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St. Geran Monument

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St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)

Weather…

The St. Geran Monument in Poudre d'Or stands as a solemn tribute to one of the most significant maritime disasters in Mauritian history. In August 1744, the French East India Company vessel St. Géran struck the reefs just off the coast while approaching the island. Of the 192 passengers and crew on board, almost everyone perished in the violent seas. This tragic event was immortalized by the French author Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre in his classic novel 'Paul et Virginie', making the ship a symbol of lost love and colonial life. The monument was officially inaugurated in 1944 to mark the 200th anniversary of the shipwreck. Located on the rugged northeast coastline, it provides a quiet space for reflection on the island's naval past and the literary legends that continue to define the cultural identity of Mauritius today.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272827272524232323242526
Rain mm128116122674129262124292944

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The St. Geran Monument is located outdoors in a public area and can be visited at any time without restrictions. Visitors can approach the structure closely and read the commemorative plaque.
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Typical hours
Since it is an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours; it is accessible day and night. For the best experience, plan your visit during daylight hours.
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Photography
Photography is freely permitted without any restrictions or fees; pictures are allowed. The monument is well-lit and provides a photogenic backdrop with coastal views.
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Time needed
A visit to the monument typically takes around 15-20 minutes, enough to read the plaque and take photos. Combine it with a walk along the nearby beach.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby St. Geran Wreck Site or a stroll on Poudre d'Or beach. The area also features historical markers and scenic coastal views.
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Getting there
The monument is located in Poudre d'Or, accessible by car via the coastal road from Port Louis. Parking is available nearby, and local buses also serve the area.
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Insider tip
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense tropical heat. Bring water and sun protection as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.01520, 57.69550

Facts

  • Date of the wreck: August 17, 1744
  • Location: Poudre d'Or coast
  • Ship type: French merchant vessel
  • Over 150 casualties
  • Inspired Bernardin de Saint-Pierre
  • Monument inauguration: 1944

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Paul and Virginie MonumentPaul and Virginie Monument<1 km · NWExplore →
St. Geran Wreck SiteSt. Geran Wreck Site2 km · NExplore →
Ile d'AmbreIle d'Ambre3 km · WExplore →
Grand GaubeGrand Gaube3 km · SExplore →
Poudre d'OrPoudre d'Or3 km · SWExplore →
Goodlands Industrial EstateGoodlands Industrial Estate4 km · SExplore →
Rivière du RempartRivière du Rempart5 km · WExplore →
Roches NoiresRoches Noires6 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Geran Monument (5)

Melville Public Beach

Public Beach

Pointe Oscorne

Embarkader to Amber Island

Grand Gaube Public Beach II

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the story of the monument?
It commemorates the wreck of the St. Géran.
Is the place easy to reach?
Yes, it is located on the coastal road.
How much time to allocate?
About 10-15 minutes is completely sufficient.
Is it suitable for a quick photo stop?
Yes, it is well-suited for a quick stop.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, it is a public monument.
St. Geran Monument: where is it located?
St. Geran Monument is located in Mauritius.
St. Geran Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Melville Public Beach, Public Beach, Pointe Oscorne.
St. Geran Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Vacoas-Phoenix — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Vacoas — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Bassin — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Beau Bassin — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Goodlands — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
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Centre de Flacq
Centre de Flacq is the main village of the Flacq district in eastern Mauritius.
Olivier — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Mahébourg — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Saint Pierre — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — St. Geran Monument (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.