📖 About Saint-André

Saint-André is a commune in the northeastern part of Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. With approximately 58,000 residents, it's the second-largest commune on the island after Saint-Denis. The town sits on the coastal plain below the dramatic volcanic interior, with sugarcane fields stretching inland.

Saint-André has the largest Tamil population in Réunion, giving it a distinctive cultural character. Tamil temples dot the landscape, and the annual Dipavali (Diwali) celebrations are significant. The town represents Réunion's multicultural society—French governance, Creole culture, and strong Indian heritage coexisting in this tropical Indian Ocean setting.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Saint-André's economy combines sugarcane cultivation with commercial and service activities. Sugar remains important though declining; rum distilleries process the cane. Commerce serves the large population. Some light industry operates. As part of France, the economy benefits from EU integration and French social systems. Tourism is growing around cultural and natural attractions.

The culture is uniquely multicultural—French Creole base with strong Tamil influence. French is official; Réunion Creole is widely spoken. Catholicism predominates, but Hinduism has significant presence. Tamil temples, fire-walking ceremonies, and Dipavali define the cultural calendar alongside French holidays. Cuisine blends French, Creole, and Indian flavors—cari (curry), rougail, and Tamil specialties. Saint-André exemplifies Réunion's successful cultural métissage (mixing).

📜 History

Réunion was uninhabited before French colonization in the 17th century. Saint-André developed with the sugar plantation economy. After slavery abolition (1848), indentured laborers from India—many Tamil—arrived to work the plantations. This shaped Saint-André's distinct Tamil character that persists today.

The commune maintained its agricultural character through French departmentalization (1946). Post-war development brought infrastructure improvements. Réunion became an EU outermost region, bringing development funds. Today Saint-André balances agricultural heritage with modernization—Tamil temples and sugarcane fields alongside French administration in this culturally rich Indian Ocean town.