Aventure Du Sucre

The sugar factory at Beau Plan Sugar Estate produced sugar for 177 years before finally ceasing production in 1998. The factory building was then converted to L'Aventure du Sucre and is now a popular tourist attraction that gives a real insight into the history of sugar production in Mauritius.

Sugar was an incredibly important commodity in Mauritius. It was first introduced to the island in the 1600s by Dutch settlers and then taken over by the French in the early 1800's. The sugar industry by this time was supported by over 60,000 slaves, and remained the case until slavery was abolished by the British in 1835. Because sugar was still the main industry in Mauritius, slaves were replaced with indentured labourers from India. Although still an important commodity since the 1960s and with the increase in mechanisation, there are significantly fewer people now employed in the industry.

Your journey through the museum will take you on a path describing the different stages of sugar production, from the early stages of cane cultivation, to the creation of the finished product and the role slavery paid in growing this important crop.

As the end of the tour you will be given the opportunity to sample some of the many different varieties of sugar available. And before you leave, don't forget to visit the shop which has a great selection of sugars, sugary treats and local rum.