Mauritian Ti' Punch (page 4 of 7)

On the other hand, I have very fond memories of the Pamplemousse Garden. Is it a question of season? A lack of upkeep over the years? 🤪

I don’t know, maybe we were expecting too much? 😅

Yeah, it definitely had a big impact... I guess we weren’t expecting much from it (I have to say, I’d prepped way more for the Reunion part than Mauritius).

On the other hand, I have very fond memories of the Pamplemousses Garden. Is it a question of season? A lack of maintenance over the years? 🤪

I also really loved Muriel. But there were very few visitors, and it was a really hot day with just a little refreshing breeze thanks to that lush vegetation. That said, the upkeep is a bit lacking, and you shouldn’t expect a garden "manicured to perfection."

But thanks for the memory, Agnès. I also really loved "the house with verandas." On the other hand, no regrets, Bruno—I found them pretty stingy with the rum tasting, with just one tiny shot per person. Maybe they’re extra careful with the people from Landes? 😄

some of the places you showed me were unknown to me

After that, we stayed on the island for almost two weeks. It gave us a chance to explore it a bit more deeply, especially since the water temperature didn’t really encourage long beach moments or lots of water activities!

There might be a seasonal effect, but I think it's mainly due to a lack of maintenance. I read a few articles about it.

I thought they were really stingy with the rum tasting—just one tiny shot per person

With six types of rum, that still adds up to 12 cl total...

That’s roughly the equivalent of 3 glasses of wine, right?

For the garden, what really shocked me was the treatment of the animals.

"Six types of rum once, that still makes 12 cl total... Clever!"

Oh no, I’m so jealous—I didn’t get that at all! 😆

"For the garden, what really shocked me was the treatment of the animals" I admit, I just walked past "quickly" like I always do when I see a cage these days! !

I think it's mainly due to a lack of maintenance.

Sure thing...😕

Yeah, I expected that!

I’d already seen giant water lilies in Brazil, and it was just like in your photo.

Oh CLEAR you're right.... Mauritian rum huuuum Chamarel.....

The sky is glorious this morning!

A quick check on a weather app tells us no rain is expected today around Le Pouce.

Perfect—we can go ahead with the hike starting from Moka toward this mountain and really enjoy the 360-degree views from its summit.

This walk is rated intermediate (red level): about 420 meters of elevation gain over a little more than two kilometers. (So, roughly 4.5 km round trip)



It’s probably a bit steep, but it definitely looks doable!

We set off to the parking lot that marks the start of the trail.

There are already some cars—we’re not the only ones with this idea.

But unlike in Réunion, it’s far from crowded, and we’ll have no trouble finding a parking spot.

At first, we walk along a track that runs beside sugarcane fields and cattle enclosures.

Then the trail heads into the forest and starts to climb.

The effort is steady, the temperature pleasant—I’m breathing a little heavily but nothing unreasonable.

The path leaves the tree cover, and we’re amazed by the panorama that unfolds.







Since we started, we’ve barely seen anyone. Not bad to skip the early morning rush after all!

It’s a nice change from the busier trails on the neighboring island.



My partner checks Maps.me and tells me we’re almost there.

You sure?

To me, the hike ends at the top of that peak!



We’ll see...

Soon, we reach a sort of plateau—the GPS says this is the end of the hike.





But this isn’t the summit!

Look, there are people up there on the peak!

And others seem to be coming out of that grove! !

A trail starts from the cluster of greenery, and we follow it.

This last part of the hike is definitely more athletic and ends almost in a climb.

A few young people coming back down encourage me: Come on, ma'am, you can do it, it's really close now!

I use my arms, grab onto roots and branches like ropes, spot the rocks that seem stable, and move forward carefully.

Ahhhhh! Take that, 812 meters in altitude—no, there’s not a zero missing—I’ve conquered you!



I’ll let you admire the view while I snap away at the horizon...









It’s breathtaking—I don’t regret this slightly risky climb at all.

The descent will be just as tricky, if not more...

I wouldn’t risk it here after heavy rain!

If you’re prone to vertigo and/or not very agile, I’d recommend staying at the plateau level.

After a picnic, we drive to Eureka House, another colonial home open for visits. Those who didn’t plan lunch can enjoy the restaurant before tackling the waterfall hike.





I thought it’d be a peaceful stroll, but nope—it’s a constant up-and-down through the jungle!

The waterfalls are flowing nicely; it’s pretty cool.

But what I love most is the setting of the house!





Total highlight.

Now we’re heading back to Flic en Flac to enjoy its huge beach.



The water’s still a bit chilly for my taste, but the sun warms up the swimmers quickly.

And with no wind, it’s way more pleasant!

A little rest on our terrace to catch another sunset, and then we’re off to dinner in town.

We pick "La Marmite Mauricienne" restaurant, where we savor a delicious shrimp curry and a hearty *mine frit*.





Bon appétit! !

Ahhhhh! Pouce, 812 meters above sea level—no, I didn’t miss a zero—I conquered you!



Were you trying for a *Lion King* remake? Sister Anne, Sister Anne, do you see anything coming?

Later for a picnic, we drove to Eureka House, another colonial home open to visitors.

Love at first sight.

It really is a beautiful house. But is this common on the island—visiting villas? Are they still lived in? Maybe some are hotels?

Old colonial homes have often been turned into museums. They’re usually part of an agricultural estate: sugar cane, tea...

I haven’t seen any that function as hotels. A restaurant, yes.

Eureka House is no longer lived in. You can visit the interior and have lunch there.

In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful thanks to its location at the foot of a mountain.

Mauritius is still on the list of dream destinations for the French. I’ve never been there, but like you, Isabelle, it doesn’t really appeal to me. I’ll see if Agnès’s travel journal changes my mind.

Mauritius attracts French travelers with its beachy, sunny vibe—feet in the water, no communication hassles, no dangers, and hardly any time difference.

When it comes to sun and beaches, though, I’d say aim for a different season than the southern hemisphere winter...

It’s a lovely island, exotic (very Indian-influenced). The food’s great, the landscapes are super nice, and the hikes can be a bit adventurous.

Perfect for a getaway, but once again—pick a different time...

The sky darkens as we approach the Petrin parking lot, one of the entrances to the Black River Gorges National Park.

No sooner is the car parked than the clouds burst into a persistent drizzle.

Do *you* feel like hiking in the rain?

Uhhh, not really!

We change plans and continue to Grand Bassin, a volcanic lake revered by Hindus.

The sheer size of the parking lots quickly shows travelers how important this place is to followers of the religion.

On pilgrimage days, it must be absolute chaos here!

No festivities seem to be happening today, so we make our first stop at the Ganga Talao temple.

With the sky still falling on our heads, we admire the kitschy statues through the car windows...

As we head to the other side of the complex, the weather finally seems to cut us some slack.

A bit of blue replaces the gray, and the visit can proceed dry!

The offerings made to the god Shiva seem to benefit the priests, but even more so the monkeys, who swipe any banana left unattended in a flash...





Around the lake, the walk is dotted with temples, statues, and altars for believers’ donations and prayers.















As always, color is everywhere—good taste, not so much...

The fish darting around the lake are well-fed and attract a pack of four-legged beggars.



We watch their fishing technique for a moment before turning back.