Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
din de St-Pierre's novel
Paul et Virginie
, the sculpture depicts the young hero carrying
his sweetheart across a raging torrent.
A MILLION-DOLLAR STAMP?
Philatelists (that's 'stamp collectors' to the rest of us) go weak at the knees at the mention of the Mauritian 'Post
Office' one-penny and two-pence stamps. Issued in 1847, these stamps were incorrectly printed with the words
'Post Office' rather than 'Post Paid'. They were recalled upon discovery of the error, but not before the wife of
the British governor had mailed out a few dozen on invitations to one of her famous balls.
These stamps now rank among the most valuable in the world. The 'Bordeaux cover', a letter bearing both
stamps which was mailed to France, was last sold for a staggering US$3.8 million. In 1993 a consortium of
Mauritian companies paid US$2.2 million for the pair of unused one-penny and two-pence stamps now on dis-
play in Port Louis' Blue Penny Museum (
Click here
). This is the only place in the world where the two can be
seen together on public view. Replicas can be bought at both the Blue Penny Museum and the Mauritius Postal
Museum (
Click here
).
Sleeping
We generally don't recommend staying in Port Louis - the selection of quality sleeps is
minimal and the city is practically a ghost town after sunset.
Le St Georges Hotel
( 211 2581;
www.saintgeorgeshotel-mu.com
;
19 St Georges St; s/d from Rs 2250/3550; )
Tower-
ing above the surrounding residential neighbourhood in the AAA Tower, Le St Georges is
excellent value for money. The rooms are fairly unexciting but they are clean and
equipped with all the necessary comforts. The location is also good, just a five-minute
walk from the centre of town.
HOTEL
€€
Labourdonnais
Waterfront Hotel
HOTEL
€€€
( 202 4000;
www.labourdonnais.com
;
Le Caudan Waterfront; s/d from Rs 7500/8500; )
Defin-
itely the best option in town, the Labourdonnais is an ultrasmart business hotel on the
Caudan Waterfront. The rooms are excellent - even the standard rooms are huge. All are
bathed in light, with cavernous bathrooms, and most have excellent views of the city and
harbour, particularly the so-called 'turret rooms' at each top corner. Facilities include a
gym, pool and business centre, and there are a number of eateries.
