Take the Route des Tamarins (Tamarinds Road), a highway open to traffic since 23 June 2009. It is named after the Tamarind tree, known locally as “tamarin péi”, a frequent feature of the landscape surrounding the road. 34 km long, it connects Saint-Paul and L’Etang-Salé, along the first slopes of the western highlands where the major seaside resorts of the island are found: Boucan Canot, Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu. The ocean views are spectacular, especially at Trois-Bassins overpass, the highest point of the road.
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Crossing many ravines, Route des Tamarins (Tamarinds Road) has nine junctions for quick access to villages and the gaps on the highlands (Plateau Caillou, L’Eperon (Route du Théâtre), Les Colimaçons, Stella, partial junction, Le Portail (to Piton Saint-Leu) or to the coast and Route des Plages (Boucan Canot, L’Ermitage, La Saline-les-Bains, Saint-Leu, L’Etang-Salé).
Getting there: From the city of Saint Denis near Roland Garros international airport, take the RN1 south toward the city of Saint-Paul to reach the Saint Paul viaduct on the RN1, also called Route des Tamarins which reaches the town of L’Etang-Salé via the village of Trois Bassins, the highest point.
From Saint Paul to L’Etang-Salé
Before heading off on the Route des Tamarins (Tamarinds Road) , you absolutely must visit the market on the seafront in Saint-Paul. All day Friday and Saturday morning, the market displays crafts imbued with the scents of spices mixed with fruit and other local flavours: pineapple, papaya, mango, samosas, bites and more.
In 2015, Saint Paul market was awarded Tripadvisor’sCertificate of Excellence in the Outings and Attractions category.
Your journey is studded with exceptional works of art
Start in Saint-Paul in the north and head for L’Étang-Salé in the south. The route is particularly dense with a total of 123 works of art including four exceptional examples.
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A diverse range of leisure activities
Take a break on the western coastal road to relax on the beach, or something more active like a swim or other water activities in the complete serenity of the preserved lagoons in Boucan Canot, L’Ermitage, Saline-les-Bains, Saint-Leu or L’Etang-Salé. Discover colourful fish in the marine nature reserve with fins, a mask and snorkel, or book a boat trip with one of the many professionals for a sunset ride, a dive, deep-sea fishing, dolphin and whale (depending on season) watching.
A wide range of attractions vary from gardens to museums: the aquarium, Jardin d’Eden, Musée de Villèle and the Chapelle Pointue, Kélonia sea-turtle observatory, Reunion Island’s botanical garden, the salt museum and Croc Parc.
Getaway to the highlands
The highlands are ideal for guided tours, easy walks, outdoor activities, and meeting the locals and craftsmen. Musée Stella Matutina, and the islands botanical garden are definitely essential visits. Highland accommodation includes gites and guesthouses and tables d’hôte serve Reunionese cuisine with local produce and spices and sweet “péi” delicacies.
Where is the route des tamarins ?
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