Map Of Saint Denis
Introduction
Saint Denis is the capital of Reunion Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. This vibrant and diverse city is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Saint Denis has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and more to help you plan your perfect trip to Saint Denis.
Top Attractions
La Roche Ecrite
La Roche Ecrite is one of the most popular hiking trails in Saint Denis, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. This 9.5 km trail is moderately difficult and takes around 5 hours to complete. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Le Jardin de l’Etat
Le Jardin de l’Etat is a beautiful botanical garden located in the heart of Saint Denis. The garden features a wide variety of plants and trees, as well as a small zoo and a museum of natural history. Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from 6am to 6pm.
Le Barachois
Le Barachois is a picturesque waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The promenade is lined with palm trees and benches, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local snacks from the food trucks that line the promenade.
Hidden Gems
Champ Borne Forest
Champ Borne Forest is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Saint Denis. This lush forest offers a peaceful escape from the city, with its towering trees and tranquil streams. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and birds.
La Piscine Naturelle
La Piscine Naturelle is a natural swimming pool located in the town of Sainte-Suzanne, just a short drive from Saint Denis. The pool is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site.
Musée Léon Dierx
Musée Léon Dierx is a small art museum located in the heart of Saint Denis. The museum features a collection of works by local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Food Scene
Marché de Saint-Paul
The Marché de Saint-Paul is a vibrant market located just a short drive from Saint Denis. The market features a wide variety of local produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local delicacies, such as samosas and bouchons.
Le Reflet des Îles
Le Reflet des Îles is a popular restaurant in Saint Denis that specializes in Creole cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes, as well as its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to try the octopus curry or the shrimp rougail.
Le Comptoir
Le Comptoir is a trendy café in Saint Denis that offers a wide variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as light meals and snacks. The café is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, making it the perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely afternoon coffee.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Take Public Transportation
Public transportation in Saint Denis is affordable and efficient, with buses and taxis available throughout the city. Consider taking the bus or sharing a taxi with other travelers to save money on transportation costs.
Pack Your Own Snacks
Food can be expensive in Saint Denis, especially in touristy areas. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save money on meals and snacks throughout the day.
Visit Free Attractions
There are plenty of free attractions in Saint Denis, including Le Jardin de l’Etat and Musée Léon Dierx. Make sure to check out these attractions to save money on admission fees.
Outdoor Adventures
Parc des Palmiers
Parc des Palmiers is a beautiful park located in the town of Sainte-Marie, just a short drive from Saint Denis. The park features a wide variety of palm trees, as well as a small lake and picnic areas. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park.
La Cascade Niagara
La Cascade Niagara is a stunning waterfall located just a short drive from Saint Denis. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
Le Grand Brûlé
Le Grand Brûlé is a volcanic landscape located on the east coast of Reunion Island. The landscape features stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, as well as a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this unique and beautiful landscape.
Family-Friendly Activities
AkOatys
AkOatys is a family-friendly water park located just a short drive from Saint Denis. The park features a variety of water slides and pools, as well as a snack bar and picnic areas. Make sure to bring sunscreen and towels for a fun day in the sun.
Musée de Villèle
Musée de Villèle is a small museum located in the town of Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts, just a short drive from Saint Denis. The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Reunion Island, as well as a small botanical garden. Admission is free for children under 12.
Cirque de Salazie
Cirque de Salazie is a stunning natural amphitheater located on the east coast of Reunion Island. The cirque features a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for a fun family adventure.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Le Trou de Fer
Le Trou de Fer is a stunning waterfall located deep in the heart of the Reunion Island rainforest. The waterfall is only accessible via a difficult hiking trail, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere are well worth the effort. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable hiking shoes.
La Plaine des Sables
La Plaine des Sables is a unique and otherworldly landscape located on the east coast of Reunion Island. The landscape features volcanic rocks and sand, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this unique and beautiful landscape.
La Maison Morange
La Maison Morange is a small museum located in the town of Saint-Denis, dedicated to the history of photography on Reunion Island. The museum features a collection of vintage cameras and photographs, as well as exhibits related to the history of photography on the island. Admission is free.
Natural Wonders
Piton de la Fournaise
Piton de la Fournaise is an active volcano located on Reunion Island. The volcano is one of the most active in the world, with regular eruptions that attract tourists from around the globe. Make sure to check with local authorities before visiting the volcano, as eruptions can be dangerous.
Cirque de Cilaos
Cirque de Cilaos is a stunning natural amphitheater located in the heart of Reunion Island. The cirque features a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for a fun day outdoors.
Bassin Bleu
Bassin Bleu is a stunning natural swimming pool located in the heart of the Reunion Island rainforest. The pool is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site.
Vibrant Nightlife
Le Carré
Le Carré is a popular nightlife district in Saint Denis, featuring a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The district is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse crowd, making it the perfect spot for a night out on the town.
Le Kervegan’s
Le Kervegan’s