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Saint Aubin House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Saint Aubin House is a premier example of 19th-century colonial architecture in Mauritius, offering a window into the island's rich plantation heritage. Built in 1819, the manor was originally the residence of a sugar estate owner in the southern district. A fascinating architectural detail is the use of timber salvaged from shipwrecks for its construction, giving the interior staircases and beams a unique historical character. The house was famously moved from its original location near the noisy sugar mill to its current serene setting in the 1880s. Now a key stop on the 'Tea Route,' the estate invites visitors to explore its sprawling gardens, traditional vanilla plantation, and an on-site rum distillery. The preservation of its wooden facade and antique furnishings allows for an immersive experience, showcasing the transition from a sugar-based economy to the diversified production of vanilla and agricultural rum that defines the region today.

Location: Mauritius
Top sights: Maison du rhum & dégustation · Vanilla House · Saint Aubin Sugarcane Museum
Nearby: Grand Bois (5 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

Saint Aubin House is open to visitors and showcases exceptional colonial wooden architecture. You can tour the interiors and learn about the vanilla production on the plantation.

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Typical hours

As a historic plantation house, it typically opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon. Public holidays or special events may restrict access; it's best to inquire beforehand.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed without flash to protect the delicate woodwork. Outside, you can freely capture the ornate verandas and surrounding garden.

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Time needed

A walk through the house and exhibits takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Allow extra time for strolling the vanilla plantation and the tasting room.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Saint Aubin Waterfall or Gris Gris Cape. The museum village in Souillac also has further insights into the island's history.

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Getting there

The house is located in southern Mauritius, near Souillac. It's a few minutes' drive from the main road; taxis and buses also serve the area.

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Insider tip

Be sure to try the house-made vanilla ice cream or the vanilla products in the shop. Arrive in the morning when it's not yet too hot.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.49850, 57.55120

Facts

The house was constructed in the year 1819.
It was originally built closer to the factory and later moved.
The estate features a 'Maison de la Vanille'.
An artisanal rum distillery is located on-site.
The building is constructed almost entirely from wood.
A nearby old pond features water lilies.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Le Domaine de Saint Aubin<1 km · EExplore →

Rivière des Anguilles2 km · NEExplore →

Vallee des Couleurs Nature Park3 km · EExplore →

Gris Gris Cliffs3 km · SWExplore →

Rochester Falls4 km · SExplore →

Le Domaine de Bois Chéri4 km · EExplore →

Britannia5 km · EExplore →

Surinam6 km · SExplore →

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 Saint Aubin House (4)

Maison du rhum & dégustation🏛 museum

Rum museum with tasting at the Saint Aubin estate.

Vanilla House🏛 museum

Museum about vanilla cultivation and processing in Saint Aubin.

Saint Aubin Sugarcane Museum🏛 museum

Museum on sugarcane farming and the history of sugar production.

La Vanille Nature Park

Nature reserve with crocodiles, tortoises, and tropical vegetation.

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can one visit the house?

Yes, there are guided tours of the estate.

What to do on the property?

Sightseeing, tastings, and restaurant visits.

How much time to allocate?

About 2 hours.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes, there is plenty of room to explore.

Are there parking options?

Yes, ample parking is available.

Saint Aubin House: where is it located?

Saint Aubin House is located in Mauritius.

Saint Aubin House: what is there to see?

Highlights include Maison du rhum & dégustation, Vanilla House, Saint Aubin Sugarcane Museum.

Saint Aubin House: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Saint Aubin House: why is it worth visiting?

Saint Aubin House is a premier example of 19th-century colonial architecture in Mauritius, offering a window into the island's rich plantation heritage.

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