Saint-Gilles Les Hauts: Heritage, Culture and Golf

Saint-Gilles Les Hauts offers several distinct reasons to explore the area: Chapelle Pointue and its architectural and heritage-protection history, a cultural programme with themes that change each year, and Golf du Bassin Bleu. You can shape your stay around what matters most to you—heritage, the history of the neighbourhood or golf. These priorities can also guide your search for a holiday apartment or holiday home: first consider which experiences you want to define your trip.

Chapelle Pointue: Building History and Visiting

Chapelle Pointue was built between 1841 and 1843 and designated a historic monument on 12 August 1970. On the same day, the prefecture building in Saint-Denis was also given this status. Along with that building, Chapelle Pointue is considered Réunion’s oldest historic monument. Its construction and later designation mark two distinct stages in its history.

The chapel is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. While the museum is closed for renovation, Chapelle Pointue remains open. You can visit it independently; guided tours depend on the current programme. Check the opening hours before your visit and, if you would like a guided tour, check the current programme.

Changing 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 Desbassayns family residence. It organises cultural events and exhibitions there about the history of the neighbourhood. The themes change annually and have included housing, genealogy, working conditions, water and engagisme (indentured labour).

These themes offer different ways into the history: genealogy focuses on family histories, while housing and working conditions bring everyday life to the fore. Water and engagisme are also among the topics covered. If you are interested in a particular theme, check the relevant programme and event dates before travelling; the variety of annual themes does not mean there is a fixed programme for any particular date.

Golf as a Different Holiday Focus

Golf du Bassin Bleu is an 18-hole golf course in Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts, at an altitude of 400 metres. Alongside heritage and cultural events, it offers a clearly defined sporting focus. If golf is important to your trip, include the course in your plans and check the current visiting and playing options before making specific plans to play.

The chapel offers a specific visit with stated opening hours; the themes at Kan Villèle change each year. Plan accordingly based on the experience you want: for a visit to the historic monument, the opening hours matter; for an exhibition or event, check the current programme. This way, you can look for accommodation suited to your travel group’s interests without trying to fit different holiday priorities into a single plan.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Gilles, La Saline-Les-Bains, L'étang-Salé Les Bains, Saint-Leu, Carosse, Saint-Paul, L'Ermitage-Les-Bains.

Back to the main travel overview: Saint-Paul.