The Bois Chéri Estate

Discover the Charm of The Bois Chéri Tea Estate in Mauritius

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.

The History of Bois Chéri Estate: From 1892 to Today

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.

Inside the Bois Chéri Tea Factory: A Step-by-Step Tour

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:

• Withering: Spread out for 24 hours, losing approximately 50% of their moisture content
• Crushing: Finely chopped using rotating blades
• Fermentation: Exposed to air for about 1.5 hours, developing color, aroma, and taste
• Drying: Heated in ovens at 110°C for 10 minutes, reducing moisture to 2.5-3%
• Curing: Stored in silos for at least three months to mature[131]
• Flavoring & Packaging: Finally, flavoring is blended and tea is packed into various sizes and tea bags (2 grams each)

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.