Saint-Denis Map

Description:

---

Description:

---

Description:

---

Saint-Denis is the capital and largest city of Réunion, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean. Situated on the island's northern coast, the city has a population of approximately 156,000 inhabitants, making it the most populous commune in the French overseas territories.

Founded in 1669, Saint-Denis became the capital of Réunion in 1738, replacing Saint-Paul. The city experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and receives significant rainfall, particularly during the cyclone season between November and April. The urban area is nestled between the ocean and mountains, with the notable Piton des Neiges visible from the city.

The city serves as the primary administrative, economic, and cultural center of Réunion. Notable architectural landmarks include the Ancien Hôtel de Ville (Old Town Hall), a colonial-style building dating from the 1860s, and the Cathédrale de Saint-Denis, constructed in 1829. The Jardin de l'État, a historical botanical garden established in 1767, houses various tropical plant species and the Natural History Museum. The Rue de Paris, the main historical street, features well-preserved Creole architecture and numerous colonial-era buildings.

Transportation infrastructure includes the Roland Garros Airport, located in the nearby commune of Sainte-Marie, which serves as the main international gateway to Réunion. The city is connected to other parts of the island through an extensive road network, including the Route Nationale 1 and Route Nationale 2. Educational facilities include the University of Réunion's main campus, several lycées (high schools), and numerous primary and secondary schools.

Saint-Denis is also home to significant cultural institutions such as the Léon Dierx Museum, which houses an impressive collection of modern art, and the Artothèque, dedicated to contemporary art. The city's economy is primarily based on administrative services, commerce, and tourism, with a growing technology sector centered in the Technopole business district.

The Facts:
Arrondissement: Saint-Denis.
Commune: Saint-Denis.
Canton: Saint-Denis-(1, 2, 3, 4).
Population: ~ 156,149 (2022).
Metropolitan Population: ~ 320,000.
Population (Arrondissement): ~ 220,000.
Area (Arrondissement): ~ 111.1 sq mi (287.8 sq km)
Area (Commune): ~ 55.1 sq mi (142.8 sq km).