After either driving up a windy road or down a windy road, one approaches the only “mountainous” village in Mauritius: Chamarel its name sounding likes something sweet and melting on the tongue. Situated in the crater of a long extinct volcano on about 450 metres of altitude, this small Creole settlement features its own microclimate and thus hosts many rare endemic plants.
Once only famous for its waterfalls coloured earth and illegal rum distilleries, Chamarel nowadays has more to offer! The rum trade has been legalized and a large rum factory welcomes the visitor. Beside St. Anne church, tiny snack Le Barbizon offers most authentic island food and real Chamarel coffee, whereas the Roots Crafts Shop on the road to the coloured earth features colourful handmade Rasta-fashion and lots of other island art. Try the nature trail behind the forestry office up to the viewpoint. It’s worth it!