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St. Francois d'Assise Church

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St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)

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The St. François d'Assise Church in Pamplemousses stands as the oldest church in Mauritius and a cornerstone of the island's colonial history. Consecrated in 1756, its construction was initiated under the direction of Governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais, making it a prime example of mid-18th-century French sacred architecture. The building is characterized by its sturdy stone walls and classic proportions, designed to withstand both the passage of time and the tropical climate. Inside, the church houses a significant collection of religious artworks and artifacts that have been carefully preserved. Its location is particularly significant, situated directly across from the historic Pamplemousses cemetery, where many prominent figures from the island's early administrative and social history are buried. For visitors, the church features a quiet, contemplative atmosphere and a tangible connection to the early European heritage of Mauritius, serving as a reminder of the island's deep-rooted cultural and religious evolution.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272827272524232323242526
Rain mm128116122674129262124292944

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The St. Francois d'Assise Church in Pamplemousses is considered the oldest church in Mauritius and is open to the public. You can view the French colonial sacred architecture and historic graves.
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Typical hours
The church is typically open during the day for visitors, especially around mass times. On holidays, hours may differ; a quick inquiry is worthwhile.
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Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash to avoid disturbing devotion. The simple stone church outside with the old cross is a popular subject.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on interest in details. Those who want to carefully examine the cemetery and interior should allow an hour.
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Combine with
Definitely combine the church visit with the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden. The nearby Saint Antoine sugar plantation is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The church is in the center of Pamplemousses, a few minutes' walk from the Botanical Garden. It is easily reached by car or bus from Port Louis.
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Insider tip
Ask the sacristan if you can see the old bell from the French period. Visit the church early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.10820, 57.57580

Facts

  • Oldest church in Mauritius, built in 1756.
  • Constructed with volcanic stone and lime mortar.
  • Located in the Pamplemousses district.
  • Architecture follows a French colonial layout.
  • The roof was originally covered with shingles.
  • The church is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pamplemousses CemeteryPamplemousses Cemetery<1 km · SEExplore →
Beau Plan Business ParkBeau Plan Business Park3 km · NExplore →
Terre RougeTerre Rouge5 km · WExplore →
Chateau de LabourdonnaisChateau de Labourdonnais5 km · NExplore →
MapouMapou5 km · NEExplore →
Fond du SacFond du Sac7 km · NExplore →
Balaclava RuinsBalaclava Ruins7 km · NWExplore →
Triolet Industrial ZoneTriolet Industrial Zone7 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town St. Francois d'Assise Church (7)

St Francois D'Assise

Church building in Mauritius, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi.

Bust Of Bernadin De Saint Puerre

Bust of French writer Bernardin de Saint-Pierre.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Botanical garden in Pamplemousses, near Port Louis, Mauritius.

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Deer Pen

Enclosure with deer inside the botanical garden.

Tortoise Pen

Enclosure with giant tortoises, part of the botanical garden.

Old Sugar Mill Model

Model of an old sugar mill, displayed in the garden.

L'Aventure du Sucre🏛 museum

Museum about the history of the sugar industry in Mauritius.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is it allowed to enter the church?
Yes, outside of service hours.
How is the atmosphere?
Very quiet and venerable.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, shoulders and knees should be covered.
Is photography allowed?
Only without flash and discreetly.
When should one go?
During the week in the morning.
St. Francois d'Assise Church: where is it located?
St. Francois d'Assise Church is located in Mauritius.
St. Francois d'Assise Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include St Francois D'Assise, Bust Of Bernadin De Saint Puerre, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.
St. Francois d'Assise Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Louis — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the country's economic hub.
Vacoas-Phoenix — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Vacoas-Phoenix
Vacoas-Phoenix is one of the most populous municipalities in Mauritius.
Vacoas — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
🗺️
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Beau Bassin — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Curepipe — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
Triolet — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Triolet
Triolet is one of the longest villages on the island, located in northern Mauritius.
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Goodlands
Goodlands is a bustling village in northern Mauritius that serves as an important economic hub for the region.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Bel Air Rivière Sèche
Bel Air Rivière Sèche is a large village in eastern Mauritius.
Bambous — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
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Centre de Flacq
Centre de Flacq is the main village of the Flacq district in eastern Mauritius.
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Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Olivier — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Saint Pierre — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.

History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — St. Francois d'Assise Church (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.