Initially, an ancient forge, then an "indigo manufactory" in the 18^th century, the Beau Plan sugar factory was converted into a museum dedicated to sugar along with its universe until 1999.  It goes back over the epic of this commodity which has steeped the History of Mauritius through the "aventure du sucre." 

Darkness in the beginning.  Then, the land along with the fauna and fauna crop up.  Followed by men...and the sugar.  Thus, starts the history and the tour along a dark corridor where three projections on the genesis of Mauritius and its population are represented. 

The ante-room opens onto a huge gallery housing a stunning collection of sugar cane products.  A mountain of brown sugar, a craft is preparing to load the "gonis" or jute bag, and barrels of rum, an old engine - that whistles - giant vats and a multitude of machineries and steel pipes.  A brown sugar aroma can be smelled.       

The exhibition hall covers a surface area of 5000m².  It is like a maze where one is devoured, whilst allowing oneself to be guided by the signs and indications.  One can spot dreadful machineries and frightening gears and in the background, a reconstituted shining oven across the maze.  Hence the museography whispers the different steps of the sugar; plantation and grinding of sugar cane to extract its juice and crystallization of the product.           

Being one of the economics' cornerstones of the country, sugar has profoundly marked its history and remains connected with its culture and population.  The exhibition reminds us of the landing of the settlers, the tragic slavery trade, the privateers' epics, and the arrival of the "coolies" - indentured labourers - to recent news and a more contemporary history.      

The tour consists of 11 relaxing as much as educational steps.  Besides, the huge vats and engines, witness of these fabulous histories, sign boards, albums, videos, sound-effects, models, lighting console and interactive CD arouse ones senses and invite ones to take part in the adventure.  As for the game - the train whistles when the correct answer is given.     

The tour lasts at least an hour.  However, to visit the exhibition - including the temporary facilities - in its least details can take more than two hours.  The site also boasts a shop with exclusive sugar products and a restaurant offering a Creole cuisine and a Mauritian gastronomy.           

The "aventure du sucre" is accessed via the motorway, at the roundabout in Pamplemousses.  Entrance ticket for adult: Rs 300, child (6 to 13 years old): Rs 150, Member: Rs 150, Student (on presentation of student ID): Rs150.

Text & photos: William Rasoanaivo - July 2007