Domaine de Beaubassin (visite guidée) : Bienvenue dans ma maison créole !

The still largely unknown Domaine de Beaubassin is nestled in the highlands of Saint-Denis and has been classified on the supplementary list of historical monuments since June 2018. It is worth the detour, to see with your own eyes the magnificent garden, auth

As we enter the gates of the Domaine de Beaubassin, we have the impression that time stands still. It is as if we have been transported to another period in time.
This estate was built between 1863 and 1865, on the road to Saint-François. The former Mayor of Saint-Denis, Mr. Alfred Mazérieux, his wife, Mrs Euphrasie Ozoux and their adopted son, also named Alfred, once lived here.
Today, Monique and Cyril Ozoux, Maurice Ozoux’s grandson, Euphrasie’s cousin, live here and will be delighted to welcome you to their magnificent estate.

The tour:
• 10am: Guests are welcomed by Monique Ozoux, the owner.
• First you’ll have the opportunity to get to know Monique and the other participants.
• The tour then begins and you will firstly learn all about the architecture of this Créole house.
Monique will take you on a tour of this magnificent Créole house, that has been restored in places: the two beautiful towers still have the charm of bygone days, some of the wooden flooring, the doors and some pieces of furniture date back to the time when the Mazérieux family resided here.
In a corner of the dining room, we can still see the Gramophone which was owned by Alfred Mazérieux junior, who, apparently enjoyed entertaining.
• Once the tour of the house is finished, Monique takes visitors into her magnificent Créole garden. Before this beautiful Créole house was built between 1863 and 1865, the land was known as Mont Saint-François Gardens, a colonial garden Botanist Nicolas Bréon, the very same who was hired to work on Le Jardin de l’Etat (the State gardens), used this land as a trial garden. He grew plants and flowers here before planting them in the Jardin de l’Etat. It is thanks to him that today we can see some very rare varieties of flowers alongside the landscaped alleyways of Beaubassin, such as the Bourbon rose or the Edward’s rose. These plants were left when the estate was bought by Mr. Mazérieux.
• The tour ends under the huge, authentic terrace, with a lemon-flavoured drink and some delicious home-made cakes. What a great way to end this journey back in time and to come back to the present day.

The highlights
The tour is given by Monique Ozoux, the passionate owner who actually lives on the estate.
It’s a magnificent Créole estate which has been beautifully preserved.
This tour is a pleasant experience in a place full of history.

Information:
Various topics are discussed during this guided tour: History, architecture and the botanical garden (in particular about the Bourbon rose).
The Estate is just 15 minutes drive from the village of Brûlé. If they so wish, visitors can bring a picnic to enjoy at lunchtime in Brûlé (Church Square).
Refreshments are offered at the end of the tour

Booking:
Booking is advised: One week in advance
Other dates: upon request, with the provider.
Minimum: 4 people / Maximum: 15 people

Remember to bring:
A bottle of water, protection against mosquitoes, warm and waterproof clothing, casual clothing, trainers.

Duration of the tour:
+/- 2 hours