If you have spent the last few days roasting yourself like a rotisserie chicken on the sun-drenched beaches of Grand Baie or Trou aux Biches, you might be craving a change of scenery. Maybe something a little less sandy? Maybe something where the air feels frais (fresh/cool) and doesn’t smell exclusively of coconut tanning oil and saltwater?
Enter La Nicolière Viewpoint.
It is not a white sandy beach with a cocktail bar. It is not a bustling market filled with shouting vendors. It is essentially a giant bathtub for the north of the island, but La Nicolière Viewpoint is undoubtedly one of the most peaceful, scenic, and underrated spots you will find in Mauritius.
Tucked away in the quiet hills of the Pamplemousses district, this reservoir is where those in the know go when they want to kas poz (chill/relax) and escape the oppressive heat of the coast without committing to the long drive all the way to the central plateau.
What on Earth is La Nicolière Viewpoint?
To the uninitiated, La Nicolière is just a reservoir. But calling it “just a reservoir” is like calling a Ferrari “just a car” or a dholl puri “just a pancake.” It is a stunning body of water surrounded by lush, rolling hills, dense forests, and winding roads that feel like they belong in a movie scene. The La Nicolière Viewpoint sits in a geographical sweet spot between the scorching, dry northern plains and the misty, often rainy heights of Curepipe. This unique positioning creates a micro-climate that feels like a breath of fresh air, literally. It is often a few degrees cooler here than at sea level, making it a perfect refuge during the peak summer months.
However, the site is strategically important too. This isn’t just a pretty face for Instagram; it is a workhorse. The reservoir overlooked by La Nicolière Viewpoint supplies water to the northern districts and significant parts of Port Louis. So, while you are standing there taking selfies and admiring the reflection of the clouds on the water, remember that the reservoir is busy hydrating half the island. Talk about multitasking.
Getting There: The Road Less Travelled
One of the main reasons La Nicolière Viewpoint remains relatively quiet compared to major attractions like the Seven Colored Earths is its location. It is located inland from the northern coastal strip, hidden away from the main highways. It is easy to find if you have a car, but if you are relying on public transport, you might have a bit of a mari (very) hard time getting here.
By Car: A Drive to Remember If you have your own wheels, the drive up to La Nicolière Viewpoint is part of the fun. From Port Louis, it is about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. You head towards the north and then cut inland. If you are coming from Grand Baie, it is even shorter—maybe 15-25 minutes.
The journey transforms rapidly. You start in the bustling towns or coastal villages, drive through endless fields of swaying sugar cane, and then suddenly, the road narrows. You enter a canopy of trees. The road to La Nicolière Viewpoint is paved but famously winding. It feels intimate and secluded, framed by tall eucalyptus and indigenous trees that dappled the tarmac with sunlight.
However, a word of warning: keep your eyes on the road. The curves are tight, and the edges can be a bit rough with drainage ditches waiting for the inattentive driver. Also, keep your speed down. The local macaques (monkeys) treat the road to La Nicolière Viewpoint like their personal living room. They are cute, but they have zero road safety awareness and will sit in the middle of a blind corner grooming each other.
If you are thinking of renting a vehicle to explore these hidden corners, check out our guide on buying and registering a car in Mauritius (or renting one) to navigate the island like a pro.
By Taxi or Private Driver Since there is no bus stop right at the La Nicolière Viewpoint, a taxi is your best bet if you don’t drive. It might cost you a few hundred rupees, but most drivers know the spot well. It is a popular request for visitors who want to see the “green side” of the north. Just make sure to arrange a pickup time, or you might find yourself hiking back to civilization, which is a long walk in flip-flops.
The Viewpoint Experience: Serenity Now
The classic experience at La Nicolière Viewpoint is delightfully simple. You drive up the winding road, you spot a lay-by (a small, informal parking spot on the side of the road), and you hop out. There is no grand entrance gate, no ticket booth, and no souvenir shop selling plastic dodos. It is free, wild, and open.
