Curepipe is the highest of the big towns on Mauritius, at about 550 metres on the central plateau, and it has a climate to match. It is cooler and wetter than the coast, often misty, with drizzle that locals take for granted, and the town has a slightly faded, colonial air, with old wooden houses, verandas and tall trees. The name possibly comes from soldiers cleaning their pipes here on the march. Curepipe has about eighty-four thousand people and runs into Vacoas and Midlands, so services are plentiful, and the end of the Black River Gorges route is a comfortable finish.
The town is known for its crater lake, Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano whose rim offers a wide view over the plateau and the sea on a clear day. It is also the home of the Mauritius Glass Gallery and a famous model ship factory, where intricate replicas of historic vessels are built by hand. The Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is elsewhere on the island, but near here you can visit Grand Bassin, a sacred crater lake for Hindus, where pilgrims gather for Maha Shivaratri. A huge statue of Shiva stands nearby.
The road in from the gorges passes through tea plantations and forests of cryptomeria, and the heights above are some of the greenest in the country. Corners are frequent, the surface is mostly good with some patches, and rain makes the road slick. Fog can reduce visibility sharply, so lights on and cautious speeds are wise. Traffic builds quickly at the approach to the town, especially at rush hour, when buses, vans and cars fill every lane.
In Curepipe, you can find fuel, banks and restaurants with Creole, Indian and Chinese food, which reflect the island's mix of cultures. Try the local street snacks, like fried noodles and samosas, and drink the sweet vanilla tea from the island. The best time to visit is the dry season, from May to November, when skies are clearer, but even then, you should expect a shower. A hot drink on a damp afternoon is the correct way to finish.