Chamarel, a small village with magical sights

The Land of 7 Colours at Chamarel is an iconic site and a must-see in Mauritius. Set amidst lush tropical vegetation, this geological site fascinates with its distinct colours of red, brown, purple, orange, blue and yellow. Stretching over 15 metres, these dunes are a surreal and lunar spectacle, having appeared between 3.5 and 1.9 million years ago.

However, this terrestrial rainbow remains a mystery to scientists the world over. In fact, if you mix the earths together, they eventually revert to their original shades after a few hours. Years ago, the site was accessible on foot and visitors could even pick up some of the soil, but for conservation reasons, everything has been sealed off. You can visit the site along a pathway with explanatory panels. An unexpected encounter: friendly giant tortoises in an enclosure.

Just a few kilometres from the geopark, you'll find the island's highest waterfall, surrounded by forest and mountains. Three streams plunge almost 100 metres and are breathtaking. A word of advice: this waterfall is best seen during the rainy season, when the volume of water doubles. You can admire the different layers of lava. And to give you an idea of the size: the waterfall is about the same size as the Statue of Liberty in New York.

If you're travelling with children, Chamarel's Coin Curieux may be of interest to you. As its name suggests, the Coin Curieux is a gallery of fun, interactive illusions. The first of its kind in Mauritius, it arouses curiosity, sharpens your senses and awakens creativity in young and old alike. More than forty exhibitions are housed in around 5,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Designed by David Hartshorn, Paul Rose and Ed Gray, three British citizens, the attraction immerses you in the Mirror Maze, for example. The attraction is partitioned by glass panes and walls covered with 200 concave and convex mirrors, causing you to lose your bearings.

After relaxing, it's time for a tasting. The Rhumerie de Chamarel, close to the waterfall, stands in the heart of a fertile valley between vast plantations of sugar cane that grow in harmony with tropical fruits such as pineapples. The place stands out for its unique design that blends into its environment, where natural stone, water and wood are in communion with nature.

Very popular, the distillery can quickly be overrun by a horde of tourists. We learn how rum is made from raw sugar cane. The tour ends with a tasting session where you can sample up to 9 different types of rum. And if you're feeling peckish, the distillery has its own elegant and creative restaurant, l'Alchimiste.

It's hard to overlook the beautiful Ebony Forest Chamarel! This conservation area was rehabilitated in 2017 and is home to several endemic Mauritian species spread over 50 hectares. The reserve can be visited on foot or by jeep.

Several footbridges, which give the impression of floating in the forest, and viewpoints are scattered throughout this natural area. From here, you can observe endemic plants and tropical birds such as the white-tailed bird. At Sublime Point, the panorama is breathtaking, with far-reaching views of Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding bays. In addition to this guided tour, you can also visit a museum where you can discover the history of this rich diversity.