The Tea Route 

Embark on a sensory adventure to the heart of authentic Mauritian life. The Tea Route takes you through colonial mansions, lush plantations, and breathtaking rolling landscapes. On this unique journey, you'll discover the art of Mauritian tea, its centuries-old traditions, and its delicate aromas, all surrounded by a warm Creole atmosphere. Combining unspoiled nature, cultural heritage, and local flavors, this getaway invites you to explore Mauritius in a different way, blending history, gastronomy, and wonder.

tea route

History & Heritage of the Tea Route 

The Tea Route is much more than just a tourist trail: it's a journey into the history and living heritage of Mauritius. Between colonial residences, tea plantations, and artisan workshops, it reveals an essential part of Mauritian identity.

At the heart of this road, the House of Cheri Wood tells the story of the adventure of tea, introduced to Mauritius in the 19th century. Set against a backdrop of lush green fields, visitors will discover the ancient methods of growing and processing the leaves, while tasting the fragrant teas that made the island famous.

Further away, Saint-Aubin House, a colonial building dating from 1819, bears witness to Mauritius' sugar-producing past. A converted former sugar estate, it retains its old-world charm with its vast verandas, period furniture, and tropical gardens. Explore the artisanal rum distillery, the vanilla plantation, and the anthurium flower workshop. Every corner of this residence is a journey through time, between agricultural traditions and architectural heritage.

The Tea Route also leads to the Aubineaux House, a splendid 19th-century colonial residence. It still retains its period woodwork, refined lounges, and antique furniture. Now a museum, it illustrates the lifestyle of planters of the time and their role in Mauritian history.

Along the way, these are also Creole traditions that are revealed: music, stories, cuisine flavored with local spices. Each stage reminds us that the Tea Route is not only a taste itinerary, but a cultural and human heritage where European, African and Asian influences intersect.

Access By car or guided tour (Les Aubineaux → Bois Chéri → Saint-Aubin)
Extent Tour of 3 historic estates and their plantations
Activities Visits to plantations, museums, tastings (tea, rum, vanilla), gardens
Status Cultural and heritage trail, private estates open to the public
Special feature Remarkably preserved 19th-century colonial houses
Attendance Very popular all year round — quieter on weekday mornings
Not to be missed Bois Chéri Tea Museum, Saint-Aubin distillery & vanilla plantation, panoramic tea rooms
Heritage History of tea and sugar cane, period objects, Mauritian know-how
Ecology Rolling landscapes, native forests, tropical gardens — sites to preserve
Flavors Creole cuisine, vanilla desserts, flavored teas (tastings on site)
tea route
tea route
tea route
Saint-Aubin estate - tea route

Tea Route Excursion: Your itinerary in detail

Your adventure begins at Aubineaux, an elegant 19th-century colonial residence nestled in lush greenery. A former planter's house, it immerses you in the art of living of yesteryear with its period furniture, refined woodwork, and tropical gardens. It is a true immersion in Mauritian history that marks the beginning of your journey.

After this first heritage stage, heading towards Cherished Wood, the cradle of Mauritian tea. You'll cross endless green hills before arriving at the processing plant and tea museum. Here, you'll discover all the stages of tea production: from traditional picking to leaf preparation, all the way to tasting. The highlight? A fragrant tea savored in the panoramic lounge, offering a breathtaking view of the south of the island.

Your excursion then continues to Saint-Aubin, another historic estate dating back to 1819. This converted former sugar estate reveals several treasures: an artisanal rum distillery, a fragrant vanilla plantation and a floral workshop. In a preserved and authentic setting, you can taste local flavors and perceive all the Mauritian know-how passed down from generation to generation.

Finally, the day ends in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Between Creole gastronomy served in colonial houses, discovery of local traditions and human encounters, the Tea Route is more than an excursion: it is a total immersion in the cultural and historical soul of Mauritius.

tea route

Bois Chéri: the art of tasting in the heart of the plantations

Seated in the tea room, you will be invited to taste a selection of teas with varied flavors: traditional black teas, delicate green teas, and infusions flavored with vanilla, mint, or tropical fruits. Each cup reveals centuries-old expertise, passed down from generation to generation.

Throughout the tasting, your guides will introduce you to the subtle aromas, preparation secrets, and benefits of this iconic beverage. The highlight? Savoring a hot or iced tea overlooking a landscape worthy of the most beautiful postcards, between undulating tea fields and endless horizons.

This experience is open to everyone: families, couples, or friends. Tastings generally take place in the morning or early afternoon, when the light highlights the surrounding hills and the fresh air makes the tea break even more enjoyable.

Excursion Information

What's included

  • Course Tea Route : The Aubineaux → Bois Chéri → Saint-Aubin
  • Guided tours of the colonial houses, museums & gardens
  • Tastings of teas (black, green, flavored) and discovery vanilla & rum
  • Lunch Creole cuisine (vegetarian options on request)
  • Round-trip transport from the meeting point (or convoy transport)
  • Accompaniment by a French-speaking guide
  • Ticketing for sites and entrance fees included

Things to know before you go

  • Recommended times: morning departure (better light, pleasant temperatures).
  • Average duration: 5 to 6 hours, with free time in each area.
  • Accessibility: Family-friendly route; old stairs and floors possible.
  • Weather report : in case of rain, reorganization of the stages to optimize the visit.
  • Reservations: essential in high season/weekends.

What to bring

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