Plaines Wilhems District

Plaines Wilhems is where Mauritius actually lives—366,506 residents at 1,800 per square kilometer, making this plateau district the island's population heartland despite lacking coastline. Settled since 1690 but officially designated in 1877, the district's four towns (Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes, and Vacoas-Phoenix) developed as highland escapes from Port Louis' lowland heat, then grew into the urban agglomeration housing over 30% of Mauritius' population. Curepipe at 550 meters elevation earned the nickname 'La Ville-Lumière' (City of Light) while becoming known for its relatively cool, rainy climate—conditions that attracted colonial-era residents and now draw those seeking respite from coastal humidity. The Metro Express light rail system opened in stages from 2019, connecting Quatre Bornes and other plateau towns to Port Louis, transforming commuter patterns that previously choked roads with daily traffic. Unlike other districts, Plaines Wilhems operates without a District Council—its four Municipal Town Councils govern independently, administrative fragmentation reflecting the distinct identities each town developed. Quatre Bornes' weekly market draws shoppers from across the island; Curepipe's extinct volcanic crater (Trou aux Cerfs) offers panoramic views to hikers. By 2026, Plaines Wilhems faces the intensification typical of densely populated zones: housing pressure, infrastructure strain, and questions about whether plateau development can continue absorbing population growth that coastal districts cannot accommodate.