La Possession is not only a land steeped in history, but also a place of escape in contact with nature, with numerous excursions and diving sites available. A transit point between the North and South of Réunion, this town is easily accessible from Saint-Paul or Saint-Denis.

History

Originally called La Possession du Roy, the location was the landing site for French ships during the third phase of the conquest of Réunion Island in 1649. Colonized from 1675 onwards, the region was renamed La Possession and a few decades later, around 1700, the first land grants began to be established there. The town experienced fairly rapid growth due to its strategic location between Saint-Denis and Saint-Paul. Coffee, rice, vegetables, wheat and millet cultivation developed, along with the raising of poultry and horses.

In 1834, La Possession separated from Saint-Paul and gained its independence, though its official status as a municipality was not granted until 1890. In the meantime, the region was equipped with its first coastal road connecting to Saint-Denis in 1873, as well as a new railway line in 1880. In 1976, a new two-lane road was inaugurated.

Today

Bordered by the municipalities of Le Port and Saint-Denis, La Possession constitutes the transition point between the southern and northern parts of Réunion Island. The town spreads across a large part of the Mafate cirque, bounded by the right bank of the Galets River and the Grande Chaloupe Ravine.

The development of communication routes, particularly the opening of the coastal road, has allowed the town to become an increasingly sought-after residential destination for Réunionnais from neighboring municipalities, particularly from the island's two main economic centers, namely Le Port and Saint-Denis. Recent population censuses have actually placed La Possession at the top of the list among municipalities with high demographic growth rates. Within its territory of 11,822 hectares, it is home to approximately 32,000 inhabitants.

Beyond small sugarcane plantations at the edge of the Sainte-Thérèse district, market gardening, flower and geranium cultivation remain part of local activities. Mangoes, jujubes and fish are also among La Possession's flagship products. Furthermore, local fishermen were the first to gather in large boats for fishing before forming a fishing cooperative.

Points of Interest

La Possession contains several picturesque sites waiting to be discovered.

Grande Chaloupe

Located on a clifface between Saint-Denis and La Possession, this landmark in the history of Réunion Island was once a transit point for thousands of immigrants. The landing dock that no longer exists today was where Indians disembarked, having come to supplement the local workforce after the abolition of slavery in 1848. The history of the railroad on Réunion Island is also linked to Grande Chaloupe. The train passing through the village connected Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre for no less than 80 years. The station built near the Lazarets was a particularly bustling place where travelers could encounter the "internees."

Cap Noir

This short excursion proves to be an excellent way to discover the south of the Mafate Cirque without exerting yourself too much. The Cap Noir outing is especially suited for vacationers with limited time and little hiking experience. The circuit is short and easy, except for a few steep sections requiring some effort. Cap Noir is described as a breathtaking sheer drop of the Piton des Neiges massif. It separates the bed of the Galets River from the Dos d'Ane plateau. Rising above one thousand meters in altitude, it constitutes an entry point for an escape into nature, discovering rich faunal and floral landscapes. Along the cliff face, contemplate the Orangers water channel. From the Mafate cirque to Piton des Neiges, passing through Roche Écrite, Gros Morne, Cimendef and Grand Bénare, so many panoramas await to be photographed. An orientation table is available to identify the summits with ease. Moreover, the kiosk set up on site allows you to enjoy a lunch break.

The Wall at La Possession

This site caters to deep-water diving enthusiasts (125 to 200 feet). The wall becomes particularly interesting from around 130 feet depth. The rock cavities harbor diverse and abundant marine life. At the La Possession wall, you'll encounter beautiful pelagic fish, notably banana tuna and sailfish. With a little luck, you might encounter a large potato grouper!

Climate

La Possession has a tropical climate classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. Precipitation is more abundant during the summer season than during the winter period. The region enjoys an average annual temperature of 23.1°C. As for rainfall, the average annual precipitation is 1,449 mm.

Located in the northwest of Réunion Island, La Possession is served by the coastal road connecting it to Saint-Denis, Le Port and Saint-Paul.

What to Do in La Possession?

• Travel through the municipality's past by visiting Grande Chaloupe
• Enjoy a pleasant walk at Cap Noir and take in the numerous views
• Explore the deep waters of the La Possession wall to discover different aquatic species
• Taste local fish-based recipes, etc.