy of an anecdote, since in Pamplemousses, business are recurring. You will find the same baker, the same newsagent, supermarket or even the same hairdresser as it was the case a couple of years back.
Around Pamplemousses
Pamplemousses is a rural and picturesque village and if you are fond of urban pleasures, the excellent transport network will bring you directly to the capital and even at Grand Bay. If you have a car, you will access to Port-Louis in about 15 minutes by travelling on the highway or the seaside resorts if you go by the opposite road.
For shopaholics, Pamplemousses benefit mainly from the bare necessities, the nearest shopping centres are the Riche Terre Mall, La Croisette Shopping Center and the Grand-Baie Coeur de Ville.
Have a good visit.…
Images from:
http://www.aventuredusucre.com/
http://dcp.mu/
https://www.bonjourmauritius.com
