Discover Réunion's arts and culture

Traditionally built of wood and topped with a corrugated iron roof, Creole houses often have a 'varangue', a tropical veranda running along the front of the house. This is where you can cool off in the evening, comfortably seated in a 'planter' armchair, a replica of the model marketed by the East India Company in the 19th century.

Another architectural detail found on all Creole huts is the lambrequins, the openwork wooden friezes that frame the windows and decorate the edges of the roofs. To admire fine examples of Creole villas, you can visit the former sugar estates or take a stroll down the rue de Paris in Saint-Denis, or the small village of Hell-Bourg in Salazie.

Wickerwork

If you like wicker baskets, baskets, bags and displays, be sure to visit the Saint-Paul market on Fridays. Another alternative is the Saint-Denis market, which is open every day. Most of the time, the material used is vacoa. The work of Réunion's craftsmen is very meticulous, offering a wide range of shapes and colours at reasonable prices.

Embroidery

This art, practised by the embroiderers of the Hauts region, still survives thanks to the talent of a few virtuosos with needle and thread. Cilaos is the place where Réunion's most famous embroideries are made. They are known as "les jours de Cilaos" because of their openwork motifs. Embellished on placemats, handkerchiefs, napkins and tablecloths, they are an expensive gift that bears witness to a tradition that goes back more than a hundred years. Find them in souvenir and craft shops.

Cabinet-makingRenowned for its quality woods, Réunion is also renowned for its furniture, and has been since the days of the Compagnie des Indes. Created by Colbert in 1666, this company had a monopoly on trade between France and the various trading posts along the East India route. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it regulated imports of spices, crockery and furniture, particularly from Réunion Island.

As far as cabinetmaking is concerned, the models made at the time are still in use today, thanks to copies. One example is the famous "planteur" armchair, whose rounded arms are reminiscent of a rocking chair. The wood most frequently used is tamarind. There are a number of manufacturing centres in the Etang-Salé-les-Hauts and Rivière-Saint-Louis areas that are well worth a visit.