The municipality of Saint-André is located in the northeast of the island, between the Saint-Jean river and the Mât river. Close to Saint-Denis, it only takes around twenty minutes to get there by car. It is, among other things, thanks to this proximity to the capital that it has become the most populated commune in the East and the fifth in the department with its 57 inhabitants, called Saint-Andréens, for an area of 000 km53.
Saint-André
In addition to its ideal geographical location, Saint-André is also one of the gateways to the Cirque de Salazia. It is characterized by a green nature due to its tropical climate, its high rainfall (between 2200 and 2900 mm per year) and a beautiful sun which is nonetheless present. Moving away from the center, one quickly finds magnificent expanses of cane fields and beautiful farms such as the vanilla plantations or various vegetable crops.
Located near the sea, the city has a coastline that stretches over several kilometres, ideally laid out so that you can enjoy a pleasant walk or bike ride while breathing in the sea air from the ocean. Indian.
Discover Saint-André, through the city website:
Land of exile and wealth
The commune of Saint-André will have historically seen the first French land in the middle of the 17th century. To put an end to the mutinies, the first exiles were confined on the island of “Bourbon”. They will settle in the French Quarter, along the Saint-Jean River.
In 1704, only around thirty "whites" and slaves were listed and the population did not increase until 1718, the date from which population growth began. Many crops then developed: tea, coffee, cassava, tobacco, corn, cloves, rice, vanilla and wheat, and its fertile land earned the region the nickname of "Beautiful Country".
Sugar cane
It was at the beginning of the XNUMXth century that the sugar cane fields, the sugar factories and the large properties of the colonial bourgeoisie took root in Saint-André.
It was then, in the second part of the XNUMXth century, that the culture of vanilla also began to develop at high speed. Even today, Reunion vanilla is recognized for its high quality.
With a strong agricultural identity, Saint-André is recognized as the historical capital of the sugar industry, and its factory, theBois-Rouge plant, is one of the last two such facilities on the island.
A bit of history
After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the region of Saint-André attracted many "indentured workers" from southern India to come and work in the large sugar cane plantations. Multiculturalism is important there, a strong symbol of Reunion Island, and it has also been found in an old motto loudly advocated by the Saint-Andréans: “Several races, one heart. ".
However, Saint-André remains mainly known for its large Tamil community. It is the cradle of the so-called “Malbar” culture in Reunion. In the heart of the city, many temples are present and colorful ceremonies take place regularly.
Little tip +
As long as you are in Saint-André, you can visit a hindu temple with a guide who will reveal all the secrets of this rich and colorful cult.
St. Andrew's Day
Tamil New Year, also called Puthandu, is celebrated between April 13 and 15. This event brings together every year all the tamil community and many curious around shows of indian dance, float parades created for the occasion and fireworks that light up the evening. Of the temples are open to the public and real Indian villages are also set up for the occasion and offer various calligraphy, henna and sari draping workshops, for example. You can also discover exhibitions, handicrafts, culinary specialties and take part in Indian music and dance lessons.
Le Deepavali, another flagship event of St. Andrew, is the Tamil Festival of Light. Celebrated by Indians around the world, it is an opportunity to celebrate Latchimi, goddess of Light and Prosperity. It also brings together all kinds of activities around Indian culture. The festivities extend over 5 days and a large market (la méla) takes place at Colossus Park.
Restoration at Parc du Colosse
Ô Bistrot du Colosse, at Parc du Colosse
Ô bistrot du Colosse offers plates and boards to share. Cocktails, wines, draft beers…
Davy Pizza at Colossus Park
Quality pizzeria and snacks. Vice French champion of pizza
Ti Van at Colossus Park
Creole restaurant at Parc du Colosse to take away or at the food court, possibility to eat in the fig leaf van.
Dailly's Burger at Parc du Colosse
From March 1, you have the opportunity to compose your menu, collect your wicker basket and enjoy our burgers in peace in the Parc du Colosse.
Activities to do in Saint-André
Where to eat ?
Where to sleep ?
