Flights to Mauritius from GBP 648*

* The displayed prices are applicable for one adult. All amounts are in GBP including taxes and surcharges, except where taxes are collected locally at the airport. A booking fee is not applicable, but a payment surcharge may apply. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice, see Air France Price Display for more information.

Mauritius Island, a haven of peace

Turquoise water, a coral reef, fine sandy beaches and untamed nature. Mauritius Island has everything you have dreamed of! Mauritius Island, formerly called Ile de France, is in the heart of the Macarenes Archipelago in the Indian Ocean and is a former British colony. Today it is part of the Mauritius Republic. The island was colonised in waves with different periods of emigration beginning with the arrival of the first colonists at the end of the 16th century. The Mauritius Republic also includes Rodrigues Island, 560 km away. The latter has the particularity of having a lagoon with an area twice the size of its land surface. Mauritius Republic also includes the Cargados Carajos and Agalega Archipelagos.

The Mauritian population is a blend of Africans and Asians, especially from China and India. Air travel is the best way to go to Mauritius. The only international airport is 50 km from Port-Louis, the capital. Air France offers flights departing from London via Paris every week.

Visit Mauritius Island

Mauritius Island is the ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the charm of easy-going island life. Contrary to what people think, it is also a very affordable destination. The island is full of little corners of paradise and it is easy for visitors to find a place to relax.

Here are some places that you absolutely have to see during a trip to Mauritius Island.

Port-Louis: you can stroll through the streets of the capital and experience the typically Mauritian atmosphere. The city has several Creole-style houses. To learn more about the island's history and culture, go to the Natural Museum of Mauritius Island. Visit the grand bazaar, the capital's central market to find local products. The capital's Chinese quarter, very picturesque, is also popular with tourists.

The Grapefruit Garden: Not far from Port-Louis you can also admire the Grapefruit Garden, a true treasure trove of plant species. There are 85 varieties of palm trees, many aromatic plants as well as giant water lilies.

Trou-d'Eau-Douce: Former fishing village, Trou-d'Eau-Douce has been very popular and gradually transformed into a fabulous sea resort. It has everything that Mauritius Island has to offer: white sandy beach, turquoise water as well as many installations such as restaurants and one of the world's most beautiful golf courses. It is easy to leave from here to the Ile-aux-Cerfs.

The Ile-aux-Cerfs: One of Mauritius Island's finest beaches is located inside of Trou-d'Eau-Douce's lagoon. Ile-aux-Cerfs is a big tourist attraction and a small paradise for swimming and water sports. Visitors can enjoy the beach and many restaurants and hotels in a post card setting.

Mauritius Island has many treasures to discover. Walk or ride bikes to protect the environment. You may also ride the bus. The island has only one motorway that connects the airport with Grand Baie.

Meeting Mauritians

You will quickly notice the incredible blend in the population. A large majority of the inhabitants are of Indian origin, either Hindu or Muslim; however there are also Creoles, Mauritians of Chinese and French origins. During your stay on Mauritius Island, you may watch a sega. The dance was created by African slaves and is danced to music that resembles the salsa and calypso. There are many other traditional music and dances depending on the origin of the Mauritians.

Another symbol of the island: the dodo. The bird is the emblem of Mauritius Island despite its extinction in 1681. You can see a replica in the Museum of Natural History in Port-Louis.

Mauritian cuisine is also influenced by Asia, Africa and Europe. It is composed of many Indian dishes such as chutney and curry. Rice is the base of most dishes. The cuisine on Rodrigues Island is different because it is less influenced by Indian culture. It uses many local products.