If you are looking for accommodation in Plaine Magnien, there are two distinct local points of reference: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is located in Plaine Magnien, and the pyramid-shaped structures made of volcanic rock offer a tangible historical connection. In your search, you can weigh the airport location and your interest in the structures separately. The broader destination of Grand Port expands the cultural perspective to include museums and historic sites.
The pyramid-shaped structures
The pyramid-shaped structures of Plaine Magnien are made of volcanic rock into which additional stones have been inserted. They measure approximately 25 × 25 metres. The shape, rock and inserted stones together form part of their architectural description; the approximate dimensions give a clear sense of their size. The structures were built in the 1940s by the Mont Trésor Mon Désert sugar factory. Their date of construction and the name of the sugar factory add a specific historical reference to the description.
Archaeological finds in the wider area
The archaeological site of Mare Aux Songes lies in the wider region. Remains of the dodo and other animals, more than 4,000 years old, were found there. When the finds were described in 2015, they were considered recently discovered. Mare Aux Songes thus adds a different time period to the regional perspective than the structures from the 1940s: here, the focus is on animal remains and their age, while the structures are described in terms of their shape, material and date of construction.
Grand Port: Museums and historic sites
The National History Museum is located in Mahébourg, within the broader destination of Grand Port, in a park of about 12 acres on the banks of the River La Chaux. The museum displays numerous objects relating to corsairs and the Battle of Grand Port. Most of the exhibits come from the wrecks of La Magicienne and HMS Sirius. Both were British frigates and sank in Mahébourg Bay in 1810. Their provenance gives the collection a maritime focus, while corsairs and the battle are other exhibition themes.
The historic site of Vieux Grand Port includes the ruins of the first Catholic church, which Mahé de Labourdonnais had built in 1737, as well as a powder house dating from the French period, from 1722 to 1810. The Frederik Hendrik Museum serves as an interpretation centre for this historic site. The District Council of Grand Port lists the museum in Old Grand Port among the district's attractions. The region's history thus encompasses historic buildings, museum objects and an interpretation centre. The church was built in 1737, while the powder house dates to the broader period of French rule from 1722 to 1810.
Discover more destinations: Blue Bay, Pointe D'esny, Le Bouchon, Maheboug, Union Vale, Mare D Albert.
Back to the broader travel overview: Grand Port.
