Flic en Flac: The Jewel of Mauritius' West Coast

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wah]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-koo-zay mwa/day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [ko-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMo pou vwar meni, si ou plé
  [moh poo vwar meh-nee, see ooh pleh]
• I don't eat meatMo pa manz kari
  [moh pah mahnz kah-ree]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMo pou pey, si ou plé
  [moh poo pay, see ooh pleh]

• Help!Aid!
  [ayd]
• Go away!Al lwen!
  [ahl lwayn]
• Call the Police!Apel Lapolis!
  [ah-pel lah-poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Apel enn dokter!
  [ah-pel en dohk-tair]
• I'm lostMo perdi
  [moh pehr-dee]
• I'm illMo malad
  [moh mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Mo pou achet...
  [moh poo ah-shet]
• I'm just lookingMo zis pe rod
  [moh zees peh rohd]
• How much is it?Komsa li koute?
  [kohm-sah lee koot]
• That's too expensiveSa tro cher
  [sah troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Ou kapav bais pri?
  [oo kah-pahv bai pree]

• What time is it?Ki lèr li lé?
  [kee lair lee lay]
• It's one o'clockLi enn eur
  [lee enn er]
• Half past (10)De mié (10)
  [day myay (dix)]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonApré-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoirée
  [swah-ray]
• YesterdayYer
  [yehr]
• TodayZordi
  [zor-dee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [deh-man]
• 1Enn
  [enn]
• 2Dé
  [day]
• 3Troa
  [twa]
• 4Kat
  [kaht]
• 5Sank
  [sank]
• 6Sis
  [sees]
• 7Set
  [set]
• 8Hwit
  [weet]
• 9Nuf
  [noof]
• 10Dis
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Kot enn/la...?
  [koht en/lah]
• What's the address?Ki adres la?
  [kee ah-dres lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ou kapav montre mwa (sir latet)?
  [oo kah-pahv mohn-truh mwah (seer lah-tet)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kan prochen (bis)?
  [kahn proh-shen (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)Enn billet (vers ....)
  [enn bee-yay (vair)]

Flic en Flac, situated on the western coast of Mauritius, has its roots in the colonial era. The name 'Flic en Flac' is derived from an Old Dutch phrase 'Fried Landt Flaak,' meaning 'Free and Flat Land.' During the Dutch, French, and British colonial periods, this region was primarily known for its vast sugar cane plantations and served as a quiet, agricultural area.

The sugar industry was the backbone of Flic en Flac's economy for many years. Large sugar estates dominated the landscape, and the area was known for its significant contributions to Mauritius' sugar production. Estates like 'Medine Sugar Estate' played a crucial role in the local economy and influenced the socio-economic development of the region.

In the late 20th century, Flic en Flac underwent a significant transformation. The pristine beaches and clear waters caught the attention of developers and tourists alike. By the 1980s, Flic en Flac began to evolve into a premier tourist destination, with hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities sprouting up along its coastline.

Flic en Flac is a microcosm of Mauritius' broader cultural diversity. The area is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including Creoles, Indians, Chinese, and Europeans. This cultural melting pot is reflected in the local cuisine, festivals, and daily life, making Flic en Flac a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

In recent years, Flic en Flac has become a focal point for marine conservation. The local community, along with various NGOs, has initiated several projects aimed at preserving the coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Efforts such as beach clean-ups, coral farming, and educational programs are ongoing to ensure the sustainable development of the area.

Today, Flic en Flac is one of Mauritius' most popular tourist destinations. The area boasts luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and a bustling nightlife. Despite its modern amenities, Flic en Flac has managed to retain its natural charm and cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique blend of history and contemporary comforts.

Flic en Flac is located on the west coast of Mauritius. The closest international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) in Plaine Magnien, approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, which will take around an hour to reach Flic en Flac. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport or arrange for a shuttle service in advance. Public buses also run from the airport to Flic en Flac, though this option may take longer.

Within Flic en Flac, local taxis and car rentals are the most convenient modes of transportation. Public buses operate frequently and are an economical way to get around. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for a more adventurous exploration of the area. For trips to nearby attractions, consider hiring a private car or a guided tour.

The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Flic en Flac, but it is always a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand for convenience.

Flic en Flac is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists are relatively rare, but always exercise caution and avoid flashing valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 114 for medical emergencies, and 115 for the fire department. The nearest hospital is Victoria Hospital in Candos, about a 20-minute drive from Flic en Flac. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate, but avoid overly revealing attire, especially away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful on public buses. Don’t eat or drink while using public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Mauritian dishes and accept food offerings. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Flic en Flac like a local, visit the local markets and try the street food, such as dholl puri and gateaux piments. Engage with the friendly locals and learn about their culture and daily life. Spend time on the public beach, particularly during weekends when families gather. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel in the coral reefs or take a boat trip to see dolphins. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Casela Nature Parks.