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Vieux Grand Port Ruins

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Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)

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Vieux Grand Port is the cradle of Mauritian history, marking the site where the Dutch first landed in 1598 and named the island. Located along the scenic southeast coast, the ruins offer a multilayered historical record of the Dutch, French, and British colonial periods. The site features the foundations of early administrative buildings, defensive fortifications, and the remains of a bakery and blacksmith shop, providing a glimpse into the daily struggles and lives of early settlers. Historically, Vieux Grand Port is most famous for the Battle of Grand Port in 1810, the only naval victory won by Napoleon's navy over the British, an event celebrated on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Today, the ruins are a significant archaeological site and an open-air museum that helps visitors understand the strategic maritime history of the Indian Ocean. Wandering through the weathered stone structures, one can trace the origins of the island's colonial heritage and its transition from a remote outpost to a key naval and commercial base.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The ruins of Vieux Grand Port are the remains of the first Dutch settlement and can be visited anytime free of charge. The site is open access, but the ruins are partly overgrown.
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Typical hours
There are no visiting hours as it is an open archaeological site. It is recommended to come during daylight for better visibility of details.
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Photography
Photography is expressly permitted; the ruins offer fascinating subjects for history enthusiasts. Be careful not to step on the crumbling structures.
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Time needed
Exploring the ruin site takes about 30 minutes to see the fortification remains and foundations. With a guided tour, you can allow up to one hour.
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Combine with
The ruins are in close proximity to the Dutch cemetery and Grand Port beach. Combine the visit with these two spots into a historical walking tour.
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Getting there
The site is accessible by car via the road from Mahebourg; no dedicated parking, but roadside parking is possible. The ruins are reachable on foot via a short path.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven and may have roots. Bring water as there are no facilities on site.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.37120, 57.71320

Facts

  • The Dutch built their first fort here in 1638.
  • The Battle of Grand Port took place nearby in August 1810.
  • The site contains the ruins of a slave prison.
  • The village was abandoned as the capital in favor of Port Louis in 1735.
  • The foundations partially date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Vieux Grand Port is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Frederick Hendrik MuseumFrederick Hendrik Museum<1 km · SEExplore →
Fort Frederik HendrikFort Frederik Hendrik2 km · NExplore →
Battle of Vieux Grand Port MonumentBattle of Vieux Grand Port Monument2 km · WExplore →
OlivierOlivier3 km · NWExplore →
Domaine de l'EtoileDomaine de l'Etoile3 km · EExplore →
Ile des Deux CocosIle des Deux Cocos5 km · WExplore →
Plaisance Industrial EstatePlaisance Industrial Estate6 km · SWExplore →
Pointe du Diable BatteryPointe du Diable Battery6 km · NExplore →

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 Vieux Grand Port Ruins (8)

Vieux Grand Port public beach

Sandy beach on the southeast coast of Mauritius, calm bay suitable for swimming.

Monument of intoduction of Sugarcane to Mauritius

Monument commemorating the introduction of sugarcane to Mauritius by the Dutch.

Frederik Hendrik Museum🏛 museum

Museum located in the ruins of the Dutch settlement, displaying 17th-century artifacts.

Vallée de Ferney

Nature reserve with hiking trails, native flora and endemic bird species.

Monument to the Dutch first landing

Coastal memorial stone marking the site of the first Dutch landing.

South-Eastern Viewpoint

Viewpoint overlooking the southeast coast, lagoon and offshore islands.

Lion Mountain

Mountain in Mauritius with a distinctive lion-like silhouette, popular for hiking.

Eastern Viewpoint

Eastern lookout offering panoramic views of the sea and coastline.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can be seen at the ruins?
These are remnants of old fortress walls and historical buildings.
How much time to allocate?
A tour of the site takes about 30 minutes.
Is access to the ruins free?
Yes, the area is an open historical site.
Is there a risk of injury at the ruins?
Please be careful and do not climb on the unstable walls.
Is the place accessible in the rain?
In rain, the ground gets slippery; sturdy footwear is advised.
Vieux Grand Port Ruins: where is it located?
Vieux Grand Port Ruins is located in Mauritius.
Vieux Grand Port Ruins: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vieux Grand Port public beach, Monument of intoduction of Sugarcane to Mauritius, Frederik Hendrik Museum.
Vieux Grand Port Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Vieux Grand Port Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
Vieux Grand Port is the cradle of Mauritian history, marking the site where the Dutch first landed in 1598 and named the island.
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
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Vacoas-Phoenix — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
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Vacoas — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
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Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Beau Bassin — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (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 — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
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Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
Goodlands — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (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 — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Bel Air Rivière Sèche
Bel Air Rivière Sèche is a large village in eastern Mauritius.
🗺️
Centre de Flacq
Centre de Flacq is the main village of the Flacq district in eastern Mauritius.
Mahébourg — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Olivier — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Saint Pierre — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Riche Terre
Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Mont Choisy — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Mont Choisy
Mont Choisy is famous for its kilometer-long, arc-shaped sandy beach.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Vieux Grand Port Ruins (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.