There are several ways to shape a trip to Saint-Gilles Les Hauts: a historical visit to the Chapelle Pointue, cultural events organized by the Kan Villèle association, or a round of golf at Golf du Bassin Bleu. When planning, a few details matter: the chapel’s opening hours and guided tour schedule, the changing annual cultural program, and a specific golf course for those with sporting interests. Choosing the right focus can help you plan your stay and travel dates around your interests.
The Chapelle Pointue: construction history and heritage designation
The Chapelle Pointue was built between 1841 and 1843 and designated a historic monument on August 12, 1970. Together with the prefecture building in Saint-Denis, which was designated on the same day, it is considered Réunion’s oldest historic monument. The construction period and designation mark two distinct chapters in its history: the chapel dates from the 1840s, while its heritage status followed in 1970. Comparing it with the prefecture building broadens the perspective beyond Saint-Gilles Les Hauts, while the Chapelle Pointue itself provides a local point of reference. For those interested in culture, a visit combines a specific architectural history with a comparison of historic monuments across Réunion.
Opening hours and visiting options
The Chapelle Pointue is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can visit independently; guided tours may be available depending on the current program. The museum is closed for renovation, but the chapel remains open. The two daily opening periods let you plan your visit for either the morning or afternoon; the chapel is closed in between. If you prefer a guided tour, check the current program before your visit.
Changing cultural themes at Kan Villèle
The Kan Villèle association commemorates the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the village and on the grounds of the former residence of the Desbassayns family. It organizes cultural events and exhibitions there about the history of the neighborhood. Themes change each year, ranging from housing and genealogy to working conditions, water, and engagisme (indentured labor). If you want to travel to Saint-Gilles Les Hauts for a particular theme, check the current program before choosing your dates. Unlike the chapel’s regular opening days, the program for each exhibition determines which theme will be the focus of your visit.
Golf du Bassin Bleu
Golf du Bassin Bleu is an 18-hole golf course in Saint-Gilles Les Hauts, at an altitude of 400 meters. The number of holes and the elevation are two specific features of the course, making it a clear point of reference for travelers who want to make golf the focus of their trip. Alongside historic monuments and cultural events, sporting interests can also be a reason to choose this destination.
Plan your stay around your interests
If you are planning an overnight stay in Saint-Gilles Les Hauts, first choose what you want your visit to focus on. For the Chapelle Pointue, the opening days and hours provide a fixed schedule; if you are interested in an event organized by the Kan Villèle association, the current program will help you choose your dates. For a golf-focused trip, Golf du Bassin Bleu is the key point of reference.
Discover more destinations: Carosse, Saint-Leu, L'étang-Salé Les Bains, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Paul, L'Ermitage-Les-Bains, La Saline-Les-Bains.
Back to the main travel overview: Saint-Paul.
