Contents
- 1. Rue de Paris
- 2. Rue du Maréchal-Leclerc
- 3. Muséum Léon-Dierx
- 4. Jardin de l’État
- 5. Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Réunion
- 6. Saint-Denis Cathedral
- 7. Maison Brasseries de Bourbon
- 8. Le Barachois
- 9. Parc du Colorado
- 10. Artothèque
- 11. Canyoning
- 12. Papangue ULM
- 13. La Vanilleraie
- 14. Whale and Dolphin Watching
- 15. Creole Cooking
The capital of Reunion Island is an excellent destination for immersing oneself in the island’s distinctive culture.
A single street showcases a Buddhist pagoda, a mosque, a Hindu temple, and a cathedral, demonstrating the island’s multicultural fabric. Furthermore, a visit to the Grand Marché or enjoying traditional Creole cuisine will further enrich your experience.
The city features various museums and parks, all adorned with charming Creole architecture.
However, it is not long before you’ll yearn to explore Reunion’s renowned wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
For those adventures, multiple adventure sports companies, flight tour operators, and wildlife specialists are readily available.
1. Rue de Paris
Stretched from north to south in Saint-Denis’ Centre-Ville, this street serves as an ideal introduction not only to the city but also to the overarching culture of Reunion Island.
The more elegant mansions and government edifices feature verandas that overlook exquisite, flowering gardens—a hallmark of the region.
Participating in guided walks offered by the tourist office is beneficial due to the historical anecdotes you can uncover. Among the notable sites are Villa Déramond-Barre, the birthplace of former French Prime Minister Raymond Barre, the striking white minaret of the Noor-e-Islam Mosque, and the birthplace of the poet and painter Léon Dierx.
Significant landmarks are equipped with informative plaques to enhance your understanding.
2. Rue du Maréchal-Leclerc
Extending from east to west, this street serves as the commercial hub of Saint-Denis and intersects with Rue de Paris.
Similar to its neighbor, it offers profound insights into the island’s rich culture. Here, one can find the mosque, the Shri Kali Kovil Kampal Tamil Temple, and a Chinese pagoda along the parallel Rue Sainte-Anne.
The term “melting pot” hardly captures the essence! Additionally, this street is home to the Petit and Grand Marchés, bustling markets that epitomize the cosmopolitan atmosphere where individuals of various backgrounds, including Indians, Madagascans, and Creoles, interact and trade.
3. Muséum Léon-Dierx
Located within the former Episcopal Palace on Rue de Paris, this museum of fine arts represents Saint-Denis.
In operation since 1912, it bears the name of Reunion’s illustrious figure, Léon-Dierx, who passed away that same year.
Although modest in size, the museum’s collection is impressive, featuring works by Cezanne, Gauguin, and Renoir, alongside a bronze piece by Picasso.
Visitors can also delve into Reunion’s cultural heritage by learning about François Cudenet, the photographer and painter who significantly influenced cinema on the island at the turn of the 20th century.
4. Jardin de l’État
At the heart of the city lies a botanical garden teeming with plant life, featuring palm-lined avenues, a Wallace fountain, and aquatic gardens.
What makes this park intriguing is that no plant life exists naturally on Reunion. Instead, all specimens were introduced during the 18th century to assess their adaptability to the local climate.
This initiative was started by the horticulturalist Pierre Poivre, whose bust is located just inside the entrance on Rue de Paris.
The garden hosts over 50 tree species and more than 1,950 varieties of other plants in this enchanting setting.
5. Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Réunion
Situated in the historic Conseil Colonial building within the park, the natural history museum encompasses the entire island’s natural heritage, with specimens primarily sourced from the Western Indian Ocean.
The zoological exhibits evoke a bygone era, as they predominantly consist of taxidermies, which may not appeal to everyone.
Nonetheless, the museum provides valuable insights into the island’s avian population and mineral resources, while also offering a detailed examination of the tiger sharks that inhabit the waters off Reunion’s coast.
Additionally, the architectural significance and historical context of the museum itself compensate for certain exhibits.
6. Saint-Denis Cathedral
Exuding elegance, the city’s unpretentious cathedral was constructed over several decades during the mid-19th century.
This structure succeeded a church that had existed at the same location for approximately a century.
Visitors will encounter a modest yet well-proportioned neoclassical building devoid of ostentation, although several features capture attention.
Just outside, there is a bust of the abolitionist priest Alexandre Monnet, who was exiled from Reunion in 1847 due to his progressive ideas. Inside the nave, the pulpit—a remnant from the former cathedral—is crafted from Indian teak, while the altar consists of marble transported from the Camargue region in southern France.
7. Maison Brasseries de Bourbon
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, visitors can engage in a guided tour of the sole beer brewery on Reunion.
The establishment is well-known for its blonde lager, Dodo, which is readily available across the island.
