City of Possession

Ownership

Link between North and West

The town of La Possession located in the north-west of Reunion between St Denis and St.Paul, extends from the coasts to Mafate circus. Its area of 118.4 km2 is home to more than 33,000 inhabitants.

Presentation of the city of Possession

At the end of the 17th century, colonist Jean Marquet appropriated the possession. A few decades later, he sold the first concessions, including one to Texer de Mota nicknamed Técher.

The latter set up sugar cane plantations over a large part of the territory and set up his house along the coast which became Reunion's first inn.

At the beginning of the 19th century, it was Dr. Rivière's turn to exploit the resources of the Possession at Rivière des Galets by cultivating tobacco, coffee, oranges and grapes.

It became independent in 1890 with the mayor Louis Victor Louvart de Pontlevoye at its head. See our page on'history and the geography of Reunion Island for more information.

The town center of La Possession borders the coast with its shops and services and the type of housing is fairly well balanced between houses and apartments. It counts among its closest districts:

Bœuf Mort in the south, a rather well-preserved residential area that benefits from its proximity to the city center;
the Rivière des Galets to the west, along the river of the same name, close to the expressways leading to the commercial activity zones;
Coeur de Ville, a future eco-district and a commercial area under construction since 2016 which will end in 2025.

community-card-possession

What to do in town at La Possession?

Take a detour to the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, destroyed by a cyclone in the mid-19th century, it has been rebuilt in stone shingles. At the back you will find a fountain with a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.

Go to the Possession fairground market which is held in the square every Saturday morning and fill your basket with fresh produce Reunion Island flowers and fruits from Reunion Island. but also meats, fish, and traditional dishes from Reunion await you on the stalls of the merchants.