Saint-Pierre

Where the name comes from

Named in honour of Saint Peter, the town grew up around its harbour and its street market (marché forain), which has become one of the best known on the island. Today it is the capital of southern Réunion.

History

Saint-Pierre was founded in the 17th century as the south of the island's outlet to the sea. Its harbour, in relatively sheltered waters on the leeward coast, was a valuable asset on a coastline often hostile to anchorage. From the 18th century, the municipality developed an intensive sugar economy: the great plantations of the south sent their produce to Saint-Pierre for export.

The 19th century was Saint-Pierre's golden age of sugar. After abolition, Tamil, Malagasy and African indentured labourers (engagés) settled permanently in the area, bringing their culinary and religious traditions. Saint-Pierre's covered market, built in 1832, is one of the oldest cast-iron buildings in France.

Capital of the south, Saint-Pierre is now home to the micro-region's government services, the southern university hospital (CHU) and its educational facilities. Its lively seafront, colourful Creole houses and Sunday market make it one of the island's most vibrant towns, driven by a dynamic Creole cultural and music scene.

Landscapes

Saint-Pierre stretches from the coast to the foothills of the wild Grand Sud. The seafront is marked by black rocks, a few beaches and the commercial harbour. The hinterland consists of intensively farmed sugar-cane plains, then wooded slopes climbing towards the Le Tampon plateau.

Local culture

Saint-Pierre has a strong identity as the capital of the south, independent of Saint-Denis. Local Creole cuisine is renowned for its caris (Creole curries) and its colourful market. The Tamil community has built temples here and keeps its religious practices very much alive. The town also has a strong sporting tradition, especially in football, with SO Saint-Pierrois, one of the island's historic clubs.

Why it matters

Capital of the south, busy harbour, lively street market and Terre-Sainte: Saint-Pierre brings together maritime identity, urban heritage and Réunionese culture in an intense setting.