Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle)

Fort Adelaide, known locally as La Citadelle, crowns a low hill above the city centre and gives the best aerial view of Port Louis — the racecourse below, the harbour, and the line of mountains beyond. The walk up takes 15 minutes from Champ de Mars; the steps are steep and exposed, so go early or late.

The fort itself is bare stonework, with original gun emplacements and the parade ground intact. Entry is free. Avoid walking up alone after dark — the surrounding streets feel quiet.

things to do sight
A story
The British built Fort Adelaide between 1834 and 1840 not to defend Port Louis from external attack but to control it: the fort's guns pointed inward, towards the city and the racecourse, in case the recently emancipated slave population revolted.

Other places in Things to Do