Saint-Leu: Lagoon, Coastal Heritage and Island History

Saint-Leu is a coastal town with many different facets: the municipality’s beaches are lined with casuarina trees and have been designed to protect the area. On the south coast, the sea has carved out the Le Souffleur cave. When a large wave enters its passage, water is propelled high through the opening like a geyser. Pointe au Sel is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral and preserved as a natural and historical heritage site. The coastal landscape and protected places give Saint-Leu its distinctive character, which is also reflected in its museums and seaside activities.

Coastal Landscape and Island History

At Pointe au Sel, the Musée du Sel focuses on salt production and the importance of salt to Saint-Leu. Its displays are engaging. The Musée Stella Matutina explores the history of settlement, slavery and indentured labour through personal stories and historical, ethnographic and technical collections. Unusual objects and industrial relics feature alongside accounts from former workers, archival documents and multimedia exhibits. The former Stella Matutina sugar factory is in Piton Saint-Leu. Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette Church, meanwhile, is in the centre of Saint-Leu. In different places, you can encounter sacred, industrial and social chapters of the island’s history.

Those interested in nature and culture will find different ways to explore Saint-Leu: the Musée du Sel focuses on a particular resource and its importance to the town, while Stella Matutina unfolds a broader history through personal stories, objects and documents. These themes can be considered alongside the protected landscape of Pointe au Sel, though the natural heritage and the museum visit tell different stories.

Sea Turtles and Experiences on the Water

Kélonia is an environmental education centre dedicated to sea turtles. The centre includes seawater pools, educational and scientific facilities, and outdoor areas. Visitors can also see tortoises there. The rescue centre takes in injured or sick sea turtles and releases them back into the sea once they have recovered. Kélonia therefore focuses both on educating visitors about sea turtles and caring for them.

The lagoon offers a different perspective on the sea: in its warm, clear waters, you can snorkel and observe the biodiversity of the Réunion Marine Nature Reserve, as well as fish among the coral. Sec Jaune and the Grand tombant de la Pointe au Sel are listed as dive sites for those interested in diving; the Antonio Lorenzo wreck lies off the coast. Operators at Saint-Leu marina offer sailing trips. Jet-ski trips to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and rides on inflatable tubes towed by a boat are also available. Operator availability may change, so check what is currently on offer before making plans.

There are also land-based activities with a range of different focuses. You can go bungee jumping from a height of 120 metres at the Ravine Fontaine viaduct. In Les Colimaçons, experienced flight instructors offer introductory paragliding flights; dates and availability may change. At the Pointe des Châteaux estate, Maison du Coco runs workshops about coconuts, and these dates may also vary. La Gauche is one of Saint-Leu’s surf spots; surfing there is subject to the Water Patrol being on duty. The choice ranges from peaceful observation in the water to activities in the air and at sea.

Market and Getting Around Locally

The market takes place every Saturday morning on the seafront in Saint-Leu. You can sample traditional samoussas, bouchons, bonbons piments and gâteaux péi there. The food on offer may vary; check the date if you are planning your visit specifically around the market. The market offers a taste of local food culture and a convenient landmark on the seafront.

For directions to Grande Fontaine car park, the route described starts at the Saint-Leu tourist information office: at the northern roundabout, turn right. The road layout and access to the car park may change, so check the directions before setting off. This practical starting point complements visits to local attractions without combining them into a fixed itinerary.

When choosing your holiday rental in Saint-Leu, consider which experiences you want to shape your stay: the coast and lagoon, museums and island history, the market and food culture, or active pursuits. If travellers have different interests, these contrasts can help you set priorities for your trip together.

Discover More Destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: Saint-Paul.