La Maison Carrère Saint-Denis
Step into 19th-century Réunion at Maison Carrère, a historic Creole house showcasing bourgeois life and a vibrant garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
La Maison Carrère Saint-Denis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into 19th-century Réunion at Maison Carrère, a historic Creole house showcasing bourgeois life and a vibrant garden.
"A wonderful discovery right in the city center! The visit to the Creole garden was a real pleasure. "
🎯 Engage with Guides
Guides like Jim are passionate and make tours extra enjoyable! Ask questions.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The garden tour is a highlight, offering insights into local flora and history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Creole Garden
Wander through lush greenery and learn about unique plants with passionate guides.
19th Century Bourgeois Life
See period furnishings and learn about the lifestyle of wealthy families in colonial Réunion.
Architectural Charm
Admire the traditional Creole architecture, from elegant courtyards to the distinctive house design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Creole Heritage
Garden Tours & Workshops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Engage with Guides
Guides like Jim are passionate and make tours extra enjoyable! Ask questions.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The garden tour is a highlight, offering insights into local flora and history.
📅 Check Workshop Schedule
Participate in unique workshops like palm weaving for a memorable experience.
📸 Admire the Architecture
The traditional Creole house and courtyards are incredibly photogenic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Engage with Guides
Guides like Jim are passionate and make tours extra enjoyable! Ask questions.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The garden tour is a highlight, offering insights into local flora and history.
📅 Check Workshop Schedule
Participate in unique workshops like palm weaving for a memorable experience.
📸 Admire the Architecture
The traditional Creole house and courtyards are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Maison Carrère for its authentic portrayal of 19th-century Creole life and its beautifully maintained garden. The knowledgeable and passionate guides are a significant highlight, making the tours both informative and enjoyable. While the upper floors are not accessible, the ground floor and garden offer a rich cultural and historical experience.
"This Creole house houses the tourist office, and the ground floor is open for tours (it's a shame that the upper floor houses offices).
An informative visit. You'll learn more about the lives of bourgeois families in the 19th century in Réunion, particularly the status of the "Nénènes."
The exterior is currently being redesigned and should make the experience even more interesting once completed."
Julie Bacque
"Beautiful colonial-style house with a rich historical past. A must-see, including the gardens, with Jim."
Laurent Klein
"I really enjoyed the garden tour and the information given about the plants and the stories that accompanied them. Another time I had the chance to participate in a watercolor workshop with the tourist office."
Nadine NAVOU SIROUMBAL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maison Carrère is located in the city center of Saint-Denis, Réunion. It's easily accessible by local buses and is within walking distance of many other attractions. If you're arriving by car, there are usually parking options nearby, though they can fill up quickly during peak times.
Yes, Maison Carrère is centrally located on Rue de Paris in Saint-Denis, making it quite straightforward to find. Look for the distinctive Creole architecture.
The main bus routes serving Saint-Denis will likely stop near the city center, making it convenient to reach Maison Carrère. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the upper floors house offices, the ground floor is typically open for tours. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information on entry fees and tour availability.
Opening hours can vary, especially for specific tours or workshops. It's best to consult the official Maison Carrère website or their social media pages for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended, especially for the Creole garden. Guides like Jim are known for being educational, welcoming, and passionate, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.
Currently, the upper floors of Maison Carrère are used for offices, so they are generally not accessible to the public for tours. The main visitor experience focuses on the ground floor and the garden.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ground floor furnished with period pieces to understand 19th-century bourgeois life, and take a delightful guided tour of the Creole garden, learning about local plants and history.
Absolutely! The garden tour is frequently praised for being enriching, friendly, and informative, with guides sharing fascinating stories about the plants and their significance.
Maison Carrère occasionally hosts workshops, such as watercolor painting or palm weaving, and other events. It's a good idea to check their schedule in advance if you're interested in participating.
Maison Carrère is a prime example of traditional Creole architecture, characterized by its elegant courtyards, distinctive house design, and historical significance in the French colonial context of Réunion.
Yes, the beautiful Creole architecture, charming courtyards, and lush garden provide many picturesque opportunities for photography. The play of light and shadow can be particularly striking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maison Carrère itself is primarily a historical site and tourist office, not a restaurant. However, being in the city center of Saint-Denis, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries nearby offering local and international cuisine.
While there might not be designated picnic areas within the house itself, the surrounding city center of Saint-Denis offers parks and public spaces where you could potentially enjoy a picnic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the interior furnishings offer a glimpse into the past, the garden provides a more interactive and sensory experience. Consider checking for any family-friendly workshops that might be available during your visit. The central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Saint-Denis.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The architectural significance of the Creole house, combined with the historical context provided by the garden tour, offers a comprehensive understanding of the island's heritage. It's an opportunity to delve into the unique cultural fusion that shaped Réunion.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Garden Enthusiasts
It's a chance to discover the unique biodiversity of Réunion Island in a beautifully curated setting. The garden provides a tranquil escape and a deeper connection to the island's natural environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Creole Architecture
Visiting Maison Carrère offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the bourgeois families who inhabited these homes in the 19th century. The furnished rooms on the ground floor allow visitors to imagine the daily routines, social gatherings, and the overall ambiance of that period. It's a tangible connection to the island's past, highlighting the historical context of French colonization and its impact on local society.
The Rue de Paris in Saint-Denis, where Maison Carrère is located, is itself a historic artery of the city, lined with other significant buildings and offering a broader perspective on the island's architectural heritage. Exploring this area provides a richer understanding of Saint-Denis's evolution over time.
Enriching Garden Tours
During the tour, you'll learn about the various species, their origins, and their traditional uses, whether medicinal, culinary, or for crafts. This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the island's natural heritage and the ingenuity of its inhabitants in utilizing local resources. It's a refreshing contrast to the historical interiors of the house, offering a different dimension to the visit.
Keep an eye out for special events or workshops that might be held in or around the garden, such as the palm weaving workshops mentioned, which offer a hands-on opportunity to engage with traditional crafts.
Community Insights and Experiences
Social media content often showcases the photogenic aspects of Maison Carrère, from its charming architecture to the vibrant greenery of the garden. Reels and videos capture the essence of the place, encouraging others to visit and discover its beauty.
While the focus is on the historical and cultural aspects, some visitors also appreciate the central location of Maison Carrère, making it a convenient stop while exploring Saint-Denis. It serves as a valuable point of reference for understanding the island's past and its cultural identity.
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