full day
Daily Tour
6 people
English, Francais
Standing within a 200-year-old former sugar factory, L’Aventure du Sucre – The Sugar Museum & Factory offers one of the most fascinating cultural experiences I’ve had in Mauritius.
Originally founded in 1797 and operational until 1999, this historic Beau Plan Sugar Estate transformed into the l’aventure du sucre museum in October 2002. During our two-hour visit to the l’aventure du sucre sugar museum and factory, we discovered not only the complete process of sugar production but also Mauritius’s broader history, including its connection to slavery and the rum trade. The aventure du sucre museum particularly impressed us with its interactive exhibits and the chance to taste 15 different varieties of unrefined sugar—two of which were actually invented right here in Mauritius. While the l’aventure du sucre entry fee gives you access to all exhibits, the highlight for many visitors typically comes at the end with samplings of both local sugar and rum. If you’re planning a visit, the best time to experience this cultural gem is between May and September when the weather is pleasantly cool.
L’Aventure du Sucre represents far more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a living chronicle of Mauritius’s complex history and cultural identity. This meticulously restored factory stands as a testament to the island’s agricultural heritage, showcasing how sugar production shaped the nation’s economy, society, and landscape over centuries.
What makes this museum truly exceptional is its comprehensive approach to storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on sugar manufacturing, the exhibits weave together multiple narrative threads—colonization, slavery, indentured servitude, economic development, and cultural fusion. Through interactive displays and authentic artifacts, visitors gain insight into how the sugar industry became the backbone of Mauritius, influencing everything from its population demographics to its architectural styles.
The museum’s location adds another layer of authenticity to the experience. Housed within the actual Beau Plan Sugar Factory that operated continuously for over 200 years, the building itself serves as the largest exhibit. Original machinery, tools, and equipment remain preserved throughout the space, creating an immersive environment where the past feels tangibly present.
Furthermore, L’Aventure du Sucre serves an important educational purpose beyond tourism. For many Mauritians, especially younger generations, the museum provides essential context about their national identity. School groups regularly visit to learn about their heritage, making this institution a crucial link between past and present.
The museum’s dedication to authenticity extends to its culinary offerings as well. Beyond merely displaying information about sugar varieties, visitors can actually taste them, experiencing firsthand the subtle differences between types. This sensory dimension transforms abstract historical knowledge into concrete understanding.
Additionally, the rum tasting component connects visitors to another significant aspect of Mauritian industry that evolved alongside sugar production. This holistic approach helps explain why the island’s economic and cultural development followed its particular path, making L’Aventure du Sucre not just a place to visit, yet a key to understanding Mauritius itself.
Upon entering the former sugar mill, I was immediately struck by the enormous factory space with its decade-old machinery illuminated by thousands of lights. The adventure unfolds across 5,000 square meters of exhibition space divided into 10 interactive thematic areas.
My tour began with jungle sounds and ocean waves echoing through the massive building. Giant screens displayed films about Mauritius’s early years while a floating barge and the sudden whistle of a railway engine created an immersive atmosphere. This sensory introduction set the stage for a journey through 250 years of Mauritian history intertwined with sugar production.
The self-guided tour takes approximately 1.5 hours, though I spent closer to 2-3 hours exploring everything thoroughly. For those seeking deeper insights, guided tours are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30am and 2:00pm, and Fridays at 2:00pm for 300 rupees per person (recommended for visitors 15+ years).
For families visiting with children, the museum has created two special mascots – a mynah bird and a mongoose – to guide younger visitors. These characters lead children on an entertaining treasure hunt with questions and answers hidden in envelopes throughout the exhibits.
The sugar tasting experience at l'aventure du sucre museum steals the show for most visitors. After learning about the complex history and production process, getting to sample 15 different sugar varieties provides a sensory payoff that connects theory to practice. I found the unrefined specialty sugars particularly intriguing—each with distinct flavors, colors, and textures that showcase the versatility of this everyday ingredient.
For those interested in spirits, the rum tasting adds another dimension to the visit. Located in the Village Boutik area, this tasting offers a chance to sample various local rums that showcase Mauritius's exceptional distilling traditions. The knowledgeable staff explains the connection between sugar production and rum making, creating a comprehensive understanding of these interrelated industries.
An eco-museum with a unique exhibit in a magical setting
Fully restored and converted sugar factory where films of early Mauritius are played
Go back 250 years in the past and discover Mauritius’ entire history, from its origins as a colonial settlement to the ethnic and cultural melting pot that it is today
Learn about the Mauritian Sugar cane industry
Interactive visitors’ guides including animated scale models, short films and giant flip-books.
Enjoy a sugar and rum tasting session
Shop for souvenirs at The Village Boutik
.Visit of Beau Plan Sugar Mill – transformed in a modern museum
Visit of the factory
Sugar and Rum tasting
Access The Village Boutik
L'Aventure du Sucre is a museum and former sugar factory located in Mauritius. It's housed in a 200-year-old sugar factory at the Beau Plan Sugar Estate and offers visitors a comprehensive look into the history of sugar production and its impact on Mauritian culture.
A standard visit to L'Aventure du Sucre usually takes between 1.5 to 3 hours. This allows enough time to explore the 5,000 square meters of exhibition space, which is divided into 10 interactive thematic areas.
The main highlights include interactive exhibits on Mauritian history and sugar production, a sugar tasting experience featuring 15 different varieties of unrefined sugar, and a rum tasting session. Visitors can also enjoy the on-site restaurant "Le Fangourin" and shop for souvenirs at the Village Boutik.
Yes, the museum offers special activities for children. There are two mascots - a mynah bird and a mongoose - that guide younger visitors on an entertaining treasure hunt throughout the exhibits. The museum also provides exploration guides with fun riddles and activities, and there's even a specially created toddler's tour for children aged 2-6.
The entry ticket includes access to all museum exhibits, the temporary exhibition, sugar and rum tastings, and free use of an audio guide app available in seven languages. Visitors can also participate in sugar cane product tastings in the Village Boutik, which feature various sugars, rums, and local products.
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