Overview

Saint-Paul is an island in the southern Indian Ocean, French Southern, and Antarctic Regions component. It was the first settlement on Reunion Island founded in 1642. Because of its availability, it is referred described as the bay with the best anchorage. It is the second-largest commune of Reunion.
This island on Reunion's northwest coast is home to old buildings, breathtaking natural scenery, picture-perfect beaches, and a bustling food market. It is a volcanic island whose crater has been submerged by the sea, with the highest height of 493 meters. There was a 428-meter-tall tower OMEGA Chabrier transmitter in Saint Paul until 1999.
The growing season in Saint-Paul is pleasant and windy. It's ideal for visiting Saint-Paul for friendly activities in early April or late June, or in mid-September or early December.
You'll find a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences on this island. It's also an excellent spot to plan canyoning, hiking, and snorkeling excursions in the breathtaking natural beauty of Reunion.

The municipality of Saint-Paul, located on Reunion's northwest coast, away from the wind and sea waves, offers a wide range of recreational and sightseeing options to those looking for a change of scenery and a chance to relax. The island's most magnificent beaches may be found throughout its broad region. If you're looking for beautiful beaches with great swimming, it is a place. Sea kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling are some water sports available to visitors. It also has a long and fascinating history. If you are a history lover, there is something to explore in this destination.

Things to Do & See in Saint-Paul

Visit Marine Cemetery

To learn about the heritage of Saint-Paul, you should visit the maritime cemetery. It provides a glimpse into the town's past.
This cemetery, which dates back to 1788, located at the city's southern exit toward Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, is a beautiful sight and a registered historical monument. It is one of the country's oldest, continuously utilized burial grounds. Stones, carvings, epitaphs, and even buried chambers can be found in the 5-acre yard's astounding variety.
Limestone carving as a vocation and more considerable cultural influences like the neoclassical renaissance of the 19th century have impacted cemetery design. The graveyard tells a fantastic story of stability and change in thoughts on death and salvation for almost three centuries.
The tombs of the island's original settlers and notable families like the Panons, Debassayns, Desjardins, and KerAnvals demonstrate it does have a rich past. In addition, there are the tombs of great poet Leconte, Erasme Fueillet, and pirates like La Buse, who once journeyed across the Indian Ocean. You'll discover a brief biography of each person buried here.
On either side of the central road from the cemetery, the Premiers Francais cave park is a lovely spot for a picnic.

Explore Maido

Located on the outskirts of the town of Saint-Paul, on the west side of Reunion Island, the Piton du Maido is the highest point on the island. At an elevation of 2,190 meters above sea level, Maido provides a stunning perspective over the Mafate and the central coast of Reunion.
Just behind No Bellecombe in terms of popularity, the Maido offers a variety of activities and breathtaking views. To get to the Maido belvedere, you'll need to go through the Surpassing tamarind forest, home to trees only found on Reunion Island.
Once you've reached the summit, take in the breathtaking views of Réunion's untamed and protected nature, including the Mafate Circus. The Mafatais isa must-see place. You can get to Mafate caldera by following the trekking trails. More than 100 species of animals and ninety plant species can be found in the area's ancient woodland.
Sports like all-terrain bicycling, quad riding, summer sledding, and hiking are available for visitors. The Indian Ocean is visible as far as the eyes see from the white sand beaches along the west coast. Explore the Maido location in style by renting a quad.

Shopping in Markets

You'll want to stock up on souvenirs while on vacation in Saint-Paul on Réunion Island. As a result, you'll want to check out the local street and art markets.
Every Wednesday morning, the market in Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains is open in the town center. In addition to local and foreign handicrafts, you'll discover fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade pastries, coconut ice cream, etc.
Local produce can be found at the grower's market, hosted on the theatre parking lot every Sunday morning. In Ermitage, the Mail de Rodrigues market offers a variety of locally produced goods, including organic fruits and vegetables.

Visit Saint-Gilles Beach Resort & Cormorant basin

Reunion Island's Saint-Gilles Beach Resort is a popular tourist destination. There are numerous high-quality hotels and villas to choose from. For a long time, it was just a sleepy fishing and farming community nestled amongst the vast estate of the wealthy Desbassayns family.
In 1963, modern roads were built, and the bulk of islanders now regularly travel there.
Réunion Island's most popular nautical sports, including scuba diving, fishing, surfing, boating, and kayaking, may all be done from the harbor of Saint-Gilles in Réunion Island.
On western Reunion Island near the seaside resorts of Saint-Gilles, the Cormorant basin is part of St.Municipality. Paul's A waterfall from the Saint-Gilles ravine flows into the Indian Ocean at this watering hole. The parking lot near the Saint-Gilles theatre is a good place to meet for a moderately sized hike that everyone can enjoy. The three valleys that comprise the Saint-Gilles ravine can be reached by this path.
Additionally, visitors to Saint-Gilles can ride the city's Rosalie Red Train to see the city's historical landmarks in their entirety.

Enjoying the beauty of Boucan-Canot Beach

The town of St.Paul is home to the Boucan-Canot beach on the west coast of Reunion Island. Casuarina and coconut palm trees line the sand, which is a portion of the Reunion marine reserve. Three sections make up the Boucan-Canot beach.
On the portion of the beach, you can swim right up to the lifeguard station. Rock and coral cover much of the bottom, creating an ideal habitat for marine life that thrives on the island. It's time for a snorkeling tour, an outing that includes snorkeling. Keep an eye out for tropical fish in the hopes of spotting a tortoise or stingray.