Things to see and do Saint-André

This steaming steel monster, which never sleeps in the middle of the sugar cane fields, is one of the last two sugar factories on Réunion Island. It adjoins the Savanna distillery, allowing visitors to combine a sugar factory and a distillery in a single visit (from July to December). An industrial universe that impresses both by its sheer size and by the detail of its production processes. By reservation only, this interesting and animated journey through Réunion's sugar odyssey begins at the Tafia & Galabé boutique (please note the clothing restrictions detailed on the web page). After a few explanations on the history of the Bois Rouge site, you'll be transported along the cane journey (crushing, juice extraction, syrup making, purification, crystallization), and it's a real spectacle of sounds, lights and smells, made even more impressive at sunset with the last departure at 6pm. In the second part of the tour, a visit to the distillery will introduce you to the meticulous production of great rums, from fermentation processes to the mysteries of ageing, right in the Savanna Distillery cellar. Finally, a rum tasting will help you identify the production processes and flavors discovered during the tour, not to mention various local pure cane artisanal products (sugars, syrups and jams). The boutique is also a great place to shop, with expert advice on the products on offer.

This is the story of a family that has been growing vanilla for 4 generations. In the 1850s, Reunion Island was the cradle of vanilla development, but this tradition is disappearing. So in three quarters of an hour, you can discover all the stages: from the planting of the orchid plant to the sale, through the harvesting and packing of the beans in the workshop. At the end, you will be able to buy this famous black gold and why not learn how to plant it at home.

The last primary forest of Saint-André, it is a world of olive wood, tan-red and jamerosa that is offered to you on this trail. In this twelve thousand year old forest, you will discover species unique in the world: ironwood, takamaka and parrot trees. After a 45-minute walk, you will have a magnificent view of Salazie. An interesting picnic area, that of P'tit Trou, close to an Indian chapel. A very nice walk, difficult in the rainy season, because of the soggy path! The loop is done in 2 hours.

The walls of the temple are decorated with mythological characters. On the right, Mourouga, represented by a fawn, embodies beauty, youth and strength. On the left, his brother Ganesh, god of intelligence and knowledge, with the head of an elephant. The temple is dedicated to Pandiale, goddess of fire. Behind, another temple, dedicated to Kali, who represents strength, evil and good. Remember to take off your shoes at the threshold of the temples, as well as all your leather objects, as they are considered impure.

This large park where Creole families come to picnic is a great success. With its lawns, fountains, handicraft stores, snack bars, ice-cream parlors and pond, it's the ideal place to relax. The plan is to turn it into a real regional center of attraction, with a hotel, restaurants (Dailly's Burger, Ti Van, Davy Pizza, Ô Bistrot du Colosse...), stalls, a variety of activities (including giant zumbas led by state-certified coach Rodérick) and water sports (waterski lift, wakeboard, wakeskate...).

The waterfront stretching from Beau-Rivage to Champ-Borne is a pleasant walking area, with a few restaurants and the opportunity to take a quick look at the old church. The more courageous will push the walk to Bras-Panon, through cane fields and take a bus to find their vehicle at Saint-André. Then count on 2 hours of quiet walking. Stay vigilant during hurricane season, as this route is often at the forefront of bad weather.

True Ali Baba's cave, this small museum retraces through objects of daily life, the Creole life of yesteryear, from slavery to the present day: period radios, irons, telephones, clocks, sewing machines... Some of these witnesses of the evolution of our lifestyles are more than two centuries old. The place is a bit absurd, but you can easily spend two or even three hours there in the company of the owner, Claude Govindin, a friendly Creole with a white moustache. A passionate collector.

A superb Creole villa built in 1925, now restored and listed as a historic monument, houses the tourist office. Activities, accommodation, restaurants, transport, road and trail information... it's packed with advice and ideas to help you discover this beautiful part of the island! The office also helps to promote tourism in the region, and organizes exhibitions and cultural events such as Dipavali. Other branches are open to the public in Sainte-Anne (Saint-Benoît), Bras-Panon, Salazie and La Plaine-des-Palmistes.

Here's a 40,000 m² garden that lives up to its name! From spices to flowers, the different varieties of bananas and the history of vanilla... Put on your sneakers! For almost 1h30, Mr Aniel tells you the origins of the trees and fruits emblematic of Reunion Island, through his enchanted garden! This "agrotouristic" tour ends with a tasting. Small kiosks are also available for picnics.