History
The town was founded in 1669 by the first governor of Bourbon Island, Étienne Regnault. At the time, Saint-Paul was still the capital. In 1738, under the impetus of Governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais, Saint-Denis was granted this status. In 1777, the town’s checkerboard plan was drawn up by Chevalier Banks.
Saint-Denis is the administrative, financial and economic capital of La Réunion. With a population of around 160,000, it is the largest overseas capital. The inhabitants of Saint-Denis are known as Dyonisiens and Dionysiennes.
Saint-Denis is a must-see historical and cultural stopover on any trip to Réunion Island. Its old town offers a rich heritage of superb Creole houses and colonial buildings in the neoclassical style, as well as parks and gardens, museums, religious buildings, markets… not forgetting the cool, natural heights.
Agenda
Second Saturday of each month
- Jazz Ô Barachois (free concerts)
October
- Electropicales (electronic music)
- Somèn Kréol (Creole week)
Event to discover or rediscover Creole culture during the last week of October.
December
- Salon fait main
This event brings together more than 200 craftspeople and producers of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, as well as food products from the island’s farms. Free admission. - December 20
Fête de la Liberté (celebration of the abolition of slavery). Entertainment, concerts
Getting around
It’s difficult to get around downtown Saint-Denis because traffic is often very heavy. As the city center is relatively concentrated, we advise you to park your car and visit it on foot.