Visit & Tour of Bois Chéri with Optional Lunch – Overview

About this tour

Bois Cheri tea factory stands as Mauritius’ first tea plantation, established in 1892 and spanning an impressive 250 hectares of lush landscape. Visitors can explore this historical site through guided tours that operate from Monday to Friday, with the estate welcoming guests daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

The complete experience at bois cheri tea factory mauritius includes a fascinating tour of the working factory, a visit to the tea museum, and a delightful tasting session. Additionally, bois cheri tea comes in various flavors, featuring vanilla, exotic fruits, and traditional English breakfast blends. Tea enthusiasts will appreciate that they’re sampling the world’s second most consumed beverage while enjoying panoramic views of southern Mauritius from the tasting pavilion situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking a lake.

Bois Chéri Tea Factory Tour: What to Expect

A visit to the bois cheri tea factory begins with a guided tour through the production facility where visitors gain firsthand insights into Mauritius’ tea-making heritage. 

Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide leads visitors through the factory, explaining each stage of the tea production process. Guests observe the journey from freshly picked leaves to finished product, including withering, fermentation, drying, sieving, and packaging. For the most authentic experience, morning visits are ideal as this is when production is most active and freshly picked tea leaves arrive at the facility.

Furthermore, the tour provides fascinating narratives about the significance of tea production in Mauritius. The factory, though not enormous, offers a genuine glimpse into operational tea manufacturing. Notably, bois cheri tea comes in various varieties – both green and black tea are produced here, with vanilla tea being their signature blend.

Following the factory exploration, visitors proceed to the small yet informative museum. Here, historical photographs, documents, and vintage equipment tell the story of Mauritian tea production. One remarkable exhibit features an old F4268 locomotive, purchased after Mauritius gained independence in 1968, now repurposed as a boiler.

During your visit, nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wildlife that roams freely throughout the estate. The bois cheri tea factory mauritius grounds are home to majestic deer, wild boar, chickens, and ducks, adding a charming natural element to the experience.

Before concluding the factory portion of the tour, guests should stop by the on-site shop where exclusive tea biscuits – available only at the estate – make for perfect souvenirs. This combination of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and local culinary tradition makes the factory tour a must-visit attraction on the Mauritian Tea Route.

Highlights of this site

The panoramic vistas from Bois Cheri tea factory undoubtedly rank among its most captivating features. Perched atop a hill, the chalet offers breathtaking views over the southern coast of Mauritius, with rolling green hills and sprawling tea fields stretching as far as the eye can see. From the wooden terrace of Le Chalet, visitors can gaze down upon the serene Le Lac des Cygnes (Swan Lake), creating a picturesque backdrop that enhances the tea-tasting experience.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife that calls the estate home. Throughout the 250-hectare property, deer, wild boar, chickens, and ducks roam freely, adding a unique charm to this tranquil setting. The peaceful atmosphere creates what many describe as a “soothing environment” that must be experienced firsthand.

Most importantly, Bois Cheri tea factory mauritius forms an integral part of the celebrated Mauritian Tea Route, positioned as the second stop after Domaine des Aubineaux and before Saint Aubin. This cultural journey invites visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s rich history through its gastronomy.

Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional tea tasting session, considered by many to be the highlight of any visit. Guests can sample up to twelve different varieties of Bois Cheri tea, including:

• Traditional black tea
• Flavored options (vanilla, coconut, bergamot)
• Various green teas
• Unique herbal infusions

The tasting experience comes complete with sweet Mauritian biscuits, milk, and raw sugar.

For those wishing to extend their visit, the on-site restaurant takes “a formidable stab at gourmet cuisine”, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and incorporating tea into many culinary creations. Signature dishes include crevettes in traditional Mauritian red sauce and medallions of roast duck with honey tea sauce. Consequently, many visitors choose to complement their factory tour with lunch at this charming hilltop establishment.

Above all, the chalet’s unique setting offers what many describe as “one of the most picturesque locations” in Mauritius, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in experiencing the authentic cultural and natural heritage of the island.

Tea Tasting Experience at the Chalet

The culmination of any visit to the bois cheri tea factory is the exceptional tasting experience at the panoramic chalet. After leaving the factory, visitors embark on a short drive down a scenic dirt track to reach this charming pavilion perched atop a hill. Despite the bumpy journey, guests should keep their eyes peeled for monkeys and wild pigs that often appear along the route.

Upon arrival at the chalet, friendly staff escort visitors to tables that offer breathtaking views of the volcanic crater lake and the south coast of Mauritius. In fact, many consider this location one of the most peaceful and green places to visit on the island. The serene setting, surrounded by lush tea plantations and palm trees, creates a tranquil atmosphere perfect for savoring the diverse tea selection.

Essentially, the tasting session allows guests to sample 10-12 different varieties of bois cheri tea, all grown on the volcanic soil that gives these teas their distinctive exotic flavor. Options include:

• Black teas (vanilla, exotic fruits, earl gray, caramel)
• Green teas with various infusions
• Herbal selections for non-caffeinated options

Each visitor receives hot water, milk, sugar, and authentic Mauritian biscuits. The staff provides enough hot water for approximately three cups, allowing guests to carefully select their preferred flavors. The vanilla tea, with its subtle hint that isn’t overpowering, receives particular praise from visitors, while the traditional English breakfast blend impressively stands up to international standards.

First off, the quality of bois cheri tea factory mauritius products becomes immediately apparent during tasting. The tea plants, hand-harvested and carefully processed, ensure premium quality in every cup. Altogether, this experience combines sensory pleasure with stunning natural beauty, as visitors can watch storm clouds roll in across the landscape while enjoying their tea. Many guests find themselves purchasing boxes to take home as gifts for friends and family.