Domaine des Aubineaux | Curepipe

Information

Landmark: Domaine des Aubineaux
City: Curepipe
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Domaine des Aubineaux, Curepipe, Mauritius, Africa

Domaine des Aubineaux is a colonial mansion built in 1872, located in Forest Side, Curepipe. It is the first stop on the Mauritian Tea Route and serves as a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian tea and the colonial era.

Visual Characteristics

The estate features a grand colonial house constructed from local timber, characterized by wide verandas, intricate woodwork, and a turret. The interior is preserved with original period furniture, vintage photographs, and paintings. The house is surrounded by a vast park containing camphor trees, exotic plants, and a garden of endemics. The "Maison des Essences" and an old stable converted into a tea room are also on the grounds.

Location & Access Logistics

The domain is situated on the Royal Road in Forest Side, Curepipe, approximately 1.5 km south of the Curepipe town center.

Access: Easily reachable by car or taxi from the main road.

Transport: It is a short drive from the Jan Palach bus station.

Parking: On-site parking is available for visitors within the estate grounds.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The house was the residence of the Guimbeau family, prominent players in the local tea and sugar industries. It was the first residence on the island to be equipped with electricity in 1881. The estate's gardens house a collection of centuries-old trees and a nursery dedicated to the preservation of endemic Mauritian flora.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about 19th-century colonial life. The "Maison des Essences" offers a sensory experience focused on the extraction of essential oils from local plants. The stable-turned-tearoom serves various local teas and Mauritian snacks. The estate also features a restaurant, Les Aubineaux, specializing in traditional Mauritian cuisine.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site includes a museum, a tea room, a restaurant, and a gift shop selling local teas, essential oils, and handicrafts. Public restrooms are available for guests. The property is well-maintained with paved paths through the gardens. High-speed 4G and 5G cellular coverage is available throughout the site.

Best Time to Visit

The domain is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Morning visits (10:00 to 12:00) are ideal for touring the house and gardens before lunch. The cool, misty climate of Forest Side provides a refreshing environment, particularly during the summer months.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical fact is that the house was constructed using the timber from decommissioned sailing ships, which contributed to its unique structural resilience. The Guimbeau family occupied the house for over a century before it was converted into a museum, ensuring the authenticity of the artifacts and furniture displayed inside.