From the designated La Nicolière Viewpoint areas, you get a sweeping, panoramic view of the water. On a clear day, the reservoir looks like a giant mirror reflecting the clouds and the surrounding hills. If you look closely towards the north, past the dam, you can see the ocean and the distant islets like Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) and Round Island. It creates a stunning contrast: the deep fresh water in the foreground, the green hills in the middle, and the blue ocean on the horizon.
It is usually très calme (very calm) up here. The only sounds you will likely hear are the wind rustling through the pine needles, the chatter of bulbul birds, and the occasional click of a camera shutter. It is a stark contrast to the noise of the city or the thumping bass of beach clubs. You will often see Mauritian families sitting on the low stone walls, just staring at the water, sharing a flask of tea. In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, watching people just “be” at La Nicolière Viewpoint is practically a cultural experience in itself.
A Bit of History (Promise It’s Interesting)
The area around La Nicolière Viewpoint wasn’t always a quiet water reserve. Before it was a reservoir, this lush valley was home to a sugar mill way back in the late 1830s. It was a time of intense industrial activity on the island. But as is often the case in colonial history, things got heated (literally), and the mill was destroyed by arson during a period of social unrest. Nature eventually reclaimed the site until the water engineers arrived.
The dam itself was constructed in 1929 across the Rivière du Rempart. That is nearly a century of holding water! It was built to stabilize the water supply for the north, which used to rely heavily on whether the rain gods were feeling generous that year. When you stand at La Nicolière Viewpoint, you are looking at a piece of infrastructure that changed the lives of thousands of people by providing reliable irrigation and drinking water.
The Stone Bridge One of the coolest features you can spot near the La Nicolière Viewpoint area is the old stone bridge. It was engineered by a local legend named Paul Le Juge de Segrais. It is not a protected monument in the “don’t touch” sense, but it is a beloved landmark for hikers and photographers. It connects us to the island’s infrastructure past, back when things were built with heavy basalt stones and serious determination.
The Midlands Connection In the early 2000s, the government realized the reservoir seen from La Nicolière Viewpoint needed some help to keep up with demand. They built the Midlands Dam further south to act as a backup. Now, Midlands feeds La Nicolière via a feeder canal, boosting its annual regulated yield from roughly 30 million cubic meters to about 71 million. It is basically a water super-highway, ensuring that even in drier months, the view remains scenic.
Hiking and Nature: Muddy Shoes Encouraged
If you are the type who can’t sit still and admire a view for more than five minutes, La Nicolière Viewpoint is a great jumping-off point for adventure. It is one of those hidden gems in Mauritius that serves as a trailhead for some fantastic walks.
The Trails You can find paths that drop down from the road into the bushy valleys or follow the river upstream. These aren’t manicured paths with “You Are Here” signs and paved walkways. They are genuine, semi-wild trails used by fishermen and local hikers. You might find yourself scrambling over slippery rocks, dodging muddy puddles, or pushing through tall ferns. The trails around La Nicolière Viewpoint offer a chance to get closer to the water’s edge or explore the feeder canals that channel water from the hills.
Waterfalls Hunting If it has been raining (which, let’s face it, happens a lot in the interior), you might find small waterfalls near the power station area or hidden in the gullies surrounding La Nicolière Viewpoint. They are beautiful, ephemeral cascades that roar to life after a storm and disappear when the dry season hits. Finding one feels like discovering a secret.
If you are serious about hiking, make sure to check our guide to best hikes in Mauritius for safety tips and other locations nearby like Malenga.
Flora and Fauna: The Wild Residents
The area around La Nicolière Viewpoint is a haven for wildlife, far more so than the coastal resorts.
The Macaques As mentioned, the long-tailed macaques are the unofficial mayors of La Nicolière Viewpoint. You will often see them in family troops by the roadside. While they are fascinating to watch—especially the babies playing in the trees—treat them with caution. They are wild animals. Do not feed them. Feeding them makes them aggressive and dependent on humans. Keep your car windows up if you are parked near a troop, or you might find a monkey riding shotgun.
