Written on : 11 October 2019 By : Melchior Burin des Roziers
In northwestern Mauritius, the 37-hectare Pamplemousses Botanical Garden remains the most famous major excursion in Mauritius. This sumptuous haven of peace, which brings together plant species from all over the world, is also the first tropical botanical garden to have been created in the world. Let's discover together this magnificent temple of vegetation.
The origins of the Grapefruit Garden: Mr. Poivre
Recently renamed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, named after the father of Mauritius' independence, the Jardin de Pamplemousses nevertheless has its origins in an 18th century Frenchman: a certain Pierre Poivre.
In 1770, Mauritius was still called "l'Isle de France" and Pierre Poivre was its steward. He bought the Mon Plaisir property in La Bourdonnais and created the famous garden we know today, introducing plant species from all over the world. Camphor and laurel then come to mix with nutmeg and cloves. The trees and spices of the West Indies live in harmony with those from India, Africa and China. Pierre Poivre takes great care of his garden and constantly enriches it with new species.
A little later, the King of France bought the garden, which was to be developed by other botanists, so that the place would eventually acquire a great reputation. This paradise of colours and fruity scents from north-western Mauritius, gathers thousands of surprising flowers, ferns, araucarias, bougainvilleas and orchids and a multitude of palm species.
Today, the garden is known all over the world and many famous visitors have left their mark by planting their trees. This is the case of François mitterrand, Nelson Mandela or Indira Gandhi. You will discover them during your fantastic walk during which you will not fail to be amazed by the giant turtles. Otherwise, there are also birds like the cardinal or the martin, mongooses, tenrecs, butterflies, fish and reptiles. Who knows, you may also have the chance to encounter Java deer?
Paul and Virginie: When literature invites itself into the Mauritian wilderness
Do you know "Paul and Virginie", Bernardin de Saint-Paul's famous novel? These two fictional characters enjoyed phenomenal success from the end of the 18th century, gradually becoming the French equivalents of "Romeo and Juliet". These two teenagers from Mauritius were also victims of an impossible love, in an idyllic and tropical setting. The end of this pastoral novel is obviously tragic.... In the magnificent Garden of Pamplemousses, you can visit the fictional tombs of these two legendary lovers.
Few people know it, but the story of "Paul and Virginie" was inspired by the life of the author who lived on the island from 1768 to 1773. The latter was in love with an impossible love for Françoise Robin, the wife of a certain... Pierre Poivre. That's right, him again!
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre will name his eponymous characters after two of his own children: Paul died very young, but Virginie married a general.
It can be said that Bernardin de Saint-Paul has worked hard to preserve the nature of Mauritius. He was in a way an ecologist before the time, outraged by the real estate and agricultural development that was taking place at the expense of natural flora. Fortunately, his work with the governor of the time led to one of the first nature conservation programs. This attachment to nature is at the heart of his magnificent novel.
This masterpiece was later mentioned in the works of great authors of French literature such as Guy de Maupassant, Gustave Flaubert and Alexandre Dumas
What you need to know for your trip
The site is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and is located on Independence Street, in the district of Pamplemousses, north of Port-Louis. You can hire a guide at your entrance to the park, as well as a cart to browse the garden.
8
4
4
