The mill of Tour des roches

The water mill of the Tour des roches springs from the area of the pond in Saint-Paul nestled in a green setting.  Enjoy a refreshing tour.

It has always been there from the memory of grandmothers.  When one feels the urging need to refresh oneself, the Réunionese have an unstoppable reflex, paddled in the cold water of the water mill of Tour des roches.  It looks magnificent; the mill all built in metal, the feet dipped in water is a must when driving along the tour du roches.  During holidays, the spot is highly popular with the kids, it is even difficult to find a small cool place, said Sébastien who lives in the neighbourhood.  The mill is found along the road, the water of the lake opens up to regularly cross the road.  A magnificent show.      

Vestige from the 19th century

It's right here, amidst the area of Saint-Paul, that the first inhabitants settled around 1648.  At that time, the pond was still a lake and they had enough of resources to fix up a home.  This zone is hence, steeped in history consisting architectural relics of the agricultural and industrial past, among which feature the famous water mill.  It goes over the 19^th century in year 1820.  It was originally one of the machineries of a cassava mill.  With time, the water mill worn away but it has been restored to its original aspect.  It has kept all its yesteryear charm.            

Another facet of Réunion Island

The walk that leads to the mill is exotic, presenting another facet of Réunion Island.  Over a few kilometers, the tour des roches bypasses the pond in Saint-Paul, a flat route, ideal for joggers or the enthusiasts of this site.  Nothing to do with the savannah colours along the western coast or the exuberance of the cirques, here the soft green spreads within a mangrove landscape.  A wetland where the flora consists of papyrus, bamboos and coconut trees.  It's another world...      

Text and photos : Florence Merlen
February 2008