Saint-Philippe: Volcanic Heritage and Local Culture

In Saint-Philippe, a historic site associated with Piton de la Fournaise, local cultural heritage and the island of Réunion’s distinctive natural features come together. The Puits des Anglais combines information panels about volcanic eruptions with architectural history and a seawater pool. There is also the Maison de la Tresse et du Terroir, a showcase of the municipality’s cultural heritage. These different aspects of the area can help you decide which themes should shape your trip and your choice of holiday rental.

Puits des Anglais: Volcanic Information and Architectural History

The site of the Puits des Anglais has kiosks, public toilets and information panels about eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise in Saint-Philippe. It thus combines practical facilities with information about the island’s volcanic activity. The Puits des Anglais itself is a structure made of dressed stone, built between 1813 and 1822. It was probably constructed under the command of Joseph Hubert to collect fresh water flowing down from the volcanic slopes.

Another feature of the site is the seawater pool, surrounded by a large green space and suitable for relaxing and enjoying traditional picnics. At the Puits des Anglais, historic construction, volcanic information and a place for a more peaceful break sit side by side. If you are planning a visit, check local information about access to the site.

Cultural Heritage and an Announced Festival Programme

The Maison de la Tresse et du Terroir was established in 2016. As its partnerships grew, it developed into a showcase for the cultural heritage of the municipality of Saint-Philippe. Its history offers a distinct way to explore the area’s culture: alongside the Puits des Anglais, whose history dates back to the 19th century, the focus here is on the development of a municipal institution.

The Fête du Vacoa is also one of Saint-Philippe’s cultural highlights. The 33rd edition was announced for 7–16 August 2026 at Cap Méchant in Saint-Philippe, under the theme “Éruption tropicale”. These dates have now passed; the programme was to include the Trail du Sud Sauvage and the elections of Miss Saint-Philippe and Miss Mamie. The programme thus brought together a sporting event and two festive competitions.

Nature in the Wider South-East of Réunion

Beyond the individual site, the focus turns to remnants of vegetation in the south-east of Réunion. Some of these remnants are still well preserved. The best-preserved areas have been designated as a Réserve biologique dirigée to protect this original and increasingly rare natural heritage.

Which themes should shape your choice of location?

When planning your trip, you can weigh up the different themes associated with Saint-Philippe: if you are particularly interested in architectural history and volcanic information, the Puits des Anglais offers a specific point of reference. For a cultural focus, the history of the Maison de la Tresse et du Terroir offers another perspective. The vegetation remnants, meanwhile, form part of a broader regional view of the south-east of Réunion. When looking for a holiday rental in Saint-Philippe, consider which of these interests should be the deciding factor for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Matouta, Les Avirons, Saint-Joseph, Etang-Salé les Hauts, Manapany-Les-Bains, Saint-Louis, Casabona, Saint Pierre.

Back to the main travel overview: Saint Pierre.