Overview

Sainte-Marie is a commune on the French Indian Ocean territory Reunion Island. It has a population of 31,636, spread out over 87.21 square miles. Approximately 40% of Reunion's area is a Heritage Site certified national park. Sugar cane and its accompanying factories and distilleries spurred the city's rapid growth in the middle of the 19th century. Monsieur de Guigné, the city's first mayor, formally established Sainte-Marie as a borough in 1789.
It is located just east of the capital city of Saint-Denis. Located on the northern side of Réunion's island, it is home to Roland-Garros International Airport. There are also two more airports within a reasonable distance to Sainte-Marie.

Because of its proximity to the capital and its beautiful scenery, Sainte-Marie has become one of Reunion's most popular tourist spots. It will make your vacation rememberable. Additionally, a small fishing port and a brewery may be found in Sainte-Marie. The Sainte-Marie Town Hall is a prominent feature of the community. Numerous independent shops can be found throughout the municipality of Sainte-Marie.

Things to Do & See in Sainte-Marie

Visit Roland Garros Airport

Sainte-Marie Roland Garros Airport, originally Gillot Airport, is home to travelers worldwide. It serves several international locations, including Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
The airport is massive, well-designed, and equipped with today's conveniences. The surrounding scenery is likewise highly eye-catching and appealing.
The public area has two souvenir shops and a newsagent. There is a self-service restaurant on the first floor, two bars, and a snack bar in the boarding lounge.
This airport has a fish port and marina that may be reached by a short spur road from the terminal. It is one of Sainte- Marie's most recognizable landmarks. Many islanders use this area as a walking trail to take in the spectacular view of a plane flying low over the moored boats. Fishing experts are active in the area. It is allowed to dine or drink on the premises. In addition to its reputation as a nice place to relax, the port also draws many photographers.

Visit religious landmarks in Sainte-Marie

Many revered religious sites are found in Sainte-Marie, including those associated with the local French, Chinese, and Tamil communities. The Black Madonna, the Chapel of La Salette Tamil Mapérine Temple, and the Mosque Duparc are some of the most exciting places to visit.
You should see Calvary and the cathedral altar downtown, the Tamil Maperine temple, and the mosque Duparc.
Sainte-Marie's Calvary and Notre Dame de La Salette chapel were both built by Brother Scubilion. The church was repaired in 1950 after it was moved to a vantage point on the city's outskirts. At that time, there were approximately 60,000 enslaved people in Bourbon. In 2012, the Notre Dame de La Salette church was designated a historic site.
Slavery and the Catholic church are two distinct entities, but this crossing between the two is enigmatic and mysterious. Here, the Venerable Brother Scubillion in 1989 is said to be interred.
Located on the banks of the Rains River is the Black Madonna. Approximately 30,000 to 40,000 individuals visit the Black Madonna each year to pray to her.

Visit The rue de Paris(Street of Paris), One of the Most Beautiful Streets

The rue de Paris, which runs through the heart of the capital city of Reunion, Saint-Denis, is just 10.8km(13 minutes) away from Saint-Marie via N2. This street is a must-visit if you're looking for an excellent introduction to Reunion culture. It is one of the city's most beautiful streets.
Along with the Rue de Paris, you'll encounter several landmarks, including the green gardens and the magnificent Colonne de la Victoire. The lush gardens that are the island's signature may be seen from the verandas of the island's more opulent residences and government structures.
There are several notable structures on the left side of the Rue de Paris. Since they have been owned by private corporations or public authorities like the Department, you can appreciate historical landmarks, colonial buildings, museums, and even Creole villas that have been well-maintained.
With the home of former French PM Raymond Barre, the Noor-e-Islam Mosque's beautiful white minaret, and the birthplace of poet and painter Léon Dierx, there's a lot to see and do here.
Towards its northern end, the rue de Paris overlooks the Carre Cathedrale, becoming one of the city's busiest pedestrian zones at night because it borders the monumental religious structure.

Visit Jardin de l’État(State Garden)

Just 10.4 km from Saint-Marie, this garden, also called King's Garden is a historic botanical park. With its palm-lined paths, Wallace fountain, and water features, the town's botanical park is located right in the middle of everything.
Saint-Denis is home to this park, and it was previously known as Jardin du Roy. What's fascinating about the park is that nothing you see there naturally occurs on Reunion.
This garden was founded in 1767 and 1773. When eminent botanists were in charge of the garden's flora in the early 19th century, it was at its peak.
There is a bust of the horticulturist Pierre Poivre on Rue de Paris, who started it all. Pierre Poivre planted the garden with trees and spices from outside of the island in August 1855, and it now houses a natural history museum.
More than 2,000 plant species, including roughly 50 tree species, can be found in the botanical garden. In 1825, 7,000 of its plants were sent to the islanders as part of a colonial agriculture improvement plan. For the past 40 years, the garden has been designated a historic site by the city.

The Piton Fougère Hike & Visit Sainte-Town Marie's Hall

Saint-Denis used to participate in this march as part of their daily routine. You'll find a densely populated area of old tamarind trees covered in foam.
Sainte-Town Marie's Hall is one of the city's best-known landmarks and tourist attractions. For more than just its beautiful facade, it is a popular tourist destination.