Pamplemousses: The Garden Jewel of Mauritius

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [O re-vwar]
• YesWi
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [Seel voo pleh/Dee ree-an]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [Ex-kew-zay mwa/Day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment allez-vous?
  [Koh-moh-tah-lay voo]
• 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 voudré get menu, silvouple
  [Moh voo-dray zheh meh-noo, seel-voo-pluh]
• I don't eat meatMo pas mange la viande
  [Moh pah mahnj lah vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMo voudré payé, silvouple
  [Moh voo-dray pa-yay, seel-voo-pluh]

• Help!Aide!
  [Ehd]
• Go away!Alé alé!
  [Ah-lay ah-lay]
• Call the Police!Appel la Police!
  [Ahp-pay la Poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appel enn docteur!
  [Ahp-pay enn dok-tuhr]
• I'm lostMo perdi
  [Moh pair-dee]
• I'm illMo malad
  [Moh mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Mo voudré acheté...
  [Moh voo-dray a-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingMo juste regarde
  [Moh zhoost ray-gard]
• How much is it?Combien sa coute?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveSa trop cher
  [Sah troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Eske to kapab ba pri la ba?
  [Es-kuh toh kah-pah baa pree lah bah]

• What time is it?Ki ler li ete?
  [Key layr lee eh-tay]
• It's one o'clockLi ena enn ler
  [Lee en-ah enn layr]
• Half past (10)Ler et demi (10)
  [Layr ay deh-mee (dis)]
• MorningMatin
  [Ma-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAjourd'hui
  [Ah-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Deh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [Uhn]
• 2De
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Twa]
• 4Quatre
  [Kat]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuff]
• 10Dix
  [Dees]

• Where's a/the...?Kot enn/la...?
  [Koh ay/lah]
• What's the address?Ki so adresse?
  [Key soh ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eske to kapav montre mwa (sur le plan)?
  [Es-kuh toh kah-pahv mohn-truh mwah (soor luh plahn)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ler prochain (bis)?
  [Layr proh-shahn (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)Enn ticket (vers ....)
  [Enn tee-kay (vair)]

Pamplemousses, one of the oldest districts in Mauritius, was established in the early 18th century during the French colonial period. The district’s name, which translates to 'grapefruit' in French, is a nod to the abundance of the fruit in the area at the time. The French influence is still evident in the architecture and layout of the town.

In the mid-18th century, the French horticulturist Pierre Poivre arrived in Pamplemousses. Poivre is best known for his contributions to the development of the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, which he transformed into a lush haven of exotic and native plants. His work in the garden had a lasting impact on the botany of Mauritius and the broader Indian Ocean region.

Originally established in 1735, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is one of the most iconic landmarks of Pamplemousses. Over the centuries, it has grown into a sprawling 37-hectare garden that houses a diverse collection of tropical plants, including giant water lilies, spice plants, and rare palm trees. The garden is also home to a number of historical monuments and statues.

Pamplemousses boasts a rich architectural heritage that reflects its colonial past. Notable buildings include the St. Francois d'Assise Church, which was built in 1756 and stands as one of the oldest churches in Mauritius. The district also contains several well-preserved colonial houses and estates, which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the early European settlers.

In recent decades, Pamplemousses has evolved into a vibrant and culturally diverse district. The area is known for its bustling markets, where visitors can experience the local way of life and sample Mauritian cuisine. The district also hosts various cultural festivals and events that celebrate the rich traditions and heritage of its multi-ethnic community.

Pamplemousses is home to several museums and historical sites that provide insight into the region's past. The L’Aventure du Sucre, a former sugar factory turned museum, offers an interactive experience that chronicles the history of sugar production in Mauritius. The Château de Labourdonnais, a restored 19th-century mansion, provides a look into the island's colonial history and architecture.

Pamplemousses is located in the northwest part of Mauritius, approximately 12 kilometers from the capital city, Port Louis. The nearest international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), situated about 60 kilometers away from Pamplemousses. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private shuttle, or rent a car to reach Pamplemousses. Public buses also connect the airport to Port Louis, from where you can take another bus or a taxi to Pamplemousses.

Pamplemousses is a relatively small area, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances within the region, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through your accommodation. Public buses are also a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, with services connecting to neighboring towns and Port Louis. Renting a car or a scooter can offer more flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops, although it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Pamplemousses and surrounding areas, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash when you have the opportunity. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport, banks, and some hotels.

Pamplemousses is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid displaying valuable items openly and be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places. Certain areas, such as Port Louis, may have higher crime rates, including petty theft targeting tourists. Always secure your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital with emergency services is located in Port Louis. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Pamplemousses can provide over-the-counter medications. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the local police station and your embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate of other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or a smile. Use 'Bonjour' (Good morning) or 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) as a polite greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pamplemousses like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Mauritian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. For a unique experience, explore the Pamplemousses village and its historical sites, such as the L'Aventure du Sucre museum, which offers insights into the island's sugar industry.