Birdlife For birdwatchers, La Nicolière Viewpoint is a prime spot. You can spot the Mauritius Bulbul, the ubiquitous Myna birds, and occasionally, the graceful White-tailed Tropicbird soaring high above the valley. In the late afternoon, looking out from La Nicolière Viewpoint, you might see giant fruit bats (Flying Foxes) gliding across the sky as they wake up for their evening forage.
Vegetation The forest here is a mix of endemic and introduced species. You will see plenty of Ravenala (Traveller’s Palm), towering Eucalyptus trees that scent the air, and thickets of Chinese Guava (goyaves de chine). During the guava season (usually winter), you might see locals heading into the bush with buckets to harvest the small, red, sweet-sour fruit.
Best Time to Visit La Nicolière Viewpoint
Time of Day The “Golden Hour” (early morning or late afternoon) is unbeatable at La Nicolière Viewpoint. The light is soft, the water is glassy, and the heat hasn’t kicked in yet. Sunrise is particularly magical if you can drag yourself out of bed; the mist often clings to the water’s surface before burning off. Late afternoon brings out the wildlife—this is prime time for bat and monkey spotting. Midday can be hot, even up here, and the harsh overhead sun flattens the view for photos.
Seasons
- Summer (Nov-April): The reservoir is usually full, and the hills are incredibly lush and green. The scenery from La Nicolière Viewpoint is vibrant. However, it is humid, and you might get caught in a sudden tropical shower.
- Winter (May-Oct): The water level might be lower, revealing reddish earthen banks around the reservoir, but the air is crisp, cool, and perfect for walking. It is arguably the most comfortable time to explore the trails around La Nicolière Viewpoint.
For a detailed breakdown of the weather, read our post on the best time to visit Mauritius.
Practical Survival Guide
Because La Nicolière Viewpoint is a nature spot and not a theme park, you need to come prepared. There are no amenities, which keeps it pristine but requires some planning.
1. No Loos (Toilets) Let’s rip the band-aid off. There are no public toilets at La Nicolière Viewpoint. None. Nada. Plan your bathroom breaks accordingly (i.e., go before you leave your hotel or stop at a gas station or supermarket in a nearby village like Pamplemousses).
2. Bring Your Own Snacks There are no food trucks selling burgers or dholl puris up here. If you want to eat, you bring it with you. A picnic by the reservoir is mari top (super great), but you have to pack it yourself. Just remember the golden rule: take your rubbish with you. Do not leave your crisp packets for the monkeys. Keeping La Nicolière Viewpoint clean is a collective responsibility.
3. Safety First While Mauritius is generally safe, La Nicolière Viewpoint is a secluded area. Don’t leave valuables visible in your car when you park. Also, be careful near the water’s edge; the banks can be steep and slippery.
4. Respect the Locals You will likely see Mauritians relaxing here. It is a popular spot for couples and families. Feel free to take photos of the scene, but maybe don’t zoom in on someone’s face while they are trying to eat a sandwich. A little respect goes a long way.
Conclusion
La Nicolière Viewpoint is the perfect antidote to the bustling tourist hubs. It is quiet, it is green, and it offers a glimpse into the functional, historical heart of the island. It is a place that reminds you that Mauritius is volcanic, wild, and incredibly diverse in its landscapes.
Whether you go for a quick photo stop on your way to the Botanical Garden, a leisurely Sunday drive, or a muddy hike to a hidden waterfall, visiting La Nicolière Viewpoint will leave you feeling a little more grounded and a lot more relaxed.
So, pack a sandwich, grab your camera, and head for the hills. Just watch out for the monkeys, they have their eyes on your lunch.
External Links:
Water Resources Unit Mauritius (For the nerds who want to know more about dams)
Mauritius Meteorological Services (Check the forecast before you go!)
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