Located at the island's northernmost point, near the mouth of the Riviere Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis is the capital of Reunion.
Founded in 1669 by Etienne Regnault - the first governor of Bourbon Island (as La Reunion was then called) - the city's current population is around 319,200.
Due to sea and wind conditions, its artificial harbour was built during the 1880s in Le Port commune, some 9.3 miles from the city. The metro area includes some of the island's mountains, with the highest elevation being 2,276 metres. Saint-Denis has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a hot and humid wet season (December to April) and a warm, less humid, drier season for the remainder. June to October marks its dry season. During the wet season, cyclones often hit the city.
Roland Garros International Airport lies seven kilometres east of the city in Sainte-Marie. Air Austral, the regional air carrier, has its Indian Ocean hub there. There's also a good road network.
Sightseeing highlights include the Leon Dierx Museum (an art gallery and museum); the Jardin de l'Etat (public gardens and natural history museum); the Le Barachois seafront park and La Roche Ecrite (nine miles south of the city, where birders can seek out most of the island's rare endemic birds at a summit overlooking Saint-Denis, from where there are sweeping views over the area).
Helen Kennedy
Travel Specialist
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
