The State House, or Château du Réduit, a vast colonial residence built in 1748, stands imposingly in formal gardens. First a place of refuge in the event of a British attack - Mauritius being under French rule at the time - it became the residence for the island's successive governors, who gave magnificent receptions here. The President of the Republic of Mauritius occupies the place now for work purposes, so visits are rare; enquire on site.