Le Barachois

The Barachois is a corniche on the Saint-Denis seafront. This large esplanade planted with ficus trees was created in the early 20th century. The term “barachois” means “small harbor”, a sort of small basin. It was equipped with a landing stage for goods and passengers. This port, built under Mahé De La Bourdonnais, then Governor of La Réunion, no longer exists. The ocean-pointing cannons that can be seen on this site were installed to prevent a possible English attack from the sea in the early 19th century.

The Barachois is a popular meeting place for the locals, offering a magnificent panorama of the corniche road and the Indian Ocean. You can continue your stroll eastwards along the coastal path to Saint-Marie. It’s also a lively spot, with its bar-trucks, children’s games and popular boulodrome.

Numerous cultural events are regularly held here, including the night market and Jazz Ô Barachois.

On the Place Sarda Garriga, a few steps from the bandstand, stands the statue of Roland Garros. Further on, the 19th-century neoclassical façade of the Hôtel de la Préfecture is listed as a historic monument. In front, the statue of Labourdonnais stands on the square where, on December 20, 1848, the end of slavery on Reunion Island was announced.