Château de Labourdonnais estate tour and tastings
Château de Labourdonnais is a beautifully restored 19th‑century colonial mansion set within manicured gardens and working orchards in Mapou (northern Mauritius). The estate combines a historic house museum, orchards of tropical fruits, artisan food outlets and an on‑site rhum distillery. Visitors typically enjoy a guided tour of the manor and grounds, a behind‑the‑scenes look at the estate’s rum production and guided tastings of rums and fruit liqueurs. There is also a restaurant and boutique selling estate products. Reservation recommended for weekend visits and tastings.
Location
Château de Labourdonnais, Mapou, Mauritius
Duration
1.5–3 hours (tour + tastings; allow half a day if including lunch or a longer tasting experience)
Best Time to Visit
Year‑round, with the drier months April–November often more pleasant. Visit in the morning to avoid midday heat and to catch guided tours and tastings when they’re scheduled.
Pricing
Approximate pricing (subject to change):
- Entrance + guided house & garden tour: MUR 250–500 per adult
- Rhum & liqueur tasting add‑on: MUR 200–600 per person depending on tasting flight
- Family/combo packages & children discounts available; restaurant and special experiences (private tastings, events) priced separately. Prices vary seasonally — check the official site or contact the estate.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Restored 19th‑century colonial manor and period rooms
Guided tour of the house museum and estate history
Working tropical orchards and botanical gardens
On‑site rhum distillery and behind‑the‑scenes production insight
Guided rum and fruit liqueur tastings (tasting flights available)
Estate restaurant and gourmet shop offering local products
Special events, seasonal festivals and private‑hire possibilities
Itinerary
Arrival, ticketing and short orientation at the visitor centre.
Buy tickets or confirm reservations; restrooms and boutique usually accessible on arrival.
Guided house tour of the Château and historical rooms.
Learn about the colonial architecture, family history and restored interiors; photography usually allowed in most areas.
Distillery/production area visit and explanation of rum-making process.
See how cane spirit is produced and aged; some areas may be restricted for safety.
Guided tastings: rum and estate fruit liqueurs / preserves sampling.
Tasting flights vary — sample a range of ages and styles; expect guided notes from a staff member.
Optional lunch at the estate restaurant or picnic in the gardens.
Reservations recommended for the restaurant; menus focus on local ingredients and estate products.
Stroll the orchards, boutique shopping and departure.
Purchase bottled rums, liqueurs, jams and souvenirs; check opening hours for last entry times.
Safety Requirements
Follow staff guidance in production/distillery areas (no unauthorised access)
Do not touch machinery or stored barrels; supervised access only
Children must be accompanied at all times
Wear comfortable footwear for uneven grounds and garden paths
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) recommended — shaded areas are available but some walking is outdoors
Check accessibility if mobility is a concern — some historic rooms or grounds may have limited access
Tips
Pre‑book guided tours and tastings, especially on weekends and public holidays
Combine your visit with the nearby Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (about 10–20 minutes drive) for a full half‑day outing
Try the estate’s fruit liqueurs and preserves — great local gifts
Bring a camera — the manor, gardens and orchards are photogenic
Contact the estate in advance for dietary needs or private tasting requests
Carry some cash just in case; most places accept cards but small vendors or market stalls may prefer cash