During the tour, participants will learn about the beer’s origins and its locally sourced ingredients, including rice, sorghum, and spring water, while noting that malt must be imported.
The two-hour experience culminates with a refreshing bottle of Dodo beer to enjoy.
8. Le Barachois
The northernmost district of Saint-Denis also happens to be the earliest settled area of the city.
Although this designation extends to the entire neighborhood situated on the cape, the term is commonly used to refer specifically to the picturesque esplanade overlooking the ocean.
From this vantage point, one can gaze west toward the rugged La Montagne district or admire the expansive ocean, recognizing that due north lies an open expanse of thousands of kilometers of ocean.
The historical significance of the canons facing the water hints at the past of La Barachois, while the boules courts and café terraces provide inviting spaces for tourists and locals to congregate and relax in this unforgettable setting.
9. Parc du Colorado
You need not venture far from the city to appreciate Reunion’s natural beauty.
The Parc du Colorado serves as a starting point for numerous hikes and horseback riding excursions, featuring trails and stables.
Situated on elevated ground adjacent to the city, the park offers breathtaking views of Saint-Denis on clear days, perfect for sharing during a picnic.
For the remainder of the time, visitors may experience the sensation of being enveloped in the clouds, quite literally.
A spacious playground is available for children, and the nearby Golf Club Colorado offers the same breathtaking vistas.
10. Artothèque
Located on Rue de Paris, this “art library” is housed within a stunning 19th-century Creole mansion.
Established in 1991, its mission is to promote contemporary art on the island.
Over these years, the Artothèque has amassed a collection of more than 2,000 works from Reunion and other regions.
Though participation is not conventional, the library raises funds by allowing residents of Reunion to rent pieces of art for a nominal fee.
The Artothèque also serves as a venue where artists and audiences can meet, participate in workshops, and display temporary exhibitions.
11. Canyoning
Eventually, you will need to witness the untamed beauty of Reunion’s inland landscape.
The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring basalt cliffs and gorges that rise hundreds of meters, alongside numerous waterfalls.
This unique terrain is ideal for a specific type of activity, which is why canyoning has gained immense popularity.
Companies such as Guide-Pro974, based on the outskirts of Saint-Denis, offer packages to 12 locations throughout Reunion’s northern region, combining elements of diving, climbing, abseiling, and hiking.
Participants will be outfitted in a wetsuit and helmet, leaving no room for personal cameras; however, guides will carry a GoPro to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
12. Papangue ULM
Although Reunion Island is relatively small, the volcanic landscapes that characterize its beauty often result in lengthy travel times to reach must-see locations.
In such cases, taking to the air is the optimal way to take in the full splendor of Reunion.
Based at Roland Garros Airport, located just beyond Saint-Denis, companies like Papangue ULM offer bespoke flights over calderas, including the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
Other mesmerizing sights include the Cirque de Mafate, Cirque de Cilaos, the Piton des Neiges, and the surreal landscapes of the Plaine des Sables.
13. La Vanilleraie
The island’s plantations provide a direct connection to the colonial and botanical history of Reunion, and a brief drive from Saint-Denis leads you to one such vanilla plantation.
A warehouse on the estate features informative displays detailing the cultivation and harvesting of this essential plant, as well as the various methods employed in its processing.
As you stroll around the estate, you will learn about its introduction to Reunion and the remarkable figure Edmond Albius, who discovered efficient methods of pollinating vanilla plants at the tender age of 12, effectively establishing an industry on the island.
14. Whale and Dolphin Watching
From June to October, whale season brings magnificent ocean giants, such as humpback, sperm, and fin whales, as they migrate towards Reunion’s warmer waters.
One of the advantages of Saint-Denis is the ability to spot these marine mammals from the shore at La Barachois, either with or without binoculars.
Boat excursions enable a closer encounter, and in 2014, Reunion introduced the O₂CR label, ensuring that tour operators comply with regulations regarding interactions with whales.
This makes the experience safe and enjoyable.
Dolphins can be observed year-round, and select dive centers attract visitors with the option to swim alongside them in the ocean.
15. Creole Cooking
The diverse backgrounds of its inhabitants have endowed Reunion with a vibrant cuisine that merges various influences into a unique culinary experience.
A single meal may feature dishes derived from French, Chinese, or Indian traditions, yet each takes on a distinctive local flair.
Curry serves as a primary dish and can accompany meats, fish, or assorted seafood.
The accompanying sauce typically incorporates a combination of roots, herbs, and spices, including onions, garlic, turmeric, and cloves.
These dishes may be paired with Indian-style pickles, such as rougail, which is crafted using tomatoes, pistachios, and lemon.
To complement these meals, Reunion’s sugarcane crop provides delightful rum punches infused with tropical flavors, including coconut and fruits like pineapple or lychee.