The fascinating history of a town on Reunion Island: Saint-Leu. At its origins, in the 17th century, a desert territory near the bay, which is home to the mysterious hermit Laleu. The place called “Repos de Laleu” was born. Over the years, this prosperous little town developed and took the name of Saint-Leu. Over the last thirty years, the western city has undergone profound transformations, marked in particular by increasing urbanization along the coast.
Coffee bean and fruit of labor
The construction of the railway in 1882, the flourishing maritime activity, and especially its sugar industry shaped the economic and social landscape of Saint-Leu during the 19th and 20th centuries. This development is the fruit of the work of European settlers, Afro-Malagasy slaves, Indian, African, Malagasy and Comorian indentured laborers, as well as their Creole descendants.
To travel through the history of this Reunion town, the new exhibition at the Stella Matutina Museum entitled “Saint-Leu, from coffee to museums” opened its doors to the public this Saturday, June 15, for a duration of 9 months.
The rest of this exciting story can be discovered until March 30, 2025, from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Stella Matutina Museum.
Practical: full price: €5 / visit to this temporary exhibition only
Reduced price: €2 / visitor who has purchased an entry ticket for the permanent exhibition, school, ACM, person with disabilities, child from 4 to 12 years old, student, group of 10 people or more. More informations.
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