Saint Pierre history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Saint Pierre dates back to the first half of the 18th century. The city was officially founded in 1735 on the initiative of Governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. The primary objective of establishing the settlement was to develop the vast and fertile, yet wild, territories of the southern part of Reunion Island.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Saint Pierre was defined by several crucial circumstances that transformed it into the "Capital of the South":

• Strategic Geography: Its coastal location allowed for the creation of a maritime hub for exporting goods, although the lack of a naturally protected bay complicated navigation for a long time.
• Agrarian Potential: The surrounding lands were ideal for tropical agriculture, which attracted the first colonists and planters.
• Administrative Status: The city almost immediately became the administrative centre for the southern districts, facilitating population growth and infrastructure development.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early decades, the economy of Saint Pierre relied on the cultivation of coffee and spices. It was the coffee plantations that formed the foundation of wealth for the first inhabitants. Later, by the 19th century, the economic focus shifted towards sugar cane, leading to the construction of factories and a change in the landscape.

The cultural environment was formed as a blend of European traditions from French settlers and the customs of workers arriving from Madagascar and the African continent. This synthesis laid the groundwork for the city's unique Creole identity.

City Development Timeline

• 1735 — Governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais issues the order to found a settlement to develop the southern territories of Reunion Island.
• 1790 — Saint Pierre officially receives commune status, forming its own local government bodies.
• 1825 — Completion of the Saint-Étienne Canal allows for the irrigation of arid lands and kickstarts the sugar cane cultivation boom.
• 1848 — The abolition of slavery on the island radically changes the city's social structure and attracts contract workers from India and other countries.
• 1854 — Large-scale works begin on the construction of a port to ensure the export of sugar and spices.
• 1882 — Grand opening of the railway line connecting Saint Pierre with the island's capital, Saint-Denis.
• 1926 — Construction of the new Town Hall is completed, becoming an architectural symbol of the colonial era.
• 1965 — The city receives the administrative status of a sub-prefecture, securing its title as the "Capital of the South".
• 1998 — Pierrefonds Airport opens for commercial passenger flights, improving the region's transport accessibility.
• 2000 — The headquarters of the administration of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) is moved to Saint Pierre.

Development Milestones: From Plantations to Modern Hub

The history of Saint Pierre is a journey from an agrarian settlement to a dynamic administrative centre. The key stages that formed the modern economic and cultural appearance of the city include:

• The "Sugar Revolution" and Irrigation: In the 19th century, the transition from coffee cultivation to sugar cane became the main economic driver. The construction of the Saint-Étienne Canal allowed for the irrigation of dry lands, turning the city into a thriving centre of the sugar industry.
• Creation of a Maritime Gateway: The development of the port, despite difficult coastal conditions, opened a direct route for international exports. This gave the city commercial independence from the island's capital in the north.
• Railway Breakthrough: The launch of the train in 1882, connecting Saint Pierre with Saint-Denis, was an urban planning revolution. This event ended the isolation of the southern region and significantly accelerated trade turnover.
• Cultural Transformation and "Engagisme": After the abolition of slavery in 1848, a massive influx of contract workers from India, China, and Africa changed the social structure. This led to the appearance of temples, mosques, and pagodas, forming the city's unique multicultural landscape.
• Architectural Flourishing: The wealth accumulated by planters and merchants was embodied in the construction of luxurious Creole villas and public buildings (such as the Town Hall), which today constitute the historical heritage of the city centre.
• Status of "Capital of the South": In the second half of the 20th century, the development of administrative functions (sub-prefecture), as well as the creation of a major university and medical cluster, secured Saint Pierre's leadership in the southern part of Reunion.
• Logistics and Scientific Hub: The placement of the TAAF (French Southern and Antarctic Lands) headquarters and the development of Pierrefonds Airport in the 21st century have elevated the city to the level of a strategic node in the Indian Ocean.

Urban Structure

The architectural appearance of Saint Pierre is distinguished by strict organisation. The principle of a regular layout ("grid system") was established at the very foundation of the city in the 18th century. Streets were laid out parallel and perpendicular to the coastline, ensuring natural ventilation by sea breezes and convenient logistics for the port. This historic grid of blocks has been perfectly preserved in the city centre to this day, making navigation simple and intuitive.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The city's buildings clearly illustrate its transformation from a trading outpost to the prosperous "Capital of the South". Major stylistic directions include:

• Colonial Utilitarianism (18th Century): The era of the French East India Company left a legacy of massive stone structures. This period is characterised by the use of dark hewn basalt, thick walls, and functionality devoid of decorative excesses.
• Traditional Creole Style (19th Century): The sugar boom period was marked by the construction of private villas and mansions. Their distinctive features are wooden construction, the presence of a varangue (covered veranda), façade symmetry, and the use of carved wooden decorations (lambrequins) under the roof.
• Neoclassicism: Used primarily in public and administrative buildings, emphasising status and authority through columns, porticos, and strict proportions.
• Religious Eclecticism: Thanks to the multicultural population, the Dravidian style of Hindu temples with their vibrant gopurams (tower gateways) and elements of Islamic architecture have been woven into the city's architectural fabric.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The historical heritage of Saint Pierre is concentrated in several key sites that form the city's unique profile:

• Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville): This building is a living witness to the city's early history. Originally built in the 18th century as the Magasin du Roi (King's Storehouse) of the East India Company era, it served as a storage facility for coffee and grain. Later, the building was adapted for administrative needs while preserving the monumentality of the stonework from that time.
• Kervéguen Warehouse (Entrepôt Kervéguen): An impressive building made of volcanic stone, serving as a symbol of the 19th-century economic boom. Built during the "sugar rush" era, this warehouse served as a logistics centre for sugar exports and is today considered one of the most beautiful monuments of industrial architecture on the island.
• Villa Motais de Narbonne: A magnificent example of a Creole urban estate, demonstrating the lifestyle of wealthy citizens of the 19th century, with a characteristic garden and elegant architecture.
• Church of Saints Peter and Paul: The city's main Catholic church, combining features of a classical basilica with colonial adaptations.

Famous Personalities of Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre is rightfully proud of its natives, whose names have become known far beyond the borders of Reunion Island. This city has given the world outstanding athletes, politicians, and cultural figures who have made a significant contribution to the history of France and the international arena.

Sports Legends

The city is often called a forge of champions. A special place in the hearts of locals is held by world sports stars born here:

• Dimitri Payet — A famous footballer and midfielder who gained international recognition thanks to his brilliant performances for the French national team and leading European clubs. His technique and free-kick mastery inspire many young athletes on the island.
• Jackson Richardson — A true legend of handball. A native of Saint Pierre, he became the captain of the French national team, the Olympic team flag bearer, and one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. His unique playing style and charisma made him a national hero.

Historical Figures

The political history of the city and the entire island is inextricably linked with the name of François de Mahy, born in Saint Pierre in 1830. Being an influential deputy and minister of the French Third Republic, he tirelessly defended the interests of Reunion in Paris. De Mahy played a key role in the modernisation of the island, promoting railway and port construction projects. The memory of the "Great Creole" is immortalised in the city's toponymy and monuments.

Figures of Modern Culture

Saint Pierre continues to be the home of vibrant personalities. Among famous contemporaries, it is worth noting Valérie Bègue, who won the prestigious title of "Miss France 2008". Her victory was a significant event for the region, once again highlighting the beauty and cultural diversity of the residents of the "Capital of the South" at the national level.