Fine sand, turquoise sea and abundant vegetation, this is what awaits you if you choose to steal from Reunion Island.
11 hours flight from Paris, Reunion Island unfolds its charms to anyone who knows how to appreciate them. Renowned as a hiking paradise, Reunion Island has something to impress many thanks to the uniqueness of its landscapes. But where do you start? Saint-Denis seems to be the perfect place to start your journey in Reunion Island. The largest city in overseas France, it abounds in colourful markets, religious buildings, flowers (Vanilla orchid, hibiscus, frangipani, banana trees...), Tamil temples and splendid colonial-style residences. A cultural capital, this intense city can be visited on foot. From the Barachois to the coastal road, via the rue de Paris and its Creole huts, the Jardin de l'État and the many museums of the city, you will be marked by the elegance of Saint-Denis. Saint-Pierre de la Réunion and its museum of the Saga du Rhum, Sainte-Rose and its miraculous church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves which resisted the lava flows of the Piton de la Fournaise in 1977, Saint-Paul and its beaches, Saint-Gilles, Saint-Leu, its turtle observatory and its surf spots are all inseparable places in the tourist history of Reunion.
In the heart of its generous vegetation, its volcanic cirques, its high peaks and volcanoes rub shoulders with lakes, rivers and waterfalls, making this mysterious island one of the most beautiful jewels in the Indian Ocean. How can we talk about Reunion Island without mentioning its waterfalls? With a higher rainfall rate than Brittany, this green island has many water points as well as forests, ideal for trekking and hiking. The Cascade de Grand Galet is one of the island's must-see attractions: located on the heights of the municipality of Saint-Joseph, it is renowned for canyoning and white water sports. One of the most beautiful is undoubtedly the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée: nestled in the heart of the forests of the Cirque de Salazie, in the east of the island, between Hell-Bourg and Salazie, this spectacular waterfall is really worth a look. After a few minutes of walking to reach it, brave hikers can swim in its pool, a paradisiacal break in a breathtaking preserved place. The Cascade of the Cormorant Basin (towards Saint-Gilles), those of Takamaka, Bras Rouge, or even Le Trou de Fer and its 300-meter long abyss will dazzle you with their uniqueness.
Another asset of Reunion Island: its mountains, and more particularly its circuses. As a result of the collapse of the Piton des Neiges, the circuses of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie are popular with adventurers. A few lookouts are strongly recommended for observing these grandiose sites, such as Cap Noir and the heights of Maïdo which, perched at an altitude of 2190 metres, offers breathtