Things to see and do Saint-Leu

Boasting exceptional views of the sea, lagoon and Saint-Leu, the de Châteauvieux family's former estate and its^19th-century outbuildings are quite simply magnificent. In 1857, the estate covered 660 hectares from the sea to the mountains. Its agricultural activity was based on sugar cane and geranium, as well as food crops, tea, cotton... Beer, cider and oil were also produced. Today, the park covers 13 hectares, 8 of which are open to visitors. Its primary vocation is to raise awareness of the island's cultural heritage, particularly its indigenous and endemic plant life. There are three botanical collections to discover: the Bas de l'Ouest forest, "lontan" plants, a Creole orchard, succulents, palms, orchids and ferns, world coffee trees, a cathedral bamboo gully and a collection composed exclusively of Bourbon roses. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes, but to explore the entire garden, you'll need a good two hours (beware, it's a bit of a climb!). We enjoy discovering the richness and diversity of the botanical collections as much as admiring the architecture of the former agricultural estate, both inside and out, while strolling through a well-organized, clean and well-maintained estate with magnificent views. We highly recommend it! There's also a souvenir store and a restaurant, Le Vieux Pressoir, offering decent Creole and metro cuisine.

Kélonia is at the same time a research centre, an observatory, a care centre and an educational centre. Built partly in the open air, this site offers a playful and interesting visit in the mysterious and vulnerable world of turtles. Accessible to the whole family, we strongly recommend the guided tours which are given by the care staff at 10 am, 11.30 am, 2 pm, 3.15 pm and 4.30 pm. You will find in the shop the latest works of the craftsmen working the tortoiseshell.

This educational farm is dedicated to the coconut. You'll discover all its secrets, from planting to processing and using the products: wood, fibers, cabbage-coconut, water, coconut milk and oil, shell crafts... Participatory workshops enable you to learn how to make coconut punch, braid the leaf, or grate the coconut to make cakes. If you want to tantalize your taste buds, think of the Coco Snack (11.30am-1.30pm) or the Saturday brunch (once a month, 9am-12pm, by reservation), all made with coconut, of course.

The office is located at the north entrance of Saint-Leu. It covers the communes of Saint-Paul, La Possession, Le Port, Trois Bassins, Saint-Leu and the cirque of Mafate. In addition to the information provided, the team also handles reservations for your accommodation and leisure activities throughout the island, via the regional reservation platform. The office also organises all year round packs to discover the west of Reunion Island: the Zarlor, the treasures of the West.

Johan Morel opens the doors of his artisanal distillery perched on the heights of Saint-Leu to explain the manufacturing process of his essential oils. The young enthusiast distils in an old copper still local aromatic and medicinal plants that he grows on site. You will enjoy both the good smells and the magnificent panoramic view of the west coast. These essential oils are sold in the pretty little shop decorated with vintage objects. This immersive tour promises to awaken your senses!

Here is a small museum dedicated to the history of salt in Reunion Island. Perched on the magnificent site of the Pointe au Sel (which alone is worth the detour), this establishment offers an educational stroll through amusing questions and answers: why does the salary come from the word "salt"? Why is sea water salty? A twenty-minute film will be shown to you on your arrival and will retrace the interesting history of these places. We advise you to call beforehand to check the opening of the museum.

A botanical tour and private nursery with a concentration of nearly 700 species, including Madagascar baobabs, desert roses and pachypodiums. Visits follow a guided tour with supporting documentation and signposting to discover the natural environment and the adaptation of the species. This private collection is breathtaking, and highly recommended for enthusiasts! As for the nursery, it offers seeds from plants encountered along the way and much more besides.

This sanctuary, which majestically overlooks the bay of Saint-Leu and the small flower sellers who gather daily at the foot of its Way of the Cross, is the scene of an annual pilgrimage held in mid-September, which is very popular with the faithful from all over the island. Built by the inhabitants of the town when cholera struck Reunion in 1859, claiming more than 2,200 victims, the chapel has enjoyed a reputation as a miraculous place since its inauguration. Remember to arrive early if you wish to attend the procession.

The town takes its name from Mr. Laleu, who was the first to build a racket on this stretch of coast. The small town became a commune in 1790 and was then named Saint-Leu. The land here was excellent for growing coffee, around which the town grew rapidly. The building housing the town hall is a remnant of this prosperous period. The most striking episode in the history of Saint-Leu is undoubtedly that of the slave revolt of 1811.