Curepipe

Curepipe is a sprawling town in the centre of Mauritius at an altitude of 561 m, forming the top of the ridge on the road between Port Louis and Vieux Grand Port. Its name may derive from travellers who stopped here to smoke and clean out their clay pipes. The town has a cooler, wetter hill climate that supports unusual trees and flowers. While the town itself is somewhat ill-planned, it is near several natural attractions and is a centre for crafts.

Curepipe is 30 km south of Port Louis by car. The Metro Express light rail connects Curepipe with Port Louis, Rose Hill, and Quatre Bornes — trains every 10 minutes, journey about 40 minutes. Buses from Port Louis (Victoria Square) also serve Curepipe frequently.

The town has bus services operated by NTC, UBS, and independent operators. Taxis are available. The town centre is walkable, though the suburbs are spread out.

• Trou aux Cerfs — a dormant volcanic crater 700,000 years old, providing panoramic views of the island. A walking path circles the rim.

• Curepipe Botanic Gardens — cooler climate supports unusual trees, flowers, and a lily pond.

• Curepipe Market — a covered market selling fresh produce, spices, and local crafts.

• St. Thérése Church — a historic Catholic church in the town centre.

• Walk the rim of the Trou aux Cerfs crater for sunrise or sunset views.

• Shop for model ships, embroidery, and glassware at the craft shops along the main road.

• Visit the local market on market days for a taste of Mauritian daily life.

Curepipe has numerous Creole and Indian restaurants. The town centre has several bakeries and patisseries serving French-inspired pastries. Local eateries serve dholl puri, curries, and fried noodles.

Tea is popular in the cooler climate. Several cafés around the town centre serve coffee, tea, and alouda. The Bagatelle Mall area nearby has a broader selection of restaurants and bars.

• Budget: Golden Pearl Hotel (MUR 2,000–3,500) — basic accommodation near the centre.
• Mid-range: Auberge de la Fontaine (MUR 3,500–5,000) — comfortable guesthouse.
• Upscale: Palms Hotel (MUR 5,000–8,000) — business-style hotel with restaurant.

Curepipe is the best place on the island for model ships, made by local artisans. The main road has several shops selling Mauritian crafts, textiles, and jewellery. The market is excellent for fresh fruit and spices.

• Quatre Bornes (5 km north) — Monday market and botanical garden.
• Port Louis (30 km north) — capital city with Caudan Waterfront and Aapravasi Ghat.
• Grand Bassin (15 km south) — sacred Hindu crater lake and temple.
• Black River Gorges National Park (20 km west) — hiking and endemic forests.