Overview

Sainte-Marie is a commune located on the French Indian Ocean territory of Réunion Island. With a population of 31,636, it spans 87.21 square miles. Approximately 40% of Réunion's area is designated as a Heritage Site within a national park. The city's rapid growth in the mid-19th century was driven by sugar cane production, including its associated factories and distilleries. Monsieur de Guigné, the city's first mayor, officially established Sainte-Marie as a borough in 1789.
Located just east of the capital city, Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie lies on the northern side of Réunion Island. It is home to Roland-Garros International Airport and is also within reasonable distance from two other airports.

Sainte-Marie is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the capital and its picturesque scenery. It offers a memorable vacation experience with its small fishing port and a brewery. The Sainte-Marie Town Hall is a prominent feature of the community, and numerous independent shops are scattered throughout the municipality.

Things to Do & See in Sainte-Marie

Visit Roland Garros Airport

Originally known as Gillot Airport, Sainte-Marie Roland-Garros Airport welcomes travelers from around the world. It offers flights to several international destinations, including Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
The airport is spacious, well-designed, and equipped with modern amenities. The surrounding scenery is both attractive and striking.
In the public area, you'll find two souvenir shops and a newsagent. The first floor features a self-service restaurant, two bars, and a snack bar in the boarding lounge.
The airport is also home to a fish port and marina, accessible via a short road from the terminal. This area is a notable landmark in Sainte-Marie, where locals often stroll to enjoy the view of planes flying low over the moored boats. Fishing enthusiasts frequent this area, which is also a popular spot for photographers.

Visit Religious Landmarks in Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie hosts several revered religious sites associated with the local French, Chinese, and Tamil communities. Notable places to visit include the Black Madonna, the Chapel of La Salette Tamil Mapérine Temple, and the Mosque Duparc.
Among these, you should visit the Calvary and the cathedral altar downtown, the Tamil Mapérine Temple, and the Mosque Duparc.
Sainte-Marie's Calvary and Notre Dame de La Salette chapel were established by Brother Scubilion. The church, relocated to a vantage point on the city's outskirts in 1950, was historically significant, especially given the 60,000 enslaved individuals in Bourbon at the time. In 2012, the Notre Dame de La Salette church was designated a historic site.
Though slavery and the Catholic church are distinct entities, the intersection between them is both enigmatic and mysterious. The Venerable Brother Scubillion, interred here in 1989, adds to the site's intrigue.
The Black Madonna, located on the banks of the Rains River, attracts approximately 30,000 to 40,000 visitors annually for prayers.

Visit Rue de Paris (Street of Paris)

Rue de Paris, which runs through the heart of Réunion's capital, Saint-Denis, is just 10.8 km (13 minutes) from Sainte-Marie via the N2. This street is a must-visit for an excellent introduction to Réunion's culture and is one of the city's most beautiful streets.
Along Rue de Paris, you'll encounter several landmarks, including lush green gardens and the magnificent Colonne de la Victoire. The street offers views of the island’s iconic gardens from the verandas of opulent residences and government buildings.
Notable structures on the left side of Rue de Paris include historical landmarks, colonial buildings, museums, and well-maintained Creole villas.
The street also features the former home of French Prime Minister Raymond Barre, the Noor-e-Islam Mosque with its beautiful white minaret, and the birthplace of poet and painter Léon Dierx.
Towards its northern end, Rue de Paris overlooks the Carre Cathédrale, becoming a bustling pedestrian zone at night due to its proximity to the monumental religious structure.

Visit Jardin de l’État (State Garden)

Located 10.4 km from Sainte-Marie, Jardin de l’État, also known as the King’s Garden, is a historic botanical park in Saint-Denis. This garden, situated in the heart of the city, features palm-lined paths, a Wallace fountain, and various water features.
Originally known as Jardin du Roy, the garden was founded between 1767 and 1773. It reached its peak in the early 19th century under the supervision of prominent botanists.
A bust of horticulturist Pierre Poivre, who initiated the garden, is located on Rue de Paris. Poivre planted the garden with trees and spices from outside the island in August 1855, and it now houses a natural history museum.
The botanical garden is home to over 2,000 plant species, including about 50 tree species. In 1825, 7,000 plants were distributed to islanders as part of a colonial agricultural improvement plan. For the past 40 years, the garden has been designated a historic site by the city.

Piton Fougère Hike & Visit Sainte-Marie's Hall

The Piton Fougère hike offers a scenic trek through an area populated with old tamarind trees covered in foam.
Sainte-Marie’s Hall is one of the city's most renowned landmarks and tourist attractions. Its beautiful facade and historical significance make it a popular destination.