Mauritius

Champ de Mars Racecourse in Port Louis, Mauritius

Surrounded by a panorama of hills, Champ de Mars is a thoroughbred horseracing track in the centre of Port Louis. It was first inaugurated in 1812, making it the second-oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere. It was also the location for Mauritius’ Declaration of Independence in 1968.

Under the French colonization when Mauritius was known as “Ile de France”. The French governor at that time, Mahé de Labourdonnais contributed enormously to the development and growth of the city. The governor put emphasis both on the architecture and economics.

Since Port Louis was well protected from the strong winds by the Moka Mountain Range, Port Louis was thus chosen as the fort and main harbor of the island. Following this, Port Louis undertook important changes to become the trading center of Mauritius and the main naval base.

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital and also the economic centre-point of the paradise island. It is the largest city of the island with approximately 200,000 inhabitants.

The city of Port Louis is home to the biggest harbor of Mauritius (the Port Louis Harbor), and is where large businesses and little trades co-exist together, all this forms the unique atmosphere of Port Louis.