Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul, a historic coastal town on Réunion's west coast, blends colonial architecture and lively markets with dramatic volcanic scenery and access to the island's interior.
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About Saint-Paul
Saint-Paul is one of the largest and most historically significant communes on Réunion's west coast, part of a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. It combines a working Creole town, agricultural highlands and a long resort coastline beneath volcanic peaks.
The town grew from the first permanent French settlement established in 1663, and it served as Bourbon's early colonial capital before Saint-Denis took over in 1738. That past remains visible along the waterfront, where the Cimetière Marin holds historic graves and pirate legends, and at the Grotte des Premiers Français, linked to the island's first arrivals.
Modern Saint-Paul spreads from the historic centre toward a string of seaside neighbourhoods. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is the main resort and marina hub, Boucan Canot is known for surfing, and the calm lagoons of L'Ermitage and La Saline-les-Bains are popular for swimming and snorkelling. Inland, the Maïdo viewpoint and the Étang de Saint-Paul nature reserve reveal the commune's greener, more rugged side.
Alongside tourism, Saint-Paul is a key commercial and service centre for western Réunion, with a lively seafront market, Creole and international restaurants and an active evening scene in Saint-Gilles. The mix of beach, heritage and mountain landscapes makes it a practical base for leisure travellers and visitors with business across the west of the island.
Saint-Paul Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The cooler, drier months from May to November are the most comfortable for beaches, hiking and exploring the west coast. December to April is hotter and more humid, with a higher risk of cyclones, but brings lush landscapes and a different seasonal atmosphere.
How to Get Around
Buses link central Saint-Paul with coastal neighbourhoods and nearby communes, while taxis and private drivers are useful for airport and evening travel. A rental car gives the most flexibility for reaching inland viewpoints, trailheads and quieter beaches.
Where to Stay
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and L'Ermitage are the main beach areas, with hotels, apartments and restaurants. Boucan Canot suits surfers and couples, while central Saint-Paul offers a more local, traditional atmosphere close to the market and historic sites.
Food & Drink
Local Creole cuisine is central to the food scene, with dishes such as cari, rougail saucisse, samoussas and bouchons served alongside rice, grains and pulses. Seafood is prominent along the coast, and the seafront market in Saint-Paul is a good place to try tropical fruit, spices and street snacks.
Ground Transportation Services in Saint-Paul
Airport Transfers
Travel between Roland Garros Airport and hotels, resorts and addresses across Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and the rest of the west coast.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, sightseeing, beach transfers and flexible travel around Saint-Paul and western Réunion.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Saint-Paul for independent travel along the coast and convenient access to inland viewpoints, hiking trails and nearby towns.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and sightseeing tours in Saint-Paul and the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre, on Réunion's southwest coast, blends Creole culture, colonial architecture and a lively waterfront with access to the island's wild southern landscapes.
Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis, the capital of Réunion, blends Creole culture and French colonial architecture with a lively waterfront, colourful markets and a gateway setting between the island's mountains and the Indian Ocean.
Saint-Benoît
Saint-Benoît sits on Réunion's lush eastern coast, where Creole traditions, sugar-cane fields and volcanic landscapes shape daily life. Its lively market, historic church and access to waterfalls and hiking trails make it a rewarding stop for travelers exploring the island.