The Port Louis Waterfront, or as it is commonly known as the Le Caudan Waterfront, is a commercial development area located in the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis. It has gained its reputation as the first of its kind major shopping expansion on the island nation, including various shops, casinos, banking facilities, restaurants, movie theatres, and a five-star hotel by the name of Le Labourdonnais.
The Port Louis Waterfront is one of the most popular places to visit in Port Louis in Mauritius. It is a vibrant commercial and cultural hub in Mauritius, thriving with life, home to some of the best casinos, cinemas halls, exquisite restaurants, shops selling souvenirs, five-star hotels and a marina.
In the evening, the waterfront takes on different energy, as the shops light up unique food shops start selling street food. You can take a peaceful walk along this stretch after sundown as well.
History of Port Louis Waterfront in Mauritius
- The waterfront gets its name from a renowned French figure Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, who started a salt pan towards the southwest of Port Louis in a small bay back in 1726.
- In the present day, it is the entrance road to the Le Caudan Waterfront, which also hosts the Robert Edward Hart Garden.
- Before the advent of modernization, the Le Caudan was a peninsula and home to several small enterprises and warehouses, a meteorology and astronomical observatory which went through wear and tear over the 250 years. The harbour also had a sugar factory and hence it was used for purposes related to the manufacturing and supply of sugar.
- The Docks office of the waterfront has now found its new avatar in the form of the Blue Penny Museum building. The Namaste Restaurant and the Food Court once used to be the meteorological observatory, the first in the Indian Ocean.
In order to commemorate the historical significance of Le Caudan Waterfront, the three wings of the complex depict the different colonial episodes:
- Barkly Wharf, the main building of the complex is named after an appointed Governor and Member of Parliament of the British Government – Sir Henry Barkly
- Le Pavillon Wing hints to the origin of Port Louis when it was known as Port Napoleon.
- Dias Pier is the most recent wing and is a tribute to a navigator named Diogo Dias who is believed to have recorded the Mauritius Island in the map.
Things to Buy in Le Caudan Waterfront in Mauritius
Le Caudan waterfront has been the first major shopping development on the island of Mauritius and still is able to keep up with the trends and retain its charm as a modern waterfront mall. The main question which comes across our mind while roaming around the complex which offers you shopping is What To Buy? Now you can make your pockets lighter by just visiting the mall as it offers you all in one compound. Needless to say, there are multiple shops which offer you all you want. Some of the most famous things which can be bought while visiting Le Caudan Waterfront are listed below:
- Clothes
The mall offers you maximum brands and trendy clothes. You can buy casual wear or beach wear for your whole family in a single complex as it offers fashionable clothes to women, men as well as kids. This place is crowded with topmost showrooms in which you can buy without worrying about the quality.
- Accessories
There is a wide range of shops which offer you accessories like jewelry, bags, shoes, leather and many others. You can enhance the beauty with buying the beautiful and unique accessories from the Le Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis.
- Art Souvenirs And Crafts
Le Caudan Waterfront in Mauritius is the right mix of passion handcrafts, beautiful materials, and artisanal products. Here you can find unique handmade crafts and jewelry all crafted by wood, glass or corals. The mall in Mauritius is famous for handmade artisanal products used for decorating interiors.
- Beauty And Wellness
Don’t forget to buy the natural beauty products from the mall. You can see a wide range of salons, beauty and wellness shops and additionally the tattoo shop too. You can change your makeover by spending some time here.
Things To Do At Le Caudan Waterfront in Mauritius
You can explore and enjoy various entertainment sources in the complex apart from shopping and eating. For making your leisure worth there are various spots in Le Caudan Waterfront which you can look into for an amazing and unforgettable experience.
- Blue Penny Museum
If you want to know about the Mauritius cultural scene or some of the history you must visit the Blue Penny Museum. It unveils the valuable heritage collections about Mauritius and the region. The museum will reveal all the history of civilizations from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- Le Casino
Le Casino is the entertainment spot in the complex only for the adults based on the specific theme and is presented in its historical setting. The use of cell phones, cameras as well as helmets is strictly forbidden within the casino. Within the casino, it offers you two bars.
- Craft Market
Craft Market is usually known as the art market. Here you can discover their local handicrafts and artists in the craft market. This market is basically famous for its wooden articles, each as a unique piece of craft.
- Star Cinema Complex
Movie lovers can have popcorn and enjoy the latest releases in the three theaters which are offered by the star cinema complex featuring the latest design, projection, sound, and acoustics technology.
