Grands-Bois plant

Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Grands-Bois sugar factory, located in Saint-Pierre on the island of La Réunion, dates back to the second half of the 19th century, with a construction attested in 1875. This sugar estate, founded in the early 1800s, was part of the colonial economy of the island, then oriented towards the intensive production of cane sugar. The director's house, a central element of the site, reflected the social and economic importance of factory owners at that time.

The house, probably contemporary of the factory (1875), underwent architectural changes in the 1920s, including the closing of its terrace between 1922 and 1925, replacing an open gallery adorned with overpassed arches. Interior elements, such as parquet floors and ceilings imitating the stucco, show a concern for prestige. The estate was dismantled in the 20th century, with the final closure of the factory in 1991, marking the end of its industrial activity.

Since 22 October 1998, the director's house has been included in the additional inventory of historic monuments, including the building, its garden, its aisles and sculptures. Today owned by a private company, it is an emblematic vestige of the industrial and architectural heritage of Réunion, linked to the economic history of the island during the colonial and post-colonial period.

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