City of Saint-André

The city of Saint-André is located in the northeast of Reunion Island not far from theRoland-Garros airport from Saint-Denis, St. Andrew postcode 97440, has more than 56,000 inhabitants for 53.07 km2. It borders the sea for 15 km before sinking inland to the southwest.

Presentation of the city of Saint-André in Reunion

It was in 1646 that the first French landed on theReunion Island in Saint-André. Exiles that the Promised governor wants to punish and ensure that they will not be able to flee. It became a town in its own right in 1741 and developed with the cultivation of sugar cane, then vanilla with a strong need for labor. Thus, at the beginning of the 19th century, the city of Saint-André receives workers from India and becomes the cradle of the Tamil community, the Malbars.

The town center of Saint-André is located a few kilometers from the coast to the south of the town. Around him, you will find the districts:

• Champ Borne at the edge of the coast, which hosts shops, restaurants and schools;
• Small bazaar in the north, with its vanilla plantation and its magnificent Hindu temple;
• Rivière du Mât to the east, a residential area.

What to do in the city of Saint-André?

You can go to the Church of Saint-André which represents a nice mix of neoclassical and neo-Gothic style. It also houses the bronze and silver relic of the apostle Saint Andrew, the first disciple of Jesus, containing part of his jawbone.

You can still visit the many temples of the Tamil community called “malabar” in Reunion. That of the Colossus with its bright colors is magnificent.

Le Bassin Pichon est un site enchanteur situé dans l’Est de La Réunion à Saint-André au cœur de la grande Rivière Saint-Jean.La baignade est possible une bonne partie de l’année. Attention au moustique !!!!

Meet every Friday morning for the market and every Sunday for the flea market, the largest in the eastern region of Réunion. In October or November, take part in the Dipavali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated throughout the island, but whose most beautiful festivities are located in the town of Saint-André.

Don't leave without tasting the Bourbon vanilla that you will find at the Bras Panon cooperative. For dessert with a crème brûlée or in a sweet and savory version with a delicious rum-vanilla chicken.

Also enjoy the famous Saint-André litchis and their by-products such as litchi jam, or the litchi punch that you can order by clicking on the images below:

To visit in the town of Saint-André

• Colossus Park
• Bois-Rouge sugar factory