Sights in St Denis
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Le Barachois
A good place to catch the sea breeze in St-Denis is Le Barachois. This seafront park, lined by cannons facing out to sea, has an area set aside for pétanque (a game similar to bowls), cafes and a monument to the Réunion-born aviator Roland Garros, leaning nonchalantly on a propeller. Shady Place Sarda Garriga, across the road, was named after the governor who abolished slavery in Réunion in 1848.
reviewed
-
B
Musée Léon Dierx
Housed in the former bishop's palace, built in 1845, it hosts Réunion's most important collection of modern art. The more high-profile works may include paintings, sculptures and ceramics by Picasso, Renoir, Gauguin and Matisse (the works exhibited change every three months). You can also see a few paintings by the Réunionnais poet and painter Léon Dierx (1838–1912).
reviewed
-
C
Jardin de l'État
The attractive Jardin de l'État, at the southern end of Rue de Paris, is a good place to be introduced to a variety of tropical plants and trees. The Musée d'Histoire Naturelle stands at the far end of the gardens.
reviewed
-
The Creole Houses
Saint-Denis has some splendid Creole houses, often with big open varangues (verandas) and delicate lambrequins (carved wood cornices) on their eaves and window frames. Most are found on the Rue de Paris, between Rue Rontaunay and the Government Park. Especially fine specimens include the Joinville Hôtel, with its Tuscan colonnades, and Deramond-Barre House.
reviewed
-
D
Notre-Dame de la Délivrance
Notre-Dame de la Délivrance, which sits on the hillside across the usually dry Rivière St-Denis, is noteworthy for the statue of St Expédit just inside the door, dressed as a young Roman soldier.
reviewed
-
E
Grande Mosquée
St-Denis is home to a smattering of attractive religious buildings, including the eye-catching Grande Mosquée, also known as the Noor-E-Islam mosque. The cool white-and-green interior is a haven of peace. The Islamic community in St-Denis is very traditional, so if you wish to visit, dress and behave with respect.
reviewed
-
F
Préfecture
One of the grandest is the Préfecture, which began life as a coffee warehouse in 1734 and later served as the headquarters of the French East India Company.
reviewed
-
G
Musée d'Histoire Naturelle
Go eye to eye with lemurs and other stuffed specimens in the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, which is located in the Jardin de l'État. Besides impressive lemurs, you'll see a good insect and bird collection on the 1st floor.
reviewed
-
H
Hindu Temple
If you haven't run out of stamina, make your way to St-Denis' small but wildly colourful Hindu temple, which stands out among a row of shops. Visitors are not allowed inside the temple.
reviewed
-
I
Cathédrale de St-Denis
Ambling down Ave de la Victoire, you'll come across the fairly unassuming, Tuscan-style Cathédrale de St-Denis.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Former Hôtel de Ville
Many, however, consider the neoclassical Former Hôtel de Ville, at the north end of Rue de Paris, to be the city's most beautiful building; it's certainly more imposing, with its regimented columns, balustrades and jaunty clock tower.
reviewed
-
K
L'Artothèque
The handsome pale-yellow villa next door to the Musée Léon Dierx contains L'Artothèque. This contemporary art gallery hosts changing exhibitions of works by local artists and those from neighbouring countries.
reviewed
-
L
Maison Deramond-Barre
The stunning Maison Deramond-Barre was the family home of former French prime minister Raymond Barre and the birthplace of the poet and painter Léon Dierx.
reviewed
-
M
Palais Rontaunay
Palais Rontaunay was built in 1854.
reviewed
-
N
Anciens Magasins Aubinais
On Rue Jean Chatel you'll stumble across the colonial building, Anciens Magasins Aubinais, a former warehouse.
reviewed
-
O
Ancienne Maison des Notaires
On Rue Jean Chatel you'll stumble across the colonial building, the Ancienne Maison des Notaires.
reviewed
-
P
Villa Kichenin
reviewed
-
Q
Villa Fock Yee
reviewed
-
R
Villa Carrère
The recently renovated Villa Carrère houses a permanent exhibition on the colonial past of St-Denis.
reviewed
-
S
Pagode Guan Di
Thread your way back to the centre until you come across the discreet Pagode Guan Di, which is used by the Chinese community.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T