New market opened 1847 (≈ 1847)
Two halls and lodges built.
1935
Missing a hall
Missing a hall 1935 (≈ 1935)
Divided land, empty back hall.
2e quart du XIXe siècle
Market construction
Market construction 2e quart du XIXe siècle (≈ 1937)
Building of the halls and the farmhouse.
1950
Partial reconstruction
Partial reconstruction 1950 (≈ 1950)
Rear hall rebuilt after 1935.
1976
Major work
Major work 1976 (≈ 1976)
Courses covered with reinforced concrete.
9 juillet 2012
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 9 juillet 2012 (≈ 2012)
Protection of the sill and a hall.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The old market consisting only of the former farmhouse (Box BO 28, located 20, rue Evariste-de-Parny) and the former hall (Box BO 30, located 59, rue Evariste-de-Parny): inscription by order of 9 July 2012
Origin and history
The former market of Saint Paul is a hall built in the 2nd quarter of the 19th century, located in the city of Saint Paul, on the island of La Réunion. This monument, registered with the Historical Monuments in 2012, is distinguished by its masonry architecture and its spaces organized in lodges and halls. Originally, it was surrounded by walls surmounted by iron grids, delimiting a structured commercial space.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the bazaar market occupied the present place of General de Gaulle. In 1847, the new market was built with two halls and a long building divided into lodges, now called the longhouse. This site reflected the economic importance of Saint Paul, a major city on the western part of the island, in local trade and colonial trade.
Over time, the market has undergone major changes. Around 1935, one of the two halls disappeared, and the land was divided. The remaining hall, empty in 1935, was rebuilt around 1950. In 1976, extensive work covered the entire course of a reinforced concrete inshell structure, profoundly altering its appearance. Today, only the old farmhouse and a hall are protected under the Historic Monuments.
This monument illustrates the evolution of public and commercial spaces in Réunion, between colonial heritage and modern adaptations. Its registration in 2012 highlights its heritage value, both architectural and historical, for the municipality and the island. Owned by the city of Saint-Paul, it remains a symbol of the urban and social dynamics of western Réunion.
