Sainte-Marie

Sainte-Marie is a municipality in northern Réunion, bordered by the Indian Ocean and backed by the first slopes of the mountain. The island's gateway — Roland Garros Airport is located here — it blends coastline, Creole quarters and quick access to the island's highlands. Less touristy than neighbouring Saint-Denis, it offers an authentic glimpse of Réunionnais life.

Practical info at a glance

• Access: just a few kilometres north-east of Saint-Denis via RN2; served by bus on the Car Jaune network (northern line).
• Airport: Roland Garros Airport is situated on the municipal territory — main arrival point on the island.
• Recommended duration: half a day to explore the town and coastline.

What you'll see

Sainte-Marie's waterfront runs along a wild coast battered by trade winds. The town retains a few traditional Creole houses with coloured varangues. The municipality also harbours sugarcane fields that stretch down to the lower quarters, an emblematic landscape of northern Réunion.

History and context

Sainte-Marie is among the first zones settled in Réunion during the colonial era. Its development remained long tied to the sugar industry. The installation of the airport in the 20th century transformed its role: the municipality became the island's logistical gateway while preserving its residential and agricultural character.

Highlights of your visit

The northern coastline

Sainte-Marie's coast is exposed to the Indian Ocean swell. The pebble and dark sand beaches offer open views across the waters. Swimming here is subject to weather conditions; check for current alerts before approaching the water.

Creole quarters

Moving inland towards the highlands, residential quarters reveal preserved Creole architecture: corrugated iron roofs, gardens bursting with bougainvilleas, brightly coloured wooden houses. A stroll on foot through these lanes gives a true picture of daily Réunionnais life away from tourist circuits.

Sugarcane fields

Between July and November, the sugarcane harvest brings life to the municipal roads. Lorries laden with cane and the sweet smell in the air remind you that the agricultural economy remains vibrant in this part of the island.

Photography tips

Morning light is ideal on the coastline, before thermal haze veils the horizon. Creole houses in the highlands photograph well in late afternoon, when raking light brings out the colours of the facades. Avoid using flash in private spaces or at neighbourhood celebrations.

Location and access

Sainte-Marie lies immediately north-east of Saint-Denis, Réunion's administrative capital. RN2 runs through it from north to south. The Car Jaune network provides regular connections from Saint-Denis. Roland Garros Airport, on the municipality, is the main entry point to the island for flights from mainland France and the Indian Ocean region.

In the vicinity

• Saint-Denis — Réunion's administrative capital, a few kilometres to the south-west, with the Barachois, the Léon Dierx Museum and the informal market.
• Sainte-Suzanne — neighbouring municipality to the south-east, known for its lighthouse and the Sainte-Suzanne river.
• Saint-André — further south, heart of Réunion's Tamil culture with its colourful temples and rum distillery.