Saint-Paul street market: our tips to make the most of it

The Saint-Paul street market takes place on the Saint-Paul seafront, on Réunion Island, all day on Fridays and on Saturday mornings. Tropical Factory has a stall there every Friday from 8 am to 2 pm and every Saturday from 8 am to noon: it is the best place to see our bags in person.

Here are our tips to enjoy the market, whether you are just passing through or a regular.

Days, opening hours and address

According to France.fr, the market runs:

• on Fridays, from 6 am to 5:30 pm;
• on Saturday mornings, from 6 am to noon.

It sets up on the seafront esplanade, boulevard du Front de Mer, in Saint-Paul (97460), on the island’s west coast.

Market hours and individual stall hours are not always the same. The Tropical Factory stall is open on Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to noon. For one-off changes, special markets and pop-up stores, check the Retrouv' anou page or our Instagram account @tropicalfactory974.

What you will find at the Saint-Paul street market

Again according to France.fr, the market brings together:

• exotic fruit and fresh vegetables, including small chilli growers;
• vanilla grown on Réunion Island and local honey;
• a crafts section, with sarongs, T-shirts, woven goods and hats;
• snacks: bouchons gratinés, samosas, gâteaux patates and Victoria pineapple.

People come here as much to do their weekly shopping as to stroll around.

Our tips for a great morning

Come early

If you arrive early, you have time to wander along the stalls at your own pace, before the hottest part of the day.

Bring some cash

Accepted payment methods can vary from one stall to another. Having a little cash on you avoids unpleasant surprises.

Bring the right bag

This is where it all comes together. A market means purchases that pile up: a pineapple, a bunch of bananas, a jar of honey, some greens, a little vanilla. A large, sturdy bag saves you juggling plastic bags.

• An XL classic tote for fruit, vegetables and groceries. The Classic bags range offers several designs, including Bora, the one in this post’s photo.
• An insulated bag if you buy fish or meat, or if you stay several hours before heading home. See the Insulated bags range.
• A pouch for change, keys and phone, tucked inside the tote.

To choose your shopping bag, read our guide to reusable shopping bags.

Take time to taste

The small eateries around the market are part of the experience. A samosa or bouchon break in the middle of your shopping is very much what the Saint-Paul market is about.

The Tropical Factory stall at the market

At the stall, you can:

• see and touch the bags, and compare XL, L and S totes, pouches and insulated bags;
• choose your design from the brand’s patterns, such as Letchi, Paille-en-queue, Case créole, Fano, Ravenala, Nguzi or Kori;
• ask your questions directly to the team.

It is also the perfect place to find a gift or a souvenir from Réunion Island made from recycled plastic bottles.

The Saint-Leu market, the other meeting point

The Saint-Leu street market is also on our list of points of sale. To see every place on the island where you can find our bags, from shops and hotels to craft galleries and markets, visit the Our retailers page and our post on where to buy local crafts on Réunion Island.

FAQ

Is the Saint-Paul street market open every day?

No. It runs all day on Fridays and on Saturday mornings, according to France.fr.

When is the Tropical Factory stall open?

On Fridays from 8 am to 2 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to noon.

Can I buy the bags I saw at the market online?

Yes, the designs listed in the online shop are delivered by Colissimo to Réunion Island and Europe. If you spotted a design at the stall that you cannot find online, get in touch through the contact page.