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Thursday 8 january 2009
17:38
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Surface Area : 14279 hectares
Postal code : 97400
Population : 133700 inhabitants
Mayor : Gilbert ANNETTE
Postal code : 97400
Population : 133700 inhabitants
Mayor : Gilbert ANNETTE
BIENVENUE DANS LA COMMUNE DE : SAINT-DENIS
Saint-Denis is the “capital” of Réunion Island and the biggest French town outside of mainland France thanks to its 140000 inhabitants.
Like every French prefecture, Saint-Denis is an administrative hub (Conseil Général, Conseil Régional, Chambre de Commerce...). However it is a very nice town to live in and to be visited.
Saint-Denis was founded in 1669 by Etienne Régnault. Being more accessible for boats than Saint-Paul, it became the capital of the island in 1738 by order of Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais.
Architect Banks drew up the town plans in 1770 and only in 1790 did Saint-Denis become a “commune” (at that time, there were about 7000 inhabitants).
A lot of old colonial houses can be found in the city : some of them have been magnificently renovated and others have been abandoned. Most of them lie near the rue Maréchal Leclerc.
Inhabitants of Saint-Denis are called “Dionysiens”.
Like every French prefecture, Saint-Denis is an administrative hub (Conseil Général, Conseil Régional, Chambre de Commerce...). However it is a very nice town to live in and to be visited.
Saint-Denis was founded in 1669 by Etienne Régnault. Being more accessible for boats than Saint-Paul, it became the capital of the island in 1738 by order of Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais.
Architect Banks drew up the town plans in 1770 and only in 1790 did Saint-Denis become a “commune” (at that time, there were about 7000 inhabitants).
A lot of old colonial houses can be found in the city : some of them have been magnificently renovated and others have been abandoned. Most of them lie near the rue Maréchal Leclerc.
Inhabitants of Saint-Denis are called “Dionysiens”.
Les incontournables
Informations pratiques
Reportages
Les hôtels
Les restaurants
Le Barachois
On the seashore, this park seems made for children and lovers. A few old cannons can be seen here. Along the Barachois, there are several lovely bars and a statue of Roland Garros (a famous aviator born in Saint-Denis in 1888).
Le Jardin de l'Etat
This garden is one of the favourite spots of Dionysiens. It was created in 1767. It is a place dedicated to walking and relaxation. Many tropical plants and the natural history museum can be found here. Opening hours : 7 am to 7 pm
Cases créoles
Saint-Denis is famous for its old colonial houses. Most of them are situated in rue de Paris, rue Pasteur and rue Roland-Garros.
The house lying at N°15, rue de Paris, dating back to the eighteenth century, is where the politician Raymond Barre was born.
Markets
There are two markets in Saint-Denis. The Grand Marché, situated at the corner of rue Maréchal Leclerc and rue Gasparin, displays fruits, vegetables and mainly Malagasy handicraft. Opening hours : 6 am to 6 pm. The Petit Marché, on the corner of rue Maréchal Leclerc and rue de l’Océan provides you with fruits, vegetables and meat.
A very colourful market
Le BarachoisOn the seashore, this park seems made for children and lovers. A few old cannons can be seen here. Along the Barachois, there are several lovely bars and a statue of Roland Garros (a famous aviator born in Saint-Denis in 1888).
Le Jardin de l'EtatThis garden is one of the favourite spots of Dionysiens. It was created in 1767. It is a place dedicated to walking and relaxation. Many tropical plants and the natural history museum can be found here. Opening hours : 7 am to 7 pm
Cases créolesSaint-Denis is famous for its old colonial houses. Most of them are situated in rue de Paris, rue Pasteur and rue Roland-Garros.
The house lying at N°15, rue de Paris, dating back to the eighteenth century, is where the politician Raymond Barre was born.
MarketsThere are two markets in Saint-Denis. The Grand Marché, situated at the corner of rue Maréchal Leclerc and rue Gasparin, displays fruits, vegetables and mainly Malagasy handicraft. Opening hours : 6 am to 6 pm. The Petit Marché, on the corner of rue Maréchal Leclerc and rue de l’Océan provides you with fruits, vegetables and meat.
A very colourful market
