Mascarin Botanical Garden
Conservatoire botanique national de Mascarin
A national plant conservation garden on a hillside in Saint-Leu, collecting plants unique to the Mascarene Islands, with a former plantation house at its heart.
The Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory sits on the Colimaçons hillside above Saint-Leu. Covering about 12 hectares, it was built on the site of a 19th-century plantation, and the main house is a classic Creole mansion. The garden is arranged by theme, growing plants native and endemic to Réunion and the Mascarene Islands, including threatened species such as red latan palm, spice plants, palms and cacti. It is also a French national plant conservation institution. Admission is about €8 (check on arrival). Closed on Mondays. From the grounds you can look out over the lagoon on the west coast, and because the site is at a higher altitude, it is cooler.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Kélonia
- Stella Matutina Museum
- L'Ermitage Beach, Saint-Gilles
- Maïdo Viewpoint
- Boucan Canot Beach
- L'Étang-Salé Beach
- Cirque de Mafate
- Cirque de Cilaos