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Le Domaine de Saint Aubin

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Le Domaine de Saint Aubin is a magnificent historic estate located in the lush south of Mauritius, offering a deep dive into the island's colonial and agricultural heritage. The centerpiece is the grand manor house built in 1819, originally constructed from timber salvaged from shipwrecks and moved to its current location in 1870 to be closer to the sugar factory. Visitors can explore the preserved interior, which serves as a window into the lifestyle of 19th-century estate owners. The grounds are famous for their working vanilla plantation, where the intricate process of hand-pollinating the orchids is still practiced today. Additionally, the estate features a traditional rum distillery that produces fine agricultural rum from home-grown sugar cane. A stroll through the botanical gardens reveals exotic flowers, ancient trees, and a spice garden, making it a comprehensive cultural stop that combines history with the aromatic sensory experiences of vanilla and rum production.

Location: Mauritius
Top sights: Vanilla House · Maison du rhum & dégustation · La Vanille Nature Park
Nearby: Grand Bois (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	26	25	23	22	22	23	24	25	26
Rain mm	127	113	124	79	47	32	28	26	29	31	34	48

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The estate is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore both the historic manor house and the surrounding gardens. Inside, you can view period furniture and learn about vanilla production.

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Typical hours

Typical opening hours are from morning until late afternoon, but it's best to check the current schedule before your visit. Many plantations close earlier on weekends.

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Photography

Photography is generally permitted throughout the estate, including the lush gardens and the interior of the manor. Avoid using flash near delicate artefacts or in the vanilla drying rooms.

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Time needed

A visit usually takes between one and two hours, depending on your interest in the guided tour and the vanilla plantation. Allow extra time for tasting local products at the on-site shop.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Gris Gris Cliffs or the Rochester Falls for a full day in southern Mauritius. The road passes other plantations and scenic viewpoints.

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Getting there

The estate is located in Saint Aubin, about 30 minutes’ drive from Souillac. Use a rental car or arrange a taxi from any major hotel; public transport is limited.

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Insider tip

Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and to catch the vanilla plantation in full morning freshness. Don’t leave without trying the vanilla rum or homemade jams at the boutique.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.48520, 57.55150

Facts

The plantation house was constructed in the year 1819
Located near Rivière des Anguilles in the south
Houses a distillery for traditional agricultural rum
Features a dedicated 'Vanilla House' (Maison de la Vanille)
The original house was built using planks from ships
The sugar processing factory was relocated in the 1970s

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Saint Aubin House<1 km · WExplore →

Rivière des Anguilles2 km · NExplore →

Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park2 km · EExplore →

Gris Gris Cliffs3 km · SWExplore →

Le Domaine de Bois Chéri3 km · EExplore →

Rochester Falls4 km · SExplore →

Britannia4 km · EExplore →

Kanaka Crater5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Le Domaine de Saint Aubin (4)

Vanilla House🏛 museum

This building showcases the processing of vanilla pods, a traditional crop of the island.

Maison du rhum & dégustation🏛 museum

A former distillery presenting rum production and tastings at the Saint Aubin estate.

La Vanille Nature Park

A nature park with crocodiles, giant tortoises and tropical vegetation in southern Mauritius.

🌐 lavanille-naturepark.com🕒 Mo-Su 08:30-17:00

Saint Aubin Sugarcane Museum🏛 museum

The museum documents the history of sugarcane cultivation and sugar production on Mauritius.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does Domaine de Saint Aubin offer?

A historic estate with vanilla plantations, rum distillery, and restaurant.

Can you visit the vanilla plantations?

Yes, there are guided tours through the vanilla greenhouses.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, a small petting zoo is very popular with children.

Can you buy rum there?

Yes, in the on-site shop you can purchase homemade rum.

How long does a visit take?

A half day is well-suited to see everything in a relaxed way.

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin: where is it located?

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin is located in Mauritius.

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin: what is there to see?

Highlights include Vanilla House, Maison du rhum & dégustation, La Vanille Nature Park.

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin: why is it worth visiting?

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin is a magnificent historic estate located in the lush south of Mauritius, offering a deep dive into the island's colonial and agricultural heritage.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

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