Port Louis
From Mauripedia
Port-Louis,the name Louis comes after the King of France, in fact during French occupancy, Mauritius was called at that time, ‘Ile de France’. Port in French stands for harbour, and Port Louis was chosen as harbour of Mauritius, just because it made sailing easier as it was away from the South East Trade Wind that prevented ships to leave the harbour of Grand Port, which was the first harbour of Mauritius.
Since that time, Port-Louis, which is also the Capital of Mauritius has known a significant change and is still being changing. It has hosted many important events, such as the Independence Flag Ceremony of 1968. The Mauritian Parliament as well as Ministries Office and the Prime Minister's Office are located there. Nowadays, Port-Louis is still going bigger (despite being the smallest district in Mauritius), in terms of business; nearly all the Bank's of Mauritius have their Head Office there, in the well famous street 'Sir William Newton Street, and The Place d'Armes.
Port-Louis is also the main business centre of the island, the Market Place (Bazaar Central) is a very famous place, and as well historical, many tourists visit it; the fact, that is situated near the harbour made things very easy for the traders and businessmen. Various shops has opened close to the Market place and now, these small shops are changing to Big Commercial Centres, such as the Caudan waterfront, probably the most famous and the most visited Commercial centre of Mauritius. The Caudan waterfront, which was in the past, the Docks of Mauritius, and now in addition to the commercial centre, there are also two Business hotels of 5* & 4*.
The Champ de Mars, a very well visited place of Mauritius, every week, thousands of people make the move from all the corners of Mauritius to the Champ de Mars track to watch Horse racing, this track is the World's second oldest racing track of the Southern Hemisphere, racing was first introduced in Mauritius by the Colonel Draper in 1812. The feature race of racing calendar is the Maiden Cup which is run now on the distance of 2300 metres, each year in August and September. Moreover, it is also the witness of the Mauritian History, such as the Flag ceremony of 1968.
Port-Louis being the heart of the Mauritian economy has numerous visitors per day and thus contributing to lots of pollution and traffic jam. Port-Louis does also have inhabitants, even in the Main City Centre, gardens, restaurants and museums. In Port-Louis, we do find quite everything, that’s what makes it so special, even though it is the crowded all day long.
Port-Louis cannot be visited in one day, there are so much things to see more, such as the China Town, the place where the Workers from India first landed, the Aapravasi Ghat, the Cathedral, built during French occupation, and so much more since it would continue to evolve and change, take a tour, you will enjoy it and you will keep discovering the ancient secret of Port Louis
Other important places in Port Louis are: Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Street (also known as Desforges Street), Plaine Verte Swimming Pool, Dr. Idriss Goomany Centre, City Clinic
