Overview

In the French overseas division of Reunion, Saint-Leu is a town. It is situated on the island of Reunion's west coast. Previously known as Boucan Lalu or Repos Lalu, Saint-Leu was named after the first sailor to settle in the area. It became an independent municipality on January 1, 1770. The town of Saint-Leu was the second-best producer of coffee and cattle in the 1800s. When the first excellent slave uprising erupted in 1811, it was in Saint-Leu.
As a midpoint between Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu is seeing an increase in its popularity as a tourist destination. It is a bustling tourist destination with artificial and natural attractions, such as botanic gardens, turtle rehabilitation centers, and museums.
Some major projects, like the reorganization of the city center, have been completed. Beyond tourism, Saint-Leu is known worldwide for its surf spot and the World Parapente Championship. It is renowned for its natural beauty, activities, and facilities.

You'll never run out of things to do in Saint-Leu. This enticing city has a lot to offer, from exciting events to intriguing tourist sites. On Reunion's leeward coast, Saint-Leu is a great place to connect with the island's vast natural beauty. It is also home to some of the island's most popular tourist attractions, including a sandy beach, a lagoon for swimming, and a renowned surfing area.
It is a must-visit destination for anybody interested in sporting events and culture (festivals, concerts, theatre, etc.).
The Piton de Neiges and the Cirque de Mafate are two of Reunion's most famous volcanoes, and the Route du Mado road, which ascends more than 2,000 feet in a few miles, is the best way to see them.

Things to Do & See in Saint-Leu

Enjoy Nature at Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory

About 4,000 plant species from Reunion, Madagascar, and Mauritius are found at the Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin in Saint-Leu, inviting visitors to explore the island's floral diversity and fragility. They are arranged in various ways to make it easier for visitors to find what they're looking for. It is a national conservatory and botanical garden.
The conservatory, which is open to the public, was built during the 1980s and 1990s. There are seven sections to the garden. As a botanical research facility, it provides a stunning view of the Reunion's natural beauty for visitors.
It is possible to see orchids, succulents, palm trees, and bamboos at the Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory during your visit. There is also a large fruit orchard with more than 50 different trees.
It is an excellent place to see Salamis Augustina butterflies, an endemic species of butterfly that is protected.

See Sea-Turtles at Kelonia

Kelonia in Saint-Leu, Reunion, a historic turtles pasture turned public aquarium, now serves a variety of marine turtle species. It allows visitors to see sea turtles in their native and reconstructed habitats.
It is a sea turtle sanctuary that serves as an aquarium, Museum, and care facility. The sea turtle is one of the few tropical animals that manages to captivate both the heart and the mind in the same way. Located on the former Turtle Ranch site, it hosts educational courses and guided tours.
Visitors to the site are encouraged to wander across the beach to learn about sea turtles' natural habitats and how they have perfectly adapted to their surroundings. A unique underwater view is revealed when the road goes to an evolving population of turtles in a tank holding 500,000 liters of water.
It's possible to watch a team of experts at work tending to the turtles outside before returning to the ocean. In addition to the aquarium, the Turtle Center offers rehabilitation services for wounded and sick turtles and research and teaching initiatives.
Also, Kelonia plays a significant role in bringing attention to environmental issues. The Kelonia location hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.

Visit The Stella Matutina Museum

This Museum, housed in a historic sugar mill in the commune of Saint-Leu and has been granted the French Museum(Musée de France) designation, presents the narrative of sugar cane agriculture and the sugar business in Reunion through its different exhibition spaces. The sugar industry was a significant business in Reunions in the late 18th century, and this former refinery commemorates two hundred years of this activity.
Following a comprehensive makeover, the exhibition reopened in 2015 and now brings you on tour through Reunion's sugar industry. This project, driven by a new cultural and scientific agenda, has focused on both the original sugar mill buildings and the museum path, with a set of enlarged collections and the application of modern multimedia and interactive technology. The project's implementation included building repair, collection item restoration, and geographical aspects.
A visit to one of the fascinating sights will allow you to understand more about the sugarcane industry's evolution and its role in shaping Réunion's culture and economy.

Visit St Leu beach(Plage de Saint Leu), a Paradise for Snorkelers

This sandy beach with warm, calm water, located near the center of Reunion in the southeast, is overrun with visitors. Coral reefs split the beach into two sections. There are lifeguards on duty here and amenities for children's leisure, such as the rental of umbrellas and chairs.
Beautiful and spotless, it's a real treat to behold. As you go along the beach, you'll find a range of eateries and cafes catering to your every whim.
It is a haven for snorkelers who enjoy exploring the ocean's depths. There are numerous uncommon fish species to be found here and many more.

Visit Saline-Les-Bains Beach, Which is Best for Swimming

It is reminiscent of a tropical island paradise. Near Saint-Leu, on Reunion's north coast. It is one of the best swimming and most stunning beaches, thanks to its long stretch of white sand, swinging trees, and the enticing waters of the Indian Ocean.
Families and couples alike flock to this beach. People who wish to relax on the beach won't be far from a bar surrounded by palm trees and Australian pines.
Clownfish and parrotfish can be seen in the crystal-clear water if you look closely. Enjoy watching the kitesurfers and windsurfers enjoy fun in the little waves that break on the barrier reefs. Paddleboards and kayaks are also available at several locations around the beach.