The French colonial and Creole architecture of Reunion was both a disappointment and a delight. A disappointment because the guide book lauded ‘Villages Creoles’, whilst having a distinctly French ambience, were hardly different from other housing in Reunion. One exception to this was Hellbourg in Cirque Salazie. The island's capital, St Denis, was an absolute delight.
Hellbourg
The architectural style of Hellbourg was French colonial – pressed metal ginger-bread strips along roof edges, verandahs, French windows, and wooden shutters – all highlighted with bold colours. This style was represented in the housing and hotels.
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| Hellbourg houses |
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| Hellbourg hotel |
Public buildings like the library were maintained and still in use.
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| Hellbourg’s public library |
St Denis
St Denis (Syn Dny) was, for us, an architectural delight – preserving and celebrating its French colonial history. The administrative and shopping precincts have retained and maintained this architectural style accompanied by appropriate street furnishings, statuary and obelisk.
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| Streetscape |
Rooflines, verandas and trims accentuate this statement.
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| Streetscape two |
Another feature of the streetscape were the grand gateways – some stern and formal, others a riot of colour. These gateways provided a glimpse into public and private realms. Some spaces befitting international design and gardening magazines.
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| Gateways |
Commercial properties also utilised the colonial architecture to their advantage – eateries, upmarket restaurants and bars alike use existing buildings in primary locations rather than find themselves pushed to the periphery.
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| Eateries, up market and down. |
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