Hugging the north-west coast of Reunion, Saint-Paul is one of the largest communes on the island. It was first settled by Europeans in 1642 and flourished following the cultivation of coffee beans, sugar cane and cotton. Today, Saint-Paul is renowned for its beautiful colonial buildings, seafront market and blissful stretches of sand.
Things to do in Saint-Paul
Dating back to the 18th century is Villa Riviere, an elegant Creole residence that serves as a museum of decorative arts. Its exterior is designed in a Neoclassical style while the interiors are typical of the East India Company period. Today, the villa and its outbuildings are protected as Historical Monuments and guided tours are offered throughout the year.
Rising east of Saint-Paul is the volcanic peak of Maïdo, which soars 2,205 metres above the Cirque de Mafate. Hiking trails lead to the summit, from where there are panoramic views across the western side of Reunion. A road also makes the climb to the top and passes through a forest of highland tamarin where local families come to picnic on the weekends.
For a day at the beach, head to the white sands of Plage de Boucan Canot, which stretches along the Indian Ocean south-west of Saint-Paul. You can swim in the deep lagoon or let the kids splash around in one of the natural pools framed by volcanic rocks. Backing the beach are waterfront cafes and restaurants where you can dine throughout the day.
Getting around Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul is around 20 minutes’ drive from Saint-Denis and 30 minutes from Roland Garros Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and Africa. Regular buses connect to Saint-Paul, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.