Best Tourist Places to Visit in Saint-Paul, Reunion, French
Saint-Paul is the 2nd largest commune in Reunion, an island and French overseas territory. It is located on the western part of the island, around 40 km southwest of Saint-Denis, the capital of Reunion. The commune is highlighted by a resort village, St Gilles, which is situated around 20 km west of the centre of the commune. St Gilles is home to many surfing sites as well as a casino, a garden, a waterfall, a port and numerous international standard shops and restaurants. Saint-Paul coordinates with 21°00′35″ S latitude and 55°16′11″ E longitude and covers an area of 241.28 sq. km.
How to reach Saint-Paul?
The Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis, is the closest airport to Saint-Paul. The distance of around 50 km from the airport to Saint-Paul can easily be crossed by taxi or bus. If one booked a private transfer through online prior to reaching the airport would be more convenient. This airport handles flights from Marseille, Johannesburg, Paris, Mauritius, Bangkok, Chennai in India and many other global destinations.
To move within Saint-Paul, buses are generally available and one can also hire a car for comfortable local travel.
Food and Shopping in Saint-Paul:
Saint-Paul is well served by many star rated hotels, shopping centres and entertainment centres, of which most are located in the beachside resort, St Gilles.
Things to do in Saint-Paul:
- Surfing
- Boat tours
- Biking tours
- Visiting marina, garden and museum
What to see in Saint-Paul?
Casino of St Gilles:
St Gilles is a popular seaside resort village, located around 20 km west from the centre of Saint-Paul. St Gilles is packed with dozens of entertainment options, including a casino with all modern features.
Aquarium de la Reunion:
Aquarium de la Reunion is a very nice and famous aquarium, situated in the seaside village St Gilles, within the port. The aquarium showcases all the kinds of fish in the area, including reef fish and shark. Guides are in French, so it would be some problem for those who don’t have an awareness of French.
Beaches of St Gilles:
St Gilles is the village of many spectacular sandy beaches with the opportunities of different water sport activities, including surfing. The most famous beaches in the area include Boucan Canot, Beach of Hermitage and Roches Noires.
St Denis:
St Denis is the capital city of Reunion, situated around 40 km northeast of Saint-Paul. Visitors can enjoy the beauties of different kinds of manmade and natural attractions in St Denis, like Léon Dierx Museum (museum), Jardin de l’État (botanical garden), La Paguode Chinoise (Chinese pagoda), Temple Tamoul (Hindu temple) and La Roche Écrite (mountain near St Denis).
List of other places of interest in and around Saint-Paul includes:
- Port of Saint-Gilles
- Waterfall at Bassin Aigrettes
- The Garden of Eden
- Beach of Hermitage
- Roches Noires Beach
- Beach of Boucan Canot
- Le Cinquieme Element
- Submarine Plongee
- La Villa Club
- Bleu Marine Reunion
- Jet Ski Attitude Location
- Cubana Club
- Albacore Fishing Club
When to visit Saint-Paul?
The tour of Saint-Paul can be enjoyed best during the dry months between May and October.
Where to stay in Saint-Paul?
Hotels in Saint-Paul, especially in St Gilles, offer nearly all upgraded amenities for tourists in addition to common facilities like arrangement of vehicle for outdoor activities, guided tour and authentic French, Indian and Chinese dishes. Some top end recommended hotels in St Gilles in Saint-Paul are listed below:
- Hotel Boucan Canot
- Le Saint Michel
- Hotel Les Creoles
- LUX Ile de La Reunion
- Appart Hotel Marina
- Novotel Saint-Gilles La Reunion
- Blue Beach Hotel la Reunion
- Le Grand Bleu
- Alamanda Hotel
- Hotel La Villa du Soleil
- Hotel Boucan Canot
- Le Domaine Des Mascareignes
- Residence Tropic Appart’hotel
- Residence Les Boucaniers
- Hotel de la Plage