Saint-Paul: Market, Creole Architecture and Nature
Accommodation in Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul offers different ways to experience culture and landscape: the open-air market brings food and crafts together, Creole houses showcase different building styles, and nearby natural attractions invite you to explore. When planning your stay, it helps to keep these interests separate—especially if you are travelling with children and want to take different preferences into account.
Market on the Seafront
Saint-Paul’s open-air market is located on the seafront and takes place on Fridays and Saturdays. It is probably the market most visited by tourists. If there is no parking available nearby, it is advisable to arrive early or walk a little way. Stalls offer tropical fruit, farm produce, Creole snacks, homemade cakes and jams; products vary by season. Handicrafts are also part of the market, including bertels made from vacoa fibres, traditional instruments and handmade jewellery. If you are travelling with children, the different stalls can provide opportunities to discover food and crafts together.
Creole Buildings 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. The villa is open year-round from Tuesday to Saturday by appointment; check whether an appointment is available before your visit.
La Longère in central Saint-Paul showcases a different building style. Its rendered and painted rubble-stone masonry was initially ochre yellow and later white. The building has a carriage entrance and a sheet-metal roof; it has always served as a service building, without decorative elements. Comparing the two houses draws attention to different architectural features: at the villa, the focus is on neoclassical style and building materials; at La Longère, on function, masonry and the entrance.
The Grotte du Peuplement is also known as the “grotte des premiers Français” and the “grotte des premiers Réunionnais”. At the municipal level, Saint-Paul holds the “Ville d’art et Histoire” label and is home to numerous monuments. These buildings and names offer different starting points if you are interested in the area’s architecture and cultural heritage.
Nature and Activities Nearby
The Étang de Saint-Paul covers 485 hectares and, since 2019, has been Réunion’s only wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This protected natural area is home to endemic and native species. Visits are possible independently or accompanied by a member of the site’s staff. On the side facing the sea, independent activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing are possible.
Another nearby discovery is the Chemin Pavé Bellemène. It starts in the village of Bouillon at the Tour des Roches and runs through the savannah along a three-hundred-year-old path. In the past, the path was used to transport coffee harvests to the lowlands. As trail conditions can change, check them before your visit.
Choosing the Right Holiday Rental for Your Interests
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Saint-Paul, first consider which experiences you want to shape your stay. The market and buildings offer a different focus from nearby natural attractions, such as the lagoon and historic path.
Discover more destinations: La Saline-Les-Bains, Carosse, Saint-Gilles, L'étang-Salé Les Bains, Saint-Leu, L'Ermitage-Les-Bains, Saint-Gilles Les Hauts.
Return to the main travel overview: Saint-Paul.
