Enjoy a stroll along the coast of Saint-Denis

The coastal track hugs the ocean over a length of 21 kilometers, from Saint-Denis to Sainte-Suzanne. The seafront has long been neglected, but over time and work it turned out to be more and more pleasant and accessible. Let's head for a small stroll along the coast of Saint-Denis, from west to east.

The stroll starts in the area of Barachois. The Barachois is a term used to describe a coastal lagoon, separated the ocean by a sandbank. One is unable to pass by the alignment of cannons proudly pointing at the sea along the Pointe des Jardins, from which the distances separating the island from the rest of the world are measured in kilometers. These canons were once used to defend the Reunionese coast.

Demarcated in the west by the impressive cliff overhanging the coastal road, the bay was then used as a harbour for the merchant ships. The city gradually took on a historical aspect. The site is quite popular with tourists and especially with newlyweds who take pictures near the canon within a sunset backdrop. One may also spot the first whales of winter from Pointe des Jardins.

"A jogging path"

It's from Barachois, whether in the morning or evening that many joggers start their journey. Many offices are located in this area and some employees have found a good anti-stress method: they bring their sportswear with them to be able to relax after a hard day at work. A relaxation which is all the more welcome since the track is now in clay, making it ideal to jog. Sylvain regularly trains along the coastal track, because like he said, "in addition to the clay, it is slightly hilly which is much convenient to run, even if at times it is windy."

Further to the east, the Barachois hosts a bowling pitch and a concrete swimming pool which go over 1959. The town council has also privileged wide playgrounds for the kids. The snack bars invite one to taste the local specialty: the "bouchon gratiné" or any other snacks.

In a few years time, the Barachois should have its artificial beach, a marina as well as a water park instead of the swimming pool. Please note that on Sunday morning, the road past the seafront is closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to move more freely in the area.

Shade and freshness

All along the road, the pedestrians or cyclists can admire the roller waves breaking against the shore. At some places, the track looks like a niche of forest misted by dawn: in fact, the filmy fog which lazes in the air is the seafoam ejected by the waves.

The coastline is dotted with kiosks to enjoy a picnic or simply to rest in the shade. The trees past the roadside also bring shade and freshness. We may also enjoy a nice stroll in the evening since there are streetlights along the road.

The coastal track of Saint-Denis ends at the Parc des Tamarins besides the Jamaica area, an exquisitely shaded spot with picnic tables which is much appreciated by families on Sunday. But the strollers may very well proceed on up to Sainte-Suzanne, which is also a well maintained road, offering magnificent scenery: the path stretches between sugar cane fields with an unrestricted view onto the ocean.

Text and photos : Laura Bassetti - 2008