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Saint-Louis

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Réunion

Saint-Louis - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Réunion
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Located in the south-west of Réunion, at the heart of a coastal plain covered in sugar cane, the municipality of Saint-Louis is home to one of the last few active sugar factories on the island. Open to the public during the sugar harvest from July to December, Le Gol sugar factory invites you to uncover the secrets of sugar manufacturing, from receiving the canes to crystallising the sugar, through grinding and evaporation.

After visiting the sugar factory, you can take a walk around Saint-Louis town centre, where you will see the 19th-century Church of St. Louis, the Masdjid Mubarack mosque and its tall, blue minaret in the Indo-Pakistani style, and the old Hindu temple in the Le Gol district, which is a listed Historic Monument.

In the heights of Saint-Louis, after visiting Les Makes astronomic observatory, you can follow a scenic forest road that will take you to the famous natural belvedere of the Fenêtre des Makes, which offers splendid views of the Cilaos cirque and the Piton des Neiges…

Additional information
Saint-Louis

Saint-Louis is a town of Reunion, French overseas region. It is bordered by St. Peter and Cilaos, and is in part downwind. Population of over 50,000 inhabitants, Saint-Louis covers 10 000 hectares and has an access to the sea and beautiful beaches. The city takes its name from Louis XV, King of France who reigned in the early eighteenth century.

City Saint-Louis turned to sugar cane farming and tourism, with many sites to visit, both historical and natural. Green, charming and inviting, the city knows unveil its most important assets to passing visitors wishing to spend a dream vacation.

Ideally located, the city also allows exploring the rest of the island and enjoy the leisure and natural sites of Reunion.

Things to see and do

Passing visitors to Saint-Louis appreciate the variety of landscapes ranging from the sea to the mountains, and the important architectural heritage and tourism offered on site.

The church Saint-Louis is one of the largest churches in the world. This impressive building has in its interior a beautiful polychrome marble altar which was classified as an historic monument. The church itself was listed building, with beautiful architecture of the Second Empire. Large windows offer incredible brightness and white facade attracts the sun's rays. The church also has a very impressive belfry completed by the end of the nineteenth century.

Also listed building, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is located in the hamlet of La Rivière Saint-Louis. Built in the late nineteenth century, it also has a white stone facade, impressive cast iron columns crowned with decorated capitals.

The pond of Gol is one of only three coasts of the island. Grand about fifteen hectares, it has a unique nature and an incredible biodiversity. Fans can notably discover sixty species of birds like the heron striated or moorhen.

The field of Maison Rouge has been classified as an historic monument. Dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, it was built in the late eighteenth century. One can discover a main building of neoclassical style, and the workings of the farming culture of the meeting.

Saint-Louis houses the Museum of Decorative Arts in the Indian Ocean. Opened at the end of 2008, it was labeled Museum of France. One can admire in particular collections of furniture, textiles, Chinese porcelain, as well as temporary exhibitions on the traditions of the island of Reunion.

Inaugurated in 2002, the Mubarak Masjid mosque Saint-Louis brings a touch of color and exoticism in the city. It is inspired by Islamic architecture with Indo-Pakistani and North African styles. White and turquoise, it attracts attention and interest of visitors.

Aubry or house of Dr. Edwards has been listed historical monument. Rebuilt in the late nineteenth century, it has a beautiful roof with four sides and hosts a beautiful orchard.

Places of interest

Leisure centres
Monuments

Events and festivities

Saint-Louis, like the entire island of Reunion, offers entertainment of all kinds that adorn every year the streets of the city.

City Saint-Louis houses a covered market open Monday to Saturday, from 7.30am to 18pm. One can discover an explosion of colors as well as many local products.

The cycling event is held every June on the island of Reunion. On this occasion, the cities and towns highlight this means of transport.

In August, the city hosts the Makoise, a mountain race for the most trained athletes.

In November, the festival instead of sugar cane, which highlights the traditional production of the island of Reunion.

Every December 20th, as the entire island, Saint-Louis celebrates the abolition of slavery with various celebrations and other events.

Photos

Pond of the Gol
Pond of the Gol
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Saint-Louis, Reunion island
Saint-Louis, Reunion island
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Pond of the Gol
Pond of the Gol
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
A plane ticket
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