Place Mahé de Labourdonnais | Port Louis

Information

Landmark: Place Mahé de Labourdonnais
City: Port Louis
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Place Mahé de Labourdonnais, Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa

Place Mahé de Labourdonnais is the seaside entrance to the Place d'Armes in Port Louis, functioning as the symbolic and physical gateway between the harbor and the administrative heart of Mauritius.

Visual Characteristics

The site is dominated by a large bronze statue of Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, the French governor who founded Port Louis. The statue stands on a high stone pedestal, facing the sea with a navigational chart in hand. The area is paved with basalt and bordered by large, ancient cannons. It is flanked by the colonial architecture of the Treasury and the modern structures of the Port Louis Waterfront.

Location & Access Logistics

The square is located at the harbor end of the Place d'Armes, directly across from the Port Louis Waterfront and the central postal museum. It is a 5-minute walk from the Victoria Urban Terminal. There is no on-site parking; visitors use the paid parking at the Caudan Waterfront (0.3 km) or the Granary. Access is via the M1 motorway, exiting at the Port Louis harbor turn-off.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The square was named to honor the governor who, between 1735 and 1746, transformed the island into a major naval and commercial hub. The statue itself was inaugurated in 1859 during the British administration, signifying the lasting impact of French planning on the city's layout. The site is situated on reclaimed land and volcanic basalt foundations at the water's edge.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is viewing and photographing the historical monument and the vista looking up the palm-lined Place d'Armes toward Government House. It is a key stop on heritage walking tours. Visitors can examine the 18th-century cannons and the maritime architecture that surrounds the plaza. It serves as a central point for official arrivals at the harbor.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The area is an open-air public space with 4G and 5G cellular coverage. While the square has no dedicated seating, the adjacent Port Louis Waterfront provides benches, public restrooms, and various cafes. Shade is limited to the periphery near building overhangs.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is the early morning (07:00 to 09:00), when the rising sun illuminates the statue and the facade of Government House in the distance. The sea breeze provides natural cooling during these hours. The site is accessible 24 hours a day, but is most active during business hours on weekdays.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is that the British colonial government chose to keep and maintain this monument to a French governor, recognizing his role in the city's foundation despite the 1810 conquest. Local lore often cites the statue as the "watchman of the port," and it is the most recognized landmark for those entering the city by sea.