Saint-Pierre, the second-largest city in Réunion by population, is a true gem in the southern part of the island. With its authentic atmosphere, rich heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a must-visit destination during a stay on the “Intense Island.” To fully enjoy everything Saint-Pierre and its surroundings have to offer, Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte is the ideal base, combining comfort, charm, and a prime location.
Nestled in the heart of the fishermen and street artists’ district, Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte stands out for its unique concept, blending tradition and modernity. Its strategic location allows you to easily explore Saint-Pierre’s many attractions while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of southern Réunion.
This establishment, part of the Exsel Hôtels collection, offers much more than just accommodation—it’s a gateway to discovering the cultural, natural, and gastronomic riches of this fascinating region.
In this article, we provide a complete guide to the must-do activities and excursions during your stay at Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte, ensuring an authentic experience in Saint-Pierre and its surroundings.
The Terre Sainte District: An Authentic Fishing Village
Before venturing out to explore Saint-Pierre and its surroundings, take the time to discover the neighborhood where your hotel is located. Terre Sainte is one of the most picturesque and authentic districts of Saint-Pierre, preserving the soul and traditions of Réunion’s fishermen.
Exploring Maritime Heritage
The Fishing Port and Its Traditions
The Saint-Pierre fishing port is the beating heart of the district. Every morning, you can watch fishermen set up by the sea in search of fish. If you’d like to buy some, Terre Sainte has fish markets worth visiting. You’ll get a fascinating glimpse into Réunion’s maritime life and its age-old traditions. Don’t hesitate to chat with the fishermen, who are usually happy to share their passion and stories with curious visitors.
Notre Dame du Bon Port Church in Terre Sainte
This place of worship, though modest in appearance, holds special significance for the locals. Built in 1874, the Notre Dame du Bon Port Church in Terre Sainte is a place of prayer where fishermen traditionally seek protection before heading out to sea. Its simple architecture and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful visit, just a short walk from the hotel.
Street Art: The Creative Soul of the District
In recent years, Terre Sainte has become an open-air museum, where street art tells the story and identity of the neighborhood. Many local and international artists have adorned house facades and walls with colorful murals depicting maritime life, Creole traditions, and the island’s biodiversity.
To discover these artworks, nothing beats a stroll through the district’s alleys. The south tourist office can provide a map highlighting the must-see murals. This artistic walk also allows you to admire the traditional architecture of Creole houses scattered throughout the area.
Saint-Pierre: Between Heritage and Modernity
Just a few minutes from Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte, Saint-Pierre’s city center deserves a full day of exploration to uncover its historical treasures and urban energy.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
The Covered Market: A Sensory Experience
Saint-Pierre’s covered market is one of the most beautiful and lively on the island. Open every day except Sunday, it offers a burst of colors, scents, and flavors unique to Réunion. You’ll find stalls overflowing with exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and local crafts. It’s also the perfect place to buy authentic souvenirs and sample local specialties like samosas, “bonbons piments,” or sweet potato cakes.
Jardin de la Plage
This stunning seaside park provides a perfect setting for a shaded stroll. With majestic palm trees, century-old banyans, and flowerbeds, Jardin de la Plage is a refreshing stop during your city exploration. Kids will love the playgrounds, while adults can relax on benches facing the ocean.
Le Saga du Rhum
About 15 minutes by car from the hotel, the “Le Saga du Rhum” museum offers a fascinating immersion into the history and production techniques of rum, an iconic spirit of Réunion. Located at the Isautier distillery, this interactive museum traces three centuries of rum-making through exhibits, guided tastings, and themed workshops. A must-visit to understand rum’s cultural and economic importance in Réunion’s identity.
Urban Life and Leisure
The Waterfront and Beach
Saint-Pierre Beach, with its white sand and crystal-clear waters protected by a coral reef, offers a safe swimming area close to downtown. The landscaped waterfront, with its promenades, restaurants, and terraces, is a favorite gathering spot for locals, especially lively in the evenings and on weekends. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean—a truly magical moment.
Saint-Pierre Casino
For those seeking nightlife, Saint-Pierre Casino offers not only traditional games but also a restaurant and various shows—a fun way to extend your evenings after a day of exploration.
Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
About 20 minutes by car from the hotel, in the hills of Saint-Philippe, this unique botanical garden invites you on an unforgettable sensory journey. Across one hectare of preserved tropical forest, you’ll discover over 1,500 plant species, including spices, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees. The guided tour is highly informative, teaching you about the culinary and medicinal uses of these plants in Réunion’s traditions.
Natural Wonders Nearby
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte is its proximity to some of Réunion’s most spectacular natural sites. The island’s south is filled with breathtaking landscapes—volcanoes, waterfalls, and primary forests—all accessible on day trips from your hotel.
Piton de la Fournaise: Encounter with the Volcano
The Must-See Active Volcano
Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Saint-Pierre. This excursion, which the hotel can help organize, is a highlight of any trip to Réunion. The road there, crossing Plaine des Cafres and then Plaine des Sables, already offers striking lunar-like landscapes.
Once at Pas de Bellecombe, a viewpoint overlooking Enclos Fouqué, you can start a hike to the crater. This moderately challenging trek (about 5 hours round trip) brings you up close to this sleeping giant and its unique volcanic scenery. If you’re lucky enough to witness an eruption, the sight of lava fountains lighting up the night sky is simply unforgettable.
For a less strenuous experience, helicopter tours are available from Saint-Pierre, offering spectacular aerial views of the volcano and surrounding terrain.
The Wild South: Untamed Nature
The Route des Laves
This stretch of road between Saint-Philippe and Sainte-Rose crosses successive lava flows that reached the ocean during past eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise. The landscape is striking—black lava contrasting with the blue ocean on one side and lush vegetation reclaiming the land on the other. Don’t miss stops at Puits Arabe, Cap Méchant, or Anse des Cascades, which offer stunning views of this wild coastline.
Rivière Langevin and Its Waterfalls
About 30 minutes from Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte, the Rivière Langevin valley is an idyllic spot for a day of relaxation and freshwater swimming. Grand Galet, with its 25-meter waterfall cascading into natural crystal-clear pools, is especially popular with locals and tourists. Families will appreciate the picnic areas shaded by trees, perfect for enjoying this paradise-like setting.
Cirque de Cilaos: Grandeur and Serenity
About an hour’s drive from Saint-Pierre, Cirque de Cilaos—a natural fortress surrounded by towering cliffs—is an unmissable excursion from your hotel. The road there, with its 400 hairpin turns carved into the mountainside, is an adventure in itself, offering breathtaking views of gorges and peaks.
Once in Cilaos village, nestled at 1,200 meters altitude, you can explore this majestic cirque through various activities:
- Hiking to Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean
- Relaxing in thermal baths, renowned for their therapeutic properties
- Discovering local crafts, including embroidery, Cilaos wine, and lentils
- Sampling regional cuisine, with its unique specialties
This excursion can be done in a day, but ideally deserves a longer stay to fully appreciate the diverse landscapes and activities.
Markets and Local Producers
To discover the fresh ingredients that make Réunion’s cuisine so rich, several options are available:
- Saint-Pierre’s Saturday morning market, held along the waterfront from 5 AM to 12 PM, is a local institution. You’ll find local fruits, vegetables, spices, prepared dishes, and crafts.
- The smaller Terre Sainte market, more authentic and less touristy, where fishermen sell their fresh catch directly.
- Roadside stalls around Saint-Pierre, where farmers sell seasonal fruits like Victoria pineapples, mangoes, lychees, and guavas.
Gastronomic and Wine Experiences
To deepen your discovery of Réunion’s cuisine, consider these experiences:
- A tour of Isautier Distillery, with tastings of “rhums arrangés” (fruit- and spice-infused rums), a local specialty.
- A visit to a vanilla plantation in the Wild South, learning about Bourbon vanilla production, some of the world’s finest.
- A Creole cooking class with a local, where you’ll learn to prepare authentic “carry” or “rougail” dishes.
The team at Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte can help you choose among these enriching culinary experiences.
Sports and Leisure Activities
The Saint-Pierre region is ideal for outdoor activities, whether you seek adventure or relaxation.
Water Sports
Réunion’s southern coast, with its coral-protected beaches, is perfect for:
- Scuba diving: Explore vibrant marine life with guided dives.
- Snorkeling: Discover coral reefs with just a mask and snorkel.
- Surfing: The Jetée Beach in Saint-Pierre offers waves for all levels.
- Paddleboarding & kayaking: Glide across the lagoon and observe marine life.
- Deep-sea fishing: Trips from Saint-Pierre’s port target marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.
Hiking and Nature Excursions
Saint-Pierre is a great starting point for hikes of all levels:
- Bélouve Forest: A pristine tamarind forest with shaded trails.
- Piton Mont-Vert: A moderate hike with panoramic views of Saint-Pierre.
- Dimitile: A historic site tied to Réunion’s maroon (escaped slave) history.
- Pointe de la Table: An easy walk across recent lava flows with moon-like landscapes.
Aerial Adventures and Thrills
For adrenaline seekers:
- Helicopter tours: Spectacular aerial views of cirques, waterfalls, and the volcano.
- Paragliding: Tandem flights from Saint-Pierre’s heights.
- Canyoning: Navigate gorges like Rivière des Remparts.
- Downhill mountain biking: Trails on Maïdo’s slopes or southern forests.
Events and Cultural Life in Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is a lively city with year-round cultural and festive events. Check with Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte’s reception for happenings during your stay.
Annual Festivals
Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
- Sakifo Musik Festival (June): A major Indian Ocean music event.
- Dipavali Festival (October): A vibrant Hindu festival of lights.
- Grand Boucan (June): A carnival in Saint-Gilles or Saint-Paul with parades and music.
- Leu Tempo Festival (May): A street arts and circus festival.
Nightlife
After a day of exploring, enjoy:
- Waterfront bars: Sip cocktails and local rums by the ocean.
- Live music restaurants: Featuring traditional maloya and séga music.
- Nightclubs: Dance the night away in downtown Saint-Pierre.
Staying at Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte: A Unique Experience
After exploring Saint-Pierre’s many facets, return to your base—Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte. More than just accommodation, it’s a hub of local life and culture.
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte stands out with its homage to the surrounding fishermen and street art district. At the crossroads of tradition and modernity, it embodies Réunion’s multicultural identity.
Its spacious common areas encourage mingling between travelers and locals, creating a warm, authentic vibe. The hotel regularly hosts artist exhibitions and cultural events, immersing you in Réunion’s creativity.
Ideal for All Travelers
Whether you’re a couple, family, or group of friends, the hotel caters to your needs:
- Couples: Comfortable rooms and the romantic fishing village ambiance.
- Families: Spacious, comfortable accommodations.
- Groups: Communal spaces and connecting rooms.
- Business travelers: Wi-Fi and work areas.
The hotel also hosts seminars and corporate events, combining work and discovery.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
To make the most of your time in Saint-Pierre, here are some tips:
Best Time to Visit
Réunion has two main seasons:
- Summer (November–April): Hot and humid, with possible cyclones (Jan–Mar).
- Winter (May–October): Drier and cooler, ideal for hiking.
Saint-Pierre’s southern location gives it a sunnier microclimate, making it pleasant year-round—though May–December offers the best weather.
Getting Around
Options for exploring:
- Car rental: Best for flexibility.
- Public transit: “Car Jaune” buses serve major sites.
- Taxis: Available for short trips.
- Guided tours: Ideal for remote sites like Piton de la Fournaise.
Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte has secure parking for guests.
Packing for Excursions
Don’t forget:
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (Réunion’s sun is intense!).
- Appropriate clothing: Lightwear for the coast, plus a jacket for high-altitude trips.
- Hiking shoes: Essential even for short trails.
- Swimwear & towel: For beaches and natural pools.
- Insect repellent: Especially in summer.
- Camera: To capture stunning landscapes.
An Unforgettable Stay: Authenticity and Discovery
Saint-Pierre and its surroundings offer diverse experiences for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, foodies, and adventurers alike. Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte, with its prime location and unique concept, is the perfect base to explore this captivating part of Réunion.
Beyond tourist sites, it’s the authentic encounters and cultural richness that will make your stay unforgettable. Take time to soak in the fishing village’s charm, chat with locals, and embrace Réunion’s relaxed pace.
Whether you’re here for a few days or longer, Saint-Pierre will gradually reveal its treasures—preserved traditions, modern energy, grand landscapes, and simple daily joys.
Ready to experience Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte? Book your stay now and start planning your discovery of Saint-Pierre and southern Réunion.
The Hôtel Le Terre-Sainte team looks forward to welcoming you and sharing their passion for this paradise, helping you create unforgettable memories on the “Intense Island.”
