Rhumerie de Chamarel | Chamarel

Information

Landmark: Rhumerie de Chamarel
City: Chamarel
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Rhumerie de Chamarel, Chamarel, Mauritius, Africa

Rhumerie de Chamarel Restaurant & Rum Distillery

Rhumerie de Chamarel is a prestigious working distillery and upscale restaurant located in the fertile valley of Chamarel, in the southwest of Mauritius. It is renowned for its production of high-quality agricultural rum (Rhum Agricole).

Visual Characteristics

The estate is characterized by its refined architecture, featuring warm wood, stone, and copper elements that blend into the surrounding sugarcane fields and tropical gardens. The centerpiece of the interior is the gleaming copper stills used in the distillation process. The restaurant, L’Alchimiste, offers an elegant open-air setting with views of the verdant plantation.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Royal Road, Chamarel, Mauritius.

Access: Situated on the scenic route between the Seven Coloured Earth and the village of Chamarel.

Transport: Best accessed by private car, taxi, or as part of a guided "South Tour." The approach involves steep, winding mountain roads with panoramic viewpoints.

Parking: Ample on-site parking is provided for visitors.

Production & Economic Role

The distillery is unique because it manages the entire production cycle on-site. The sugarcane is grown on the estate's own plantations and harvested by hand at dawn to ensure maximum freshness. Unlike many industrial distilleries, it specializes in Rhum Agricole, distilled directly from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses.

Key Highlights & Activities

Distillery Tours: Guided walks through the production facility, explaining the fermentation and distillation processes using copper barbet columns and pot stills.

Rum Tasting: Sampling of the distillery's range, including white rums, premium aged rums, and flavored liqueurs (such as vanilla, coffee, and coconut).

L’Alchimiste Restaurant: A high-end dining experience focusing on "terroir" cuisine, utilizing ingredients grown on the estate (including palm heart and wild boar).

Retail Boutique: A specialized shop selling the full range of Chamarel rums and local artisanal products.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:30 – 16:30. Closed on Sundays.

Facilities: High-standard restrooms, shaded waiting areas, and a dedicated reception for tour bookings.

Connectivity: 4G cellular coverage is available throughout the estate.

Best Time to Visit

The harvest season (la coupe) typically runs from July to December. Visiting during this period allows guests to see the machinery in full operation and experience the aroma of freshly crushed sugarcane.