What to do in Saint Pierre Reunion, the "Capital" of the South?

The city of Saint Pierre has a wide maritime frontage, welcoming seaside and festive tourism. Indeed, its white sand beach and its lagoon are always very appreciated by tourists and locals.

The development of the seafront allows beautiful walks in Saint Pierre Reunion island. This place always attracts many people at weekends to enjoy an ice cream and the sea air. 
A festive and dynamic city, the seafront and the downtown area are lively at all hours of the day and night: restaurants, casino, and nightclubs contribute to the good atmosphere of the city. 

Saint-Pierre is a fun and livey city, the capital city of southern Réunion

Saint Pierre Reunion is a crossroads of cultures. The architecture of the old quarters and the religious buildings recall the influence of the Compagnie des Indes and the colonial past of Reunion.

The city offers guided tours so that you don't miss out on its rich heritage. Indeed, its architectural and religious riches give an interesting insight into the history of Reunion and of Saint Pierre in particular. 

The values of respect and tolerance are emblematic of our island.

The 4 religions practised - Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism - confirm that this cultural and religious co-existence is possible and that Reunion's "Viv'ensemb" (= live together) is a model to be transmitted.

Exploration and visits

With nearly 90,000 inhabitants, Saint-Pierre is the third largest city in Reunion. It is the main one in the south. Very different from the touristy west, the region of Saint-Pierre and its surroundings are worth a visit.

Our ITC Tropicar customers always come back to the rental agency with wonderful stories of their time in the south of the island. The rental car remains the most practical way to discover the different places to visit.

Indeed, the districts of Ravine Blanche, Terre Sainte, Bassin Plat each have their own particularity.

Le Domaine du Café Grillé

Don’t hesitate to go by car to the beautiful botanical park of almost 4 hectares.

This is one of the highlights of Saint Pierre, as it offers the opportunity to discover all sorts of tropical plants. It will also allow you to learn more about the history of Reunion. The discovery of plants and their appearance on the island explains much about its development. Its interesting park will make you discover magnificent species!

domaine du cafe grille is more than a botanic garden

It is so unusual to discover the history of a region through its flora! No doubt you will love it!

From 1715 to the present day, Reunion Island has seen the development of various plantations such as vanilla, vetiver, geranium, perfume plants, but also ornamental plants, creepers, bamboo. 

This botanic parc has achieved the reconstitution of an endemic forest. More than 900 varieties are gathered in this small paradise.

Moreover, the guides are as passionate as they are talkative.

And what about coffee? 1 hectare is devoted to coffee growing, including the most prestigious: Bourbon pointu or “pointed Bourbon” !

You can taste it at the coffee bar, located in the craft shop, at attractive prices.

The refreshment bar also prepares local home-made pastries. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in the south.

Don’t miss this exciting visit.

Le Marché Forain de Saint-Pierre

A must-see for tourists, this market came in the top 3 of the "Your most beautiful market" competition 2019 edition (TF1 TV news). It fully deserves this place on the podium. Indeed, this market is full of life.

Between the exotic fruits and vegetables that compete with each other in colour and the shopkeepers who are overflowing with kindness, the buyers are won over. Especially since they can do their shopping while listening to maloya or other traditional music from the island.

The atmosphere, the colours, the smells, the flavours, everything is there to make you spend a good time and find some souvenirs and local products.

visit the local market of saint pierre and enjoy all the colours and fragrance of tropical products

Located near the city centre, on the seafront, you will find tropical fruits and vegetables of course, but also typical products, spices, local cuisine, handicrafts, sugar cane juice and coconut water. 

So save the date! Saturday morning in Saint Pierre!

ITC Tropicar's advice: Park your car well in advance of the market and walk to it, otherwise you may have trouble to find a parking place.

La Saga du Rhum

Now it’s time to learn some bits and pieces about the history of Reunion Island with ITC Tropicar. Discover the Saga du Rhum Museum and the adventure of rum production on the island. 

Located in Saint-Pierre, this is the only museum in the town, and it is about a rather famous drink: rum from Reunion! 

After a guided tour which will allow you to discover the history of rum and Reunion Island as well as the typical manufacturing process, a tasting and a sale of local products will be offered.

Saga du rhum museum relates the history of rum on Reunion Island

You will be welcomed by a passionate and warm staff who will offer you a pleasant moment of discovery of local flavours (to be consumed in moderation, always!)

Don't miss this friendly visit!

Telephone: 0262 35 81 90

 

Saint-Pierre City Centre

 

With your ITC Tropicar rental car, you will be able to explore the city centre of Saint Pierre, which is a must-see and always very lively!

It is organised around the Rue des Bons Enfants and is known for its many shops and restaurants, as well as its very interesting prices.

The city centre of Saint Pierre is a real Creole town, which still has all its character and authenticity. 

Saint-Pierre city centre is full of lively attractions and authenticities to discover

By day and by night, the city centre of Saint Pierre is very attractive and lively with a number of restaurants, bars and discotheques stretching to the waterfront.

The town of Saint Pierre hosts many events, parties and concerts every year.

For several years now, the town has been the kick-off point for the Grand Raid de La Réunion - La Diagonale des Fous and provides the opportunity for a big party on the main avenue of the sea front, with fireworks and shows.

Saint-Pierre is a dynamic and very popular venue for events such as the Sakifo and the Francofolies.

There are also fireworks displays on 14 July and 31 December, markets, concerts, shows, fairs, and other festivities such as Chinese New Year and Dipavali.

To rent a car or get information, contact us using our contact form or come and see us in one of our 3 car rental agencies.

ITC Tropicar logo: before renting a car in Reunion Island