Markets on Reunion Island

A trip to the markets

The main indoor market of Saint-Denis (open daily except Sunday) and the small indoor market (open daily) are a concentrate of Reunion Island living: spices, flowers, fruit, vegetables, poultry and “boucané” (smoked meat), as well as craft items – cooking pots, baskets and Kalou/pilon (pestle & mortar) sets used for preparing “rougail”, the condiment served with Creole-style curry. You’ll find it all here !

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on choosing the right products, as the people of Reunion are always happy to help a “zoreil” (mainlander) disconcerted by the huge choice! Don’t miss Le Chaudron market in Sainte-Clotilde on Wednesdays and Sunday mornings. The shaded Sainte-Suzanne and Sainte-Marie markets are very friendly and make ideal places to stroll.

A trip to the markets

The main indoor market of Saint-Denis (open daily except Sunday) and the small indoor market (open daily) are a concentrate of Reunion Island living: spices, flowers, fruit, vegetables, poultry and “boucané” (smoked meat), as well as craft items – cooking pots, baskets and Kalou/pilon (pestle & mortar) sets used for preparing “rougail”, the condiment served with Creole-style curry. You’ll find it all here !

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice on choosing the right products, as the people of Reunion are always happy to help a “zoreil” (mainlander) disconcerted by the huge choice! Don’t miss Le Chaudron market in Sainte-Clotilde on Wednesdays and Sunday mornings. The shaded Sainte-Suzanne and Sainte-Marie markets are very friendly and make ideal places to stroll.

Cultural immersion

You won’t need your sun hat at the Saint-Pierre indoor market. In fact, the market building is the pride of this town listed as a Town of Art & History since the year 2000. The metal structure of what was then called the bazaar dates back to pre-1863. This is the place to find “péi” (local) arts and crafts.

If you’re in Cilaos on a Sunday morning, you absolutely must “bat’karé” (go for a walk) in the small market. It oozes with charm and togetherness, and is surrounded by the majestic ramparts of the cirque. Among other products, you’ll find honey, soap, local wine, jars of jam, etc. and, like everywhere else, there are stalls selling different types of curry served in containers with generous helpings of rice and “grains” (peas, beans & lentils), “brèdes” (leafy part of vegetables cooked in a similar way to spinach), and chilli sauce – to be enjoyed sparingly, unless you’ve already been infected by the Reunion spirit during your trips to the market !

Strolling in Saint-Paul Market

The open-air market in Saint-Paul, held on the seafront every Friday and Saturday, is probably the most popular market among tourists. Arrive early to get a parking space, otherwise you may have a bit of a walk. You’ll also need the usual sun protection. Here again, you’ll find fruit and vegetables, spices, vanilla, and geranium-based products straight from the producers. (You simply must take home a little bottle of geranium essential oil – just as powerful a Proust’s Madeleine as any of your holiday photos !)

Ideally, you’ll try Creole culinary specialities at the restaurants and snack bars: “bonbons piments” (savoury fritters), “bouchons” (filled steamed bites) and “achards” (vegetable pickles) washed down with the local “Dodo” beer (to be consumed responsibly). Still by the sea on Sunday mornings, the Ermitage market in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is perfect before a day on the beach !

Fragrances, flavours and colours of Reunion Island

Cultural immersion

Strolling in Saint-Paul Market

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