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Boasting exceptional views of the sea, lagoon and Saint-Leu, the de Châteauvieux family's former estate and its19th-century outbuildings are quite simply magnificent. In 1857, the estate covered 660 hectares from the sea to the mountains. Its agricultural activity was based on sugar cane and geranium, as well as food crops, tea, cotton... Beer, cider and oil were also produced. Today, the park covers 13 hectares, 8 of which are open to visitors. Its primary vocation is to raise awareness of the island's cultural heritage, particularly its indigenous and endemic plant life. There are three botanical collections to discover: the Bas de l'Ouest forest, "lontan" plants, a Creole orchard, succulents, palms, orchids and ferns, world coffee trees, a cathedral bamboo gully and a collection composed exclusively of Bourbon roses. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes, but to explore the entire garden, you'll need a good two hours (beware, it's a bit of a climb!). We enjoy discovering the richness and diversity of the botanical collections as much as admiring the architecture of the former agricultural estate, both inside and out, while strolling through a well-organized, clean and well-maintained estate with magnificent views. We highly recommend it! There's also a souvenir store and a restaurant, Le Vieux Pressoir, offering decent Creole and metro cuisine.
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Further information
Opening time and information on MASCARIN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE MEETING
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Adults: €7. Guided tours at 11 am and 2.30 pm: €10. Closed on public holidays.
Owner's Message
Mascarin, Jardin Botanique de La Réunion was born from the management of the former agricultural estate of the de Chateauvieux family, an estate belonging to the Collectivité Départementale and previously managed by the association Conservatoire Botanique de Mascarin since 1987.
Mascarin, Botanical Garden of Reunion Island is now attached to the Environment Department of the Reunion Island Council. Its multidisciplinary teams offer skills in the management and maintenance of botanical collections, as well as expertise in welcoming the public, education, training and project management.
By offering a welcoming site conducive to walking and well-being, Mascarin is an essential "showcase" for the people of Reunion and tourists to learn about Reunion's plant heritage.it is a showcase for the scientific and cultural dimensions of Reunion's plant heritage and the importance of plant biodiversity in the life of mankind.
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Members' reviews on MASCARIN BOTANICAL GARDEN OF THE MEETING
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Avec une superbe maison créole et une magnifique vue.
Une très belle variété de plantes et d'arbres.
À voir.
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C'est de la pure escroquerie
Une signalisation parfaitement lacunaire et indigente ( ni le tamarin, ni le jacaranda, un peu emblématiques et à coup sûr peu familiers pour un européen, ne sont présentés) : de lamentables flèches de papier toutes détrempées indiquant des directions incertaines et sans objet, des notices ou des étiquettes botaniques complètement illisibles car effacées par le temps ou trop distantes de l'observateur pour être déchiffrables, et quoi qu'il en soit incomplètes ( forme des feuilles, formes des inflorescences, coloris, périodes de floraisons, schémas explicatifs : il n'y figure souvent rien de tout cela, qu'on trouve aujourd'hui sur n'importe quel sentier botanique de la moindre bourgade ).
La beauté du site et l'intérêt du pavillon, réels, n'excusent pas une si lamentable incurie, de la part d'un lieu qui prétend au titre bien usurpé de jardin botanique DE LA REUNION. C'est de l'arnaque.
Je souhaite évidemment que ce message soit amplement diffusé, y compris à l'attention de la si bienveillante hôtesse d'accueil du jour ! Et je ne verrais aucun inconvénient à être remboursé de frais indus: 14 € ( Règlement CB Christine Croissant du 04/11/2022 vers 11 h 20) !