Le Tour des Roches - Le Vieux Saint-Paul

DURATION: 1 hour

 

ITINERARY

Take the direction of the savannah and take the path that goes up to the Saint-Paul plain.  As you walk, on your right you will see the sign "Tour des Roches". Just stay on this road and you will reach the water mill.

 

HISTORICAL FOCUS

The Tour des Roches: the whole of La Réunion in one glance...

 

The music of water, the whistling of birds, the density of the vegetation (bamboos, coconut trees, papyrus, palm trees, etc.), the Tour des Roches is a peaceful place where living is good and history is rich. It was the first part of the island to have been inhabited.

 

In fact, Vieux Saint-Paul, apart from the proximity of the pool and the construction of the irrigation channels, was ideal for the harvests of the first colonists who settled in this area, establishing the seat of the Bourbon government. They developed self-sufficient farming.

 

This site therefore has inherited a water mill. This was part of a cassava mill: the movement of the water turned the wheel and produced energy. It dates from 1820 and was replaced by an exact copy of the original a few years ago. If you don't mind cold water, you can put your feet into the small pool adjoining the mill. 

 

PRACTICAL INFO: don't forget an insect repellent... This ia a family walk to be done by car or by bike.

Pascal Colas, a professional guide, offers 3-hour guided tours with commentary (Water mill, Tamil Temple), for 35 €. More information on 0692 60 58 66 or by email: colas.pascal.ar@wanadoo.fr