Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
St-Denis is devoid of beach, but it boasts a gaggle of well-preserved colonial buildings
harking back to the city's heyday in the 19th century. The larger colonial piles are mainly
strung out along Rue de Paris, Ave de la Victoire, Rue Pasteur and Rue Jean Chatel. It's
also home to a smattering of impressive religious buildings.
Anciens Magasins Aubinais
HISTORIC BUILDING
(37 Rue Jean Chatel)
This massive colonial building made of stone was constructed in the
1830s as a theatre but was used as a warehouse. It's neo-classical in style. Today it houses
various shops.
Maison Kichenin
HISTORIC BUILDING
(42 Rue Labourdonnais)
This perfectly preserved Creole mansion was built in the 1790s and is
considered one of the oldest of its kind in St-Denis. The well-proportioned fountain in the
garden is a highlight.
Conseil Général de la Réunion
- Direction de la Culture
(Villa du Département; 18 Rue de Paris)
You can't miss this villa - it's one of the most elegant of St-
Denis' Creole buildings, with a superb
varangue
(veranda), finely crafted
lambrequins
(filigree-style decoration), and a manicured garden with a fountain. It was built in 1804.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Préfecture
(Place de la Préfecture)
One of the grandest buildings in St-Denis, the Préfecture began life as a
coffee warehouse in 1734 and later served as the headquarters of the French East India
Company.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Former Hôtel de Ville
(Town Hall; Rue de Paris)
Many consider the neoclassical Former Hôtel de Ville, at the north
end of Rue de Paris, to be the city's most beautiful building; it's certainly very imposing,
with its regimented columns, balustrades and jaunty clock tower.
HISTORIC BUILDING
