Sign in
Thursday 8 january 2009
21:56
Find in our guide
Surface Area : 22960 hectares
Postal code : 97470
Population : 31560 inhabitants
Mayor : J-Claude FRUTEAU
Postal code : 97470
Population : 31560 inhabitants
Mayor : J-Claude FRUTEAU
BIENVENUE DANS LA COMMUNE DE : SAINT-BENOIT
Saint-Benoît used to be the terminus of the Réunion Island railway network. Today, it is not only the economic capital of the east but also its cultural capital thanks to its multimedia library, its theatre (Le Bambou), its jazz festival and its short film festival. The town centre, crossed by the Rivière des Marsouins, is rather concrete to say the least. Saint-Benoît lies in a area which is often regarded as too humid and too rainy. It is the entry point to the “hautes plaines” (the plaine des Palmistes lies 20 km further on). Between December and March one can go rafting, hydrospeeding or canyonning on the Rivière des Marsouins and in the Takamaka valley.
Les incontournables
Informations pratiques
Reportages
Les hôtels
Les restaurants
Sainte-Anne church
This church was built in 1856 and renovated from 1921 to 1946 by Father Daubenberger. The design of the church was inspired by the European Gothic Cathedrals, as can be seen when looking at the different elements (mouldings, flowers, statues and concrete gargoyles). Guided tours are organised by Saint-Benoît‘s tourist office, from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
For more information call 02.62.47.05.09.
Bethléem
At the end of a small road across sugar cane fields lies a carpark. A “rempart” overhangs the Rivière des Marsouins. 20 minutes walk away, lies the “îlet” of Bethléem, where you can take a swim without being disturbed.
Bank of the Rivière des Roches
The Rivière des Roches flows between Saint-Benoît and Bras-Panon. In Saint-Benoît, a park has been created on the bank. You can enjoy a pleasant walk or even have a swim, but beware of the current! Fishermen often come here and you can find the famous “canaux à bichiques”.
Mélissa Plantation
The Sablés have been growing fruit for nearly half a century and tropical flowers for the last 15 years over several hectares. Guided tours on Thursdays only, preferably in the afternoon. Duration: 1 hour. Bookings on 02.62.21.12.12
/shop/lang-FR-1V-boutique,Boutique-et-produits-ile-de-la-reunion.html
The Rivière du Mât distillery
Discover the biggest distillery of Réunion Island. Opened in 1886, this distillery produces more than 40 tons of rum every day. Reservations required in advance, and visits are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am, 10.30am, 2pm, and 3.30pm during the sugar cane harvesting period only (from March to December). Entrance fees – Adults: 5€, Children from 13 to 16: 3€.
Bassin Bleu and Bassin Mangue
Bassin Bleu lies in Sainte-Anne. You can have a swim all year long. Bassin Mangue lies on the Rivière des Marsouins, amidst a luxuriant vegetation. Having a picnic on the bank is quite pleasant.
Access to Bassin Bleu: after the Sainte-Anne church, head towards Sainte-Rose. After the petrol station, take the first road on your left. Bassin Bleu lies at the level of the “radier”.
Takamaka valley
Sunken in the deep canyons of the Rivière des Marsouins, Takamaka’s hydroelectric power plant cannot be easily spotted. The inclined plane of its goods lift, however, betrays its presence. After having walked for 30 minutes on an uneven path, you will come across a waterfall and a “bassin”, abounding with trout.
Sainte-Anne churchThis church was built in 1856 and renovated from 1921 to 1946 by Father Daubenberger. The design of the church was inspired by the European Gothic Cathedrals, as can be seen when looking at the different elements (mouldings, flowers, statues and concrete gargoyles). Guided tours are organised by Saint-Benoît‘s tourist office, from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 3pm.
For more information call 02.62.47.05.09.
BethléemAt the end of a small road across sugar cane fields lies a carpark. A “rempart” overhangs the Rivière des Marsouins. 20 minutes walk away, lies the “îlet” of Bethléem, where you can take a swim without being disturbed.
Bank of the Rivière des RochesThe Rivière des Roches flows between Saint-Benoît and Bras-Panon. In Saint-Benoît, a park has been created on the bank. You can enjoy a pleasant walk or even have a swim, but beware of the current! Fishermen often come here and you can find the famous “canaux à bichiques”.
Mélissa PlantationThe Sablés have been growing fruit for nearly half a century and tropical flowers for the last 15 years over several hectares. Guided tours on Thursdays only, preferably in the afternoon. Duration: 1 hour. Bookings on 02.62.21.12.12
/shop/lang-FR-1V-boutique,Boutique-et-produits-ile-de-la-reunion.html
The Rivière du Mât distilleryDiscover the biggest distillery of Réunion Island. Opened in 1886, this distillery produces more than 40 tons of rum every day. Reservations required in advance, and visits are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am, 10.30am, 2pm, and 3.30pm during the sugar cane harvesting period only (from March to December). Entrance fees – Adults: 5€, Children from 13 to 16: 3€.
Bassin Bleu and Bassin MangueBassin Bleu lies in Sainte-Anne. You can have a swim all year long. Bassin Mangue lies on the Rivière des Marsouins, amidst a luxuriant vegetation. Having a picnic on the bank is quite pleasant.
Access to Bassin Bleu: after the Sainte-Anne church, head towards Sainte-Rose. After the petrol station, take the first road on your left. Bassin Bleu lies at the level of the “radier”.
Takamaka valleySunken in the deep canyons of the Rivière des Marsouins, Takamaka’s hydroelectric power plant cannot be easily spotted. The inclined plane of its goods lift, however, betrays its presence. After having walked for 30 minutes on an uneven path, you will come across a waterfall and a “bassin”, abounding with trout.
