Champ de Mars Racecourse

Champ de Mars Racecourse, set beneath Port Louis’s rugged hills, is the oldest racetrack in the southern hemisphere (est. 1812) and a cornerstone of Mauritian culture. On race days (typically Saturdays, May–November), crowds gather for lively thoroughbred racing, food stalls, and a festive, multicultural atmosphere. Outside race times, the oval doubles as a public park for walks and people‑watching, with views of the city and Citadel (Fort Adelaide) nearby. Visit for a snapshot of local passion, history, and community energy; skip if you’re seeking museums or quiet gardens rather than sport and spectacle.