Discover Saint-Paul through its open-air market, Creole architectural history and the natural surroundings. Different visiting conditions are important when planning your trip: the market takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, and Villa Rivière is open by appointment. You can plan your day around whether the market, architecture or landscape is your main focus.
Open-air market on the waterfront
Saint-Paul’s open-air market is located on the waterfront and takes place on Fridays and Saturdays. It is probably the market most visited by tourists. If no parking is available nearby, it is a good idea to arrive early or walk part of the way.
The market stalls offer tropical fruits and agricultural produce, as well as Creole snacks, homemade cakes and preserves. Products vary by season. There are also Bertels made from vacoa fibres, traditional instruments and handcrafted jewellery. Food and crafts sit side by side: you can focus your visit on Creole snacks and produce, or browse the handcrafted goods and instruments.
Creole houses and local history
Villa Rivière is a Creole house dating from the late 18th century. It was built in the neoclassical style from basalt stone and wood. Visits are available year-round, Tuesday to Saturday, by appointment. Confirm appointment availability before your visit.
La Longère in the centre of Saint-Paul displays a different style of construction. The building is made of plastered and painted rubble masonry, which was initially ochre-yellow and later white. A carriage entrance and a sheet-metal roof are also part of its design. La Longère has always served as an administrative building and has no decorative features. Villa Rivière is characterised by its Creole house type and neoclassical style, while La Longère is defined by its materials, function and unadorned design.
The Grotte du Peuplement is also part of the area’s historical heritage. It is also known as the “grotte des premiers Français” and the “grotte des premiers Réunionnais”. The three names refer to the same cave site and point to the early settlement history of Saint-Paul. At the municipal level, Saint-Paul has the “Ville d’art et Histoire” designation and is home to numerous monuments.
Étang de Saint-Paul and nearby trails
The nearby Étang de Saint-Paul covers 485 hectares. In 2019, it became Réunion’s only Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This protected natural area is home to endemic and native species. You can visit independently or with a member of the area’s staff.
On the seaward side of the Étang de Saint-Paul, you can go kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing independently. This natural area offers a different focus from the market and architectural history: here, the protected landscape and waterside activities take centre stage.
The Chemin Pavé Bellemène starts in the village of Bouillon at the Tour des Roches and runs through the savannah. The route follows a three-hundred-year-old path that was once used to transport coffee harvests to the lowlands. This former use connects the path to the coffee harvest and the history of the landscape. If you plan to walk the Chemin Pavé Bellemène, check the trail conditions beforehand, as they can change.
Plan your visit
You can include the market and Villa Rivière in your plans for Friday or Saturday: the market takes place on these days, and the villa welcomes visitors by appointment. An appointment is still required for the villa. On other days, the nearby nature and landscape offer a separate way to shape your stay around different interests.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Gilles, L'étang-Salé Les Bains, L'Ermitage-Les-Bains, La Saline-Les-Bains, Carosse, Saint-Leu, Saint-Gilles Les Hauts.
For the main travel overview: Saint-Paul.
