There is nothing like wandering across a historic town while enjoying the beautiful shorelines. Vieux Grand Port offers it all and even more. If you are looking for travel-worthy destinations this summer, the town can surely be on your list. But as with every tourist destination, you must plan things out to ensure things do not turn awry. Leaving things to chance can create a recipe for disastrous memories. So, let us help you with a complete guide to the top attractions in Vieux Grand Port.
Top Attractions In Vieux Grand Port
Here are the things you need to know before you visit the historical town of Mauritius. Our travel guide details the top attractions in Vieux Grand Port.
1. Vieux Grand Port Historic Site
Vieux Grand Port is a town in the Grand Port District, Mauritius. It is the first human settlement in the country and, hence, immensely popular. The Vieux Grand Port Heritage Site is a national heritage monument consisting of the ruins of Fort Frederik Henrik. The ancient fort was named after Frederik Henrik, the Prince of Orange.
According to historical legends, the Dutch were the first to discover Mauritius in 1598. They built the fort in 1638. When they abandoned the country in 1710, they demolished the fort instead of leaving it intact. The island was then claimed by the French in 1715. The French settled in Vieux Grand Port in 1722. However, they later moved to the lands of Port Louis, which is now the capital of Mauritius. Post 1753, the settlement was built over the ruins of Fort Frederik Henrik. Today, the Vieux Grand Port Heritage Site is established as the Frederik Hendrik Museum.
Significance: Cultural
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2. The Frederik Hendrik Museum
The Frederik Hendrik Museum is an iconic spot in Vieux Grand Port. If you are looking for a secluded and serene place, this is it. The area of the museum faces the southeast coast and is significant to Mauritian history. The Frederik Hendrik Museum has been designated a National Heritage Site. A visitor centre is here to guide you well, and lush, green tropical vegetation envelops the area. In the centre, artefacts found during the archaeological digs are on display. Since 1997, there have been excavations in the area. Reproductions of historical maps and paintings from the 17th century are also on show on campus.
Blocks of fossil coral and mortar, lime, chippings, and basalt rocks were used to build the walls of the Frederik Hendrik fort. This led to the notion that the fort was French in origin. Within the fort’s original boundaries, there used to be a jail, a bakery, a lodge, and a blacksmith’s workshop. Graffiti depicting ships from the 18th and 19th centuries is a nice attraction and can be found on the lodge’s walls. The Dutchman Frederik Hendrik’s bones were extracted from under the earth at this place in the year 2000.
3. Domaine Du Chasseur
Like every other town in Mauritius, Vieux Grand Port is surrounded by plenty of natural reserves. One of the most iconic ones is the Domaine Du Chasseur. Nestled at the foothills of the Anse Jonchée Mountains, the reserve’s name translates to “hunter’s Domain.” The nature reserve covers an area of around 1000 hectares and is an iconic place to visit in Vieux Grand Port.
Interestingly, the reserve is located 300 metres above sea level and consists of dense lush forests with the greenest foliage. It is home to various endemic species, such as the Mauritian Kestrel, Zebra Dover, Mauritian Cuckoo Shrike, Mauritius Parakeet and the world-famous Pink Pigeon. When you return from this reserve trek, you will witness the Domaine de I’Ylang Ylang, where you can buy essential oils, perfumes and colognes. This area is essentially known for cultivating yellow aromatic flowers, known across the globe as Ylang-Ylang.
Suggested Read: Museums In Mauritius
4. Dutch Landing Monument
Image Credit: carrotmadman6 for Wikimedia Commons
In Vieux Grand Port, it is common to come across a stunning, expertly designed stone-like building. In case you were unaware, the Dutch settled in Mauritius in 1638. Therefore, the location of the Dutch first landing on the island is marked by a monument at Grand Port called Dutch First Landing. The monument is erected with black stones, and a piece of writing about the Dutch Landing is on the wall.
It is important to understand and acknowledge the history to understand the structure’s purpose and what makes it noteworthy. Vice-Admiral Wybrandt van Warwick and Admiral Cornelius Van Neck led eight Dutch ships to Bantam, a significant Indonesian seaport, on September 9, 1598. Rumours suggest that the ship was carrying unique European commerce goods. However, a simple accident brought the Dutch to Mauritius. They had never considered visiting Mauritius, but destiny had other plans, and they discovered the land.
5. Vieux Grand Port Beach
While it may not be the most popular beach of all, the Vieux Grand Port Beach is an ideal secluded point to spend time. You will get directions to various other boat tours that start from here. You can take motorboats, enjoy snorkelling, or travel a bit farther, where companies also offer scuba diving.
The best way to explore the Vieux Grand Port Beach is to travel on foot. While you can savour delectables at cafes, you will love the local cuisine at the restaurants near the beach.
There are also plenty of local shops to enjoy and spend time in. The beach offers great sunset views, and the crowd makes way for a happening evening spent well in Mauritius. The nearby attractions are also easy to visit from here; hence, the beach can be the starting point for your entire trip to Vieux Grand Port.
Significance: Travel
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Other Things To Do In Vieux Grand Port
Image Credit: carrotmadman6 for Wikimedia Commons
Grand Port is historically significant to Mauritius and its people. While you will enjoy the monuments and museums here, you can also indulge in modern-day activities. Some of the activities to start with include discovering the streets and getting to know the local life. Look around downtown for shops and museums, or enjoy the mouthwatering local cuisine during lunch.
You can also see a performance at the theatre or just stroll down the main drag and observe passersby. Take a stroll to get a closer look at the neighbourhood. Visit one of the smaller stores to find the ideal memento, or visit your new favourite gallery to change your artistic style completely. When you visit a county fair, you can taste cotton candy and relive your childhood. Try some locally produced jam in a rest area on a deserted highway, or allow the rush of contemporary life to envelop you as you become lost in the well-organised mayhem of a contemporary city.
Further Read: Best Places For Photography In Mauritius
Are you tempted yet? If yes, you may want to explore Vieux Grand Port in person, not virtually. The only way to learn about the history of Mauritius and how it became one of the most visited islands in the world is to visit and travel to Vieux Grand Port. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Mauritius today and make your trip worthy of your time and money.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vieux Grand Port
What is Special about Vieux Grand Port ?
The town is one of the most budget-friendly places you will visit in Mauritius. Some guides even suggest keeping your wallet at the hotel as you may need not spend even a cent here. You can travel on foot, traversing through iconic museums and monuments. You can enjoy the views or take a dip in the ocean, all for free.
How is the nightlife at Vieux Grand Port?
The nightlife at Vieux Grand Port may not be as happening as Port Louis or Flic-en-Flac. However, there are still plenty of shops to go around and eateries to explore.
What makes Vieux Grand Port so important?
It's the history related to this place that provides it immense significance. It was the first human settlement in Mauritius. The Vieux Grand Port Historic Site is a national heritage site with the ruins of Fort Frederik Henrik, named after Frederik Henrik, Prince of Orange. The Dutch discovered Mauritius in 1598 and built the fort in 1638. Interestingly, the Dutch discovered this land by mistake, and the whole story revolving around the discovery is quite amusing.
How was the Grand Port constructed?
Constructed by the Dutch and subsequently occupied by the French, the town serves as a reminder of the island's colonial history. At the Battle of Grand Port, near the Île de la Passe, in 1810, a French squadron of frigates defeated a corresponding British squadron in a naval battle.
Which religion is followed in Mauritius?
Hinduism is the most common religion in Mauritius with over 52% of people identifying as Hindu. About 28% of people identify as Christians (26% Catholics and 2% Protestants) while 16.6% of the populace is Muslim.
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