Tea Plantations & Bois Chéri
In the highlands of Mauritius, on gentle hills between 400 and 600 meters altitude, stretch the tea plantations — a green sea of neatly trimmed tea bushes that undulate across the landscape to the horizon. Tea was brought to Mauritius by the French in 1770 and has since been an important part of agriculture and culture.
Bois Chéri — The Tea Factory
The Bois Chéri Tea Factory (founded in 1892) is the oldest and largest tea plantation on the island and offers the best tea experience tour in Mauritius. The visit includes three stations:
- The Plantation: A walk through the tea fields, where you learn how the leaves are hand-picked (only the top two leaves and the bud). The tea pickers have worked here for generations — a tradition that dates back to the Indian contract workers.
- The Factory: From withering to fermentation, drying, and packaging — the entire production process is explained. Particularly fascinating: the flavored tea varieties (vanilla, coconut, bergamot) that are only produced in Mauritius.
- The Tea House (Le Saint Aubin): The tasting takes place in a colonial pavilion with panoramic views over the lake and tea plantations — one of the most beautiful places in Mauritius. You taste 5–8 types of tea and can buy your favorites. The vanilla tea is a popular souvenir.
Entrance Fee: 350 MUR (approx. 7€) including tour and tasting. Open: Mon–Fri 8:30–15:30, Sat 8:30–11:30.
La Route du Thé
The Tea Route (Route du Thé) is a combined tour that includes Bois Chéri as well as the Domaine des Aubineaux (a restored colonial house from the 19th century) and the Domaine de Saint Aubin (a sugar and vanilla plantation with a Creole restaurant). The combined tour costs 750 MUR (approx. 15€) and is a half-day well spent — history, nature, and culinary delights in one.
