Reunion Island

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Your Travel Guide

Reunion Island

The Districts: Saint-André

Saint-André is the town where most of the Tamils live. From the early days, most of the indentured labourers imported from India came to live there. Every year, being attracted to its fresh air and its authenticity, people come to settle in Saint-André. The vegetation is luxuriant due to the hot and wet climate. Everything can grow in Saint-André: sugar cane, vanilla etc...That is why, Saint-André’s economy has been based essentially on agriculture since 1960.

To see

Maison Valliamée

A art-deco style house with a large bow-window, the Maison Valliamée is one of the most beautiful “maisons créoles” of the island. It has just been fully renovated. It was built in 1925 by Doctor Léopold Martin, who was the mayor of Saint-André at that time. In 1950 it was bought by Francis Valliamé, a wealthy owner of Indian origin. From that time on, many Tamil festivals and ceremonies were held in the house. When Francis Valliamée died, his half-brother inherited the property. When the latter died in 1981, the commune of Saint-André announced its intention to purchase it. Phone: 02 62 46 91 63. Guided tours :everyday from 9am to 5pm. Entrance fee: 3€ (free entrance under 12)

Links
  Architecture locale: mélange des cultures (French)

Parc du Colosse

Lying on the coast, the Parc du Colosse is the ideal spot for children, families and walkers. Shops and snack bars are scattered over the grassy areas. The playground, which is shaped like a pirate’s ship, will undoubtly make children happy. Strollers will enjoy walking on the promenade bordered with common screwpines. One can go biking or sailing.

Temples and colonial houses

Many old colonial houses and Tamil temples as well as the remains of sugar factories and distilleries are scattered across the commune. Among the most famous “cases créoles” is the Maison Valliamé, which is situated at the corner of Chemin du Centre and Chemin Lagourgue.

Links
  Visite d'un temple tamoul (French)

Belvédère de l'Eden

Lying among azaleas, bamboos and camellias, the trail offers an ideal viewpoint of the eastern coast, from Sainte-Rose to Sainte-Suzanne (very practicable track; return: 3 to 5 hours). Before Eden, discover the Cascade du Chien in the Forêt des Lianes.

Chemin du Dioré

After having walked for 45 minutes, you will enjoy a beautiful view over Salazie among a luxuriant vegetation.

Other attractions

Savanna distillery, walks in sugar cane fields, the ruins of Champ Borne’s church, Petit Bazar’s and Colosse’s Tamil temples.

Links
  The secrets of rum

Happenings

Saint-André Mayor : Eric FRUTEAU
Town Hall tel : 0262 58 88 88
Town Hall address : Place du 2 Décembre 97440 Saint-André
Postal code : 97440
web site : http:://www.ville-saint-andre.re

Surface Area : 5037 hectares
Population: 43174 inhabitants

In Focus

- When Art opens up to a world…of silence
- Enjoy a stroll along the Pointe de Bel Air
- The Savanna distillery
- In Saint-André, the scent of vanilla

In this region...

- Rent a Car
- Book an Hotel
- Book an Inn
- Find a Restaurant

Useful Information

Municipal Tourist Office - Maison Valliamée
1590, chemin du Centre
Tel: 0262 46 91 63
Fax : 02 62 46 91 63
Yellow Pages: click here

Activities

Friday morning market
Visit tourist spots