Residence of the Sub-Préfet

Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The residence of the Sous-Préfet, also known as the Vasseur House, is a remarkable house on the island of La Réunion, located at 8 rue Marius-Ary Leblond, in downtown Saint-Pierre. This building, which today serves as an official residence for the sub-prefect of Saint-Pierre, is an example of local Creole architecture. Its inclusion in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments, since November 22, 1991, specifically covers the old kitchen, thus highlighting its heritage interest.

The House Vasseur illustrates the typical architectural style of La Réunion, marked by Creole influences. This type of residence, often associated with colonial administration or local elites, reflects the social and political history of the island, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries. Houses of this style were generally designed to adapt to the tropical climate, with airy spaces and local materials.

The registration of the residence of the Sous-Préfet as a historical monument in 1991 helped preserve an architectural heritage representative of the history of Saint-Pierre and La Réunion. This building, owned by the department, bears witness to the urban and administrative evolution of this port city, once prosperous through trade and agriculture. Today, there remains a symbol of the colonial past and a local place of power.

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