Things to see and do Saint-Paul

A typical Creole villa built at the end of the 18th century, in neoclassical style, the Villa Rivière comprises a stone main building and a wooden facade, with varangue and pilasters. On two levels, it brings together all the canons of classical composition and presents a rare architectural authenticity. The villa, its outbuildings and the garden have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1990. It is the only Creole hut of its kind open to the public. The guide, Marion, offers you an incredibly rich guided tour!

On the sea side, north of Saint-Paul; just follow the signs. This pond, which lazes in the sun in a pleasant undergrowth, was a fantastic food reserve for the settlers. If you are discreet, you can observe moorhens, herons and pawpaws. At the time of the Sunday picnic, the Reunionese families take possession of the green banks and the coconut grove. You can also go water skiing on the pond, or go for a jog on the very pleasant fitness trail along the ocean.

This is a walk not to be missed, whether you are on foot, on rollerblades, by bike or by car. At the Saint-Paul bus station, go under the bridge in the direction of the Grande Fontaine district. You'll find yourself in another world. It is best to get there early in the morning or just before nightfall to enjoy the subtle play of light and the special atmosphere of this island of greenery nestled in the heart of an immense coconut grove. The Tour des Roches takes about an hour on foot, plus 30 minutes if you reach your starting point.

Built facing the ocean in 1780, the marine cemetery is home to many characters who have marked the history of the island: the Desbassayns family, the poets Leconte De Lisle and Eugène Dayot or unfortunate Breton sailors, tragically shipwrecked in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The best time to visit this place of contemplation is undoubtedly late afternoon, when the sun sets over the magnificent bay of Saint-Paul. Ask the city's architecture and heritage animator for information on visits.

The town of Saint-Paul is built and stretches along the largest bay on the island. With its perfect curvature from the Port to Cap la Houssaye, it looks like a huge black sand beach, deserted... but forbidden for swimming because of the currents, swell and sharks. You can stroll along the landscaped path that runs along the coast, where lovers and families come to stroll and observe the 17th and 18th century cannons, before slipping into one of the perpendicular streets that will take you into the town.

Paulo and his team of volunteers have created an experimental, medicinal, food and spice garden to promote a neglected botanical heritage. During your visit, you'll wander through the arboretum, where the scent of citrus trees wafts through the air, the educational apiary and the corner reserved for herbal teas and spices. Many endemic species have been replanted, and Paulo will be delighted to explain their uses to you. You can also find them selling garden produce every Saturday at the Éperon organic market.

The Grotte du Peuplement is located at the southern exit of Saint-Paul, opposite the Cimetière Marin. Legend has it that it served as a refuge for the 1663 arrivals, but historical studies have proven this to be false. This site was named the "Cave of the First Frenchmen" in the 1960s, after having been called the "Cave of the Portuguese" or the "Cave of the 12 Exiles". As the cave remains inaccessible due to falling rocks, you can enjoy the pleasant park which was completely redeveloped in 2016, ideal for a family picnic.

A few hundred meters from the fairground, the new landing stage looked great when it was inaugurated in 2009, next to the monument commemorating the abolition of slavery. It was quickly adopted by the inhabitants who come there to fish at any time, to walk around or even to take their wedding photos. However, the initial goal, which was to welcome diving and cruising boats, has completely failed since no boat has ever docked there. After being damaged in 2013, walkers can once again access its end.

On leaving Saint-Paul, at the end of the four-lane road, you can see a deep ravine to the left, which retains a wild, old-world charm. In the background is a lush, peaceful atmosphere; along a narrow path, you can admire bluish waterfalls and breathe in the fresh air. The place inspired Évariste de Parny, Roussin, Leconte de Lisle and even George Sand in her first novel Indiana, based on the notes of her botanist friend. The gully is unkempt and therefore littered in places, so mosquito repellent is de rigueur.

Along the Chaussée Royale, you won't be able to miss this beautiful Creole house, surrounded by a large garden, which belonged to the Desbassyns family, rich planters. Nicknamed "Grand kour", it was the most important of all the Desbassyns' residences. After Mrs. Desbassyns' death, her granddaughter donated it to the bishopric in 1855, which turned it into a school. Today it belongs to the city and is one of the two listed monuments in the commune. It is awaiting a restoration in keeping with its history.

A pleasant and easy stroll in a gully and pond, 5 minutes from the city centre. Count one hour round trip from the car park. You will walk through a well-kept site, to gradually immerse yourself in the bucolic freshness of the gully, planted with papyrus and dreams. The cliffs become progressively higher, inhabited by numerous strawtails. The path is wide and almost flat, accessible to all and very busy. You will arrive on small pools covered with duckweed.

Here is a pleasant walk on the oldest paved road of Saint-Paul. In the past, it was used to transport crops (especially coffee) by oxcart from Bellemène to the centre of the western capital. This magnificent three hundred year old path has been undergoing restoration for nearly seven years. The Bellemène Pavé association has recreated a Lontan village with a hut, a chicken coop, a kitchen and even a cabin. The climb takes about thirty minutes and offers a superb panorama of the western coastline, from Cape Lahoussaye to the Port.

Every Friday morning, the scouts of the West Tourist Office take you on a fascinating guided tour of the town centre of Saint-Paul, the cradle of Reunion Island's population. From the marine cemetery to the landing stage, via the Grotte du Peuplement (formerly the grotte des Premiers Français) or the gardens of the town hall, the historical sites and heritage of this town, which has been awarded the "Ville d'art et d'histoire" (City of Art and History) label, will hold no secrets for you!