Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and green trails, Eastern Reunion also has charming churches which are part of the local heritage. Discover without further delay the buildings to visit during your stay in the East!
Note that many churches are reconstructions following the devastation of several cyclones, making their history even more fascinating.
The Notre Dame des Laves church in Piton Sainte-Rose
Impossible to miss it when you cross Snape Sainte-Rose. The church Our Lady of the Lava is an emblematic place, which has an extraordinary history. In 1977, during the eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, the building was in the line of sight of the lava flows but was miraculously spared. The famous pink-colored church is today surrounded by the solidified lava flow. By entering its enclosure, you will be able to discover images of the damage caused by the lava during the eruption.
The Church of Sainte-Anne
Listed as a Historic Monument of France since 1982, for its chapel dedicated to Sainte-Thérèse, the church of Sainte-Anne is one of the most beautiful buildings on the island with its facade decorated with magnificent moldings, its immense bell tower and its colorful interior frescoes. In Baroque style, it was built in 1857 and delivered in 1863. In 1921, Father Georges Daubenberger modified it and had the small chapel built in honor of Sainte-Thérèse, who would be canonized in 1925.
The Church of Sainte-Anne is also famous because it served as the setting for the film “The Mississippi Mermaid” directed by François Truffaut. The wedding scene of Catherine Deneuve and Jean Paul Belmondo was filmed there in 1969.
The Church of Sainte-Rose
Take advantage of your getaway in the East to stop at the church of Sainte-rose, bordered by its majestic bell tower. The church was built by Father Richard in 1849 and consecrated in 1858. Until then, the service was celebrated in a hut then in a wooden building. Outside, you can observe a bell tower which dates from the 1980s.
For the record, in 1925, the church bell fell on the altar during a funeral, damaging it. This was offered by Arthur Lory des Landes, a planter and industrialist based in Sainte-Rose at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
The Church of Saint-Benoît
The history of the church St. Benedict has been taking shape for several centuries. In planning since 1716, a first church was built in 1735, but it quickly became too small to accommodate the faithful and was invaded by bats. It was then replaced by the current building, the first stone of which was laid on September 27, 1840. In 1850, a cyclone swept away the bell tower and the roof, leading to major repairs. Coming from Angers, the three bells date from 1860 and were blessed by Monsignor Maupoint. So take advantage of your visit to St-Benoît to discover this place steeped in history. A vast fresco, painted by Abbot François Moirod, summarizing the daily life of the Benedictine monks, decorated the entire back of the church. Time had taken its toll on it but its restoration is underway and we hope that during your visit, you will be able to admire it!
One of the particularities of the church is that it is located a few steps from a mosque. A beautiful illustration of living together.
Saint-Martin Church in Grand Îlet
Also classified as a Historic Monument since 1982, Saint-Martin church in Grand Ilet is the fourth to have been built in the same place. The first wooden church was too small to accommodate the faithful and was enlarged. It was then destroyed by the cyclones of 1932 and 1935. The believers then began its reconstruction while remaining faithful to the original plans. In 1994, a new cyclone ravaged the building, which was once again rebuilt identically. Representatives Saint Martin et Saint Louis-Marie Grignon de Monfort, the stained glass windows were then made by Reunion master glassmaker Guy Lefèvre. The building remains one of the last shingled churches on the island, which is worth a look!
The Church of Hell-Bourg
Guy Lefèvre is also behind the remarkable stained glass windows of the church of Hell-Bourg, which has had a turbulent history. It was rebuilt several times after being ravaged by cyclones. The visit to this classical-style religious building can be combined with that of the Home Folio, a property with typical Creole architecture which is located just opposite. You can also enjoy the incredible landscape composed, among others, of Gros Morne.
The Chapel of the Pont de l’Escalier in Salazie
Located near the Pont de l'Escalier, which allows you to cross the Rivière du Mât, this charming chapel attracts the eye of all those heading towards the cirque de Salazia. With its bright red shutters and lava stones, it does not go unnoticed.
Our Lady of the Assumption in Salazie
The Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church was built in Salazie under the leadership of Father Bourasseau and blessed on October 2, 1941. Died in 1957, Gabriel Charles Octave Bourasseau took care of several parishes on the island but it He rests in Salazie. Located behind the church, its vault attracts many faithful. Father Bourasseau is known for granting graces, healings and success in exams. The church is often compared to Notre-Dame de Paris, but its plans would in fact have been modeled on those of the reims cathedral.
Restaurants in Eastern Reunion
For a sandwich, a good curry, salads or any other gourmet pleasure, click on the button to see all the restaurants in Eastern Reunion.
The Church of Saint-Nicolas in Saint-André
Today only the remains of the Saint-Nicolas church remain. Saint-André. The impressive mass of stones is visible from the main road at Champ Borne and brings a special atmosphere to the place overlooking the ocean. Inaugurated in 1847 and dedicated to Saint-Nicolas, the church was damaged several times by gusts of wind before being devastated by Cyclone Jennie in 1962. Just opposite the destroyed building a new church was built . This time it is sheltered from the violent winds of cyclones.
Church of St. Andrew
The church of Saint-André was consecrated in 1852 by the first bishop of the colony, Monseigneur Florian Desprez. Since 2006, it has housed a relic of the Apostle Andrew, dating from the XNUMXth century.
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