full day
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais
For those seeking an authentic taste of Mauritian heritage, the Domaine de Bois Chéri stands as the island’s most treasured tea plantation experience. Founded in 1892, this remarkable estate holds the distinction of being Mauritius’ very first tea plantation, where traditional hand-harvesting methods continue to preserve centuries-old techniques that connect visitors to the island’s agricultural soul.
Step beyond the verdant tea fields and you’ll discover the Tea Museum at Bois Chéri, where history comes alive through fascinating exhibits that trace tea’s journey across Mauritius and the world. The museum showcases remarkable artifacts from bygone eras – antique agricultural machinery that once powered the plantation, elegant 19th-century tin tea boxes, and exquisite Chinese porcelain pieces dating back to 1645.
The exceptional quality of this historic destination speaks for itself. With over 1,024 reviews and an impressive 4.1/5 rating, Le Domaine de Bois Cheri Mauritius has earned Tripadvisor’s prestigious Travelers’ Choice award. This recognition reflects what awaits you at the Bois Cheri Tea Factory and its stunning estate grounds.
Here, you can witness the complete tea-making journey unfold before your eyes, from observing the careful cultivation process to savoring freshly brewed cups at the scenic Domaine de Bois Chéri restaurant. This historic estate delivers an unforgettable experience that weaves together agricultural heritage, culinary delight, and educational discovery – the perfect introduction to Mauritian culture and tradition.
Tea’s arrival in Mauritius began long before Bois Chéri became the island’s tea capital. Father Galloys, a French priest, introduced the first tea plants in 1760. Pierre Poivre expanded these early cultivation efforts a decade later, while Robert Farquhar continued encouraging commercial tea production throughout the 18th century.
The birth of Bois Chéri marked a pivotal moment in Mauritian agricultural history. The Bour Le Breton Company established this pioneering plantation in 1892, emerging at a time when the island desperately needed alternatives to sugarcane following a devastating cyclone. Nestled approximately 500 meters above sea level in the southern highlands, the estate discovered ideal growing conditions that would fuel its success for generations to come.
1958 brought dramatic change when the Guimbeau family (Saint Aubin Group) acquired the estate. Under their expert guidance, Bois Chéri expanded operations and solidified its market position. The factory grew into Mauritius’ largest tea producer, now manufacturing more than half the country’s entire tea output.
The secret to Domaine de Bois Chéri lies in its extraordinary microclimate. Cool highland temperatures and consistent rainfall create perfect conditions for tea bushes to grow slowly and steadily. This unique environment allows plants to develop the rich flavors and distinctive aromas that have become the signature of Mauritian tea.
Decades of operation have tested this estate’s resilience. Natural disasters, economic upheavals, and shifting global markets challenged the plantation, yet Bois Cheri Tea Factory never wavered from its commitment to quality and tradition. Innovation flourished alongside heritage – the estate now produces diverse tea varieties, with vanilla tea becoming the brand’s most celebrated creation.
Today’s Domaine de Bois Chéri stands as a living chronicle of Mauritius’ agricultural heritage. Visitors who book a tour embark on a journey through time, witnessing how this historic estate has evolved while preserving traditional tea cultivation methods that span more than a century.
Step into the heart of tea production at Domaine de Bois Chéri, where an immersive journey awaits you in the fascinating world of tea making. Guided tours run every 30 minutes in both English and French, making the experience accessible to international travelers. Here’s a tip for the most authentic experience: arrive early in the morning when the factory comes alive with activity! Freshly picked leaves arrive, machines operate at full capacity, and workers diligently process the day’s harvest.
The 20-30 minute guided tour reveals each intricate step of tea production. The process begins with careful selection – only the three youngest leaves are handpicked, with each picker collecting an impressive 50-60 kg daily during summer months. These precious leaves then make their way to the factory in 10 kg bags, ready for their remarkable transformation.
Watch as the leaves undergo their fascinating journey:
What makes this tour truly captivating is witnessing both traditional methods and modern equipment working together in perfect harmony. Though machines handle much of the processing, the operation remains remarkably labor-intensive. You’ll be amazed by the contrast between legacy machinery—much still operational—and newer technologies that work side by side.
The adventure doesn’t end at the production facility! The experience continues at the Domaine de Bois Chéri Restaurant, where panoramic views of the lush plantation create the perfect backdrop. Here, you can sample the estate’s finest teas while savoring authentic Mauritian cuisine—the ideal culmination to your educational journey through one of Mauritius’ most cherished agricultural traditions.
Ready to witness the artistry and expertise behind every cup of Bois Chéri tea? Book your tour now and experience firsthand a tradition that has been perfected since 1892.
The true magic of your Domaine de Bois Chéri adventure awaits at the scenic chalet perched majestically atop the estate's rolling hills. After exploring the fascinating factory operations, let yourself be transported along a winding dirt track to this enchanting pavilion that overlooks a tranquil lake and endless tea fields - the perfect setting for unlimited tea tasting!
Here's where the real excitement begins. Sample an impressive array of Bois Chéri's finest creations, from rich traditional black teas to innovative flavored varieties that will delight your senses - vanilla, caramel, coconut, and exotic fruits await your discovery. Green teas and soothing herbal infusions are also available, each served alongside artisanal biscuits that perfectly complement the delicate flavors. The coconut-vanilla blend deserves special mention - this signature creation with its warm, exotic notes has captured the hearts of tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Adjacent to the tasting area, the panoramic restaurant offers breathtaking vistas of southern Mauritius' lush landscape. Le Bois Chéri Restaurant specializes in extraordinary tea-infused cuisine that celebrates authentic Mauritian flavors. Choose between standard and deluxe menus featuring remarkable dishes like chicken marinated in vanilla tea sauce, succulent shrimps with green tea, and refreshing palm heart salad with smoked marlin. Vegetarian options are readily available for those with dietary preferences.
Culinary enthusiasts can participate in interactive workshops where expert chefs share tea-infused cooking techniques. These hands-on experiences provide wonderful insights into Mauritian cuisine and tea culture that you can recreate at home.
The estate grounds add another layer of charm with free-roaming wildlife - deer, wild boar, chickens, and ducks wander freely, creating a delightful natural setting. Before departing, stop at the on-site shop to purchase exclusive tea biscuits available only at the estate - the ideal souvenir to extend your Bois Chéri experience.
For the most enchanting visit, arrive early to witness the ever-changing panorama as storm clouds roll across the horizon, creating a dramatically beautiful backdrop for this quintessential Mauritian tea experience.
Indeed, the Domaine de Bois Chéri represents far more than just a tea plantation visit - it's a journey through Mauritian heritage that leaves lasting impressions on every visitor. This multifaceted destination weaves together educational discovery, sensory delights, and cultural immersion in ways that few attractions can match.
What truly elevates Bois Chéri above other experiences is how it engages all your senses. Watch traditional handpicking methods unfold alongside modern production techniques. Breathe in the aromatic highland air as you stand amid verdant tea fields. Savor distinctive teas that capture the very essence of Mauritius, from the beloved coconut-vanilla blend to innovative tea-infused cuisine at the panoramic restaurant.
The meticulous craftsmanship behind every cup becomes evident as you witness the complete production process, while the Tea Museum's fascinating exhibits connect you to centuries of agricultural tradition. Guests consistently leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into each perfectly brewed cup.
Ready to embark on your own Bois Chéri adventure? Booking your guided tour ensures you experience everything this historic estate offers. Visitors who reserve in advance receive priority access during peak hours and exclusive tasting opportunities not available to walk-in guests. Our premium package includes round-trip transportation from major hotels, lunch at the scenic restaurant, and a complimentary tea sampler to take home.
No visit to Mauritius feels complete without experiencing this beloved estate. After all, few places capture the island's agricultural soul as perfectly as standing among these rolling tea fields, connecting with traditions that span generations. Book your Bois Chéri tour today and discover why this remarkable destination continues to enchant travelers seeking authentic Mauritian experiences that create memories to last a lifetime.
Bois Chéri Estate is Mauritius' first and oldest tea plantation, established in 1892. It combines traditional tea cultivation methods with modern production techniques, offering visitors a journey through the island's agricultural heritage and tea-making process.
Visitors can experience a 20-30 minute guided tour of the factory, witnessing each step of tea production from leaf picking to packaging. The tour showcases both traditional methods and modern equipment, providing insight into the labor-intensive process of tea making.
Guests can sample a wide variety of teas, including traditional black teas, flavored varieties like vanilla and coconut, green teas, and herbal infusions. The coconut-vanilla blend is particularly popular among visitors.
Yes, the Domaine de Bois Chéri Restaurant offers tea-infused cuisine featuring authentic Mauritian flavors. Visitors can enjoy dishes like chicken marinated in vanilla tea sauce and shrimps with green tea, all while taking in panoramic views of the plantation.
For the most authentic experience, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning when the factory is bustling with activity. This allows visitors to see freshly picked leaves arriving and witness the full tea production process in action.
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