Attractions
A holiday in Saint-Denis, with its brasseries and bistros, cafes
and Creole character, is a great jumping-off point for exploring
this island paradise while absorbing the town's architectural
beauty, lively ambience, shopping for souvenirs (especially spices)
and sampling its many good restaurants. Anyone who is seeking a
tropical getaway with the added bonus of French flair, will enjoy a
holiday in Saint-Denis. The city is usually just a pit stop on a
Reunion itinerary, as the island's main attractions are not
actually in Saint-Denis, but the city is rather charming and worth
a day or two of exploring.
Tourist attractions in Saint-Denis include the Parc du Colorado,
a park and playground which is ideal for a picnic or a barbeque and
boasts beautiful views; the Jardin de l'Etat, a pretty little
garden in the heart of the city; the Musee Leon Dierx, with its
impressive modern art collection; and the Natural History Museum,
where visitors can learn about the animals, plants and geology of
Reunion. Of course, there are many glorious excursions possible
from Saint-Denis, which is best used as a travel hub for
explorations of the natural wonders of the island.
Musee Leon Dierx
The Musee Leon Dierx, in Saint-Denis, houses an impressive
collection of modern art, with works by some of the great masters
of the genre such as Gauguin, Matisse, Picasso, Vlaminck and
Morisot. Much of the collection was once that of the French art
dealer,...
see full detailsNatural History Museum
The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) of
Saint-Denis opened its doors in 1855 and was the first of its kind
in the Indian Ocean. The museum houses fascinating exhibits of the
region's creatures, from shells to rare birds and mammals, as well
as...
see full detailsSaint-Gilles-les-Bains
Close to Saint-Paul, on the northwestern side of the island,
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is a highly popular weekend destination,
offering a beautiful 12-mile (20km) lagoon and gorgeous white-sand
beaches. Saint-Gilles was once a sleepy fishing village, but now it
is Reunion's most popular resort, attracting crowds...
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