Ste-Suzanne is famous for its unique lighthouse, listed as a historical monument and still in activity today, but that’s far from being all the commune has to offer. The upstream waters of River Ste-Suzanne are known as The basins of Bagatelle and they are an ideal area for canyoning. Rappelling descents, jumps, and tyroleans follow one another in the greenest of landscapes. Ideal for beginners, so jump in!
Down south, amateurs of intrepid Via Ferrata will find the rock wall of Cascade Niagara with all the ladders and steel cables necessary fixed to it. The less daring ones will stay put with the “gramounes” (creole term for grannies) and “marmailles” (creole term for children) and have a picnic in the park situated at the mouth of the river.
Fairly unknown, the “Front de Mer” (coastline) Chapel is a place of Tamil worship situated up against a cliff.The site is surrounded by the ocean and cane sugar fields, and its quietness invites people to the deepest of contemplations. Beware of certain places which are sacred, like the space dedicated to fire walking. Ste-Suzanne natives are extremely proud of Edmond Albius, the young slave who discovered the process of artificial fertilization, as they are of the quality of the vanilla they process at the Vanilleraie. And they should be, for it often wins at the prestigious agricultural fair in Paris.
Bel Air lighthouse
Built in 1845, this monument is the last witness of the the maritime past of the island. In 1984, when its last caretaker retired, it ceased its activity. But after the installation of an automated system, it started working again. It culminates at 47 meters above sea and its spiral stairs count 73 steps.
Niagara waterfall
Niagara waterfall has an impressive 40 meters drop and seems to appear magically out of a lush green forest. A shingle beach and bamboo planted banks constitute this emblematic area of Ste-Suzanne and offers the added benefit of being easily accessible by car.
The vanilla Plantation
Installed in an authentically creole estate, a farmhouse dating all the way back to 1897, the “Vanilleraie” offers guided tours of the plantation as well as of the atelier where vanilla beans are processed to create the suave tasting fruit which has become the symbol of La Reunion.
Far Far Kréol Workshop
What if you had one day to discover authentic creole wood fire cuisine ? You’d make your very first Samoussas, or cook your very first “carri” (traditional dish with meat or vegetables and spices) or even indulge in a Chocolate-Banana-Tison cake (Tison is a very fine corn flour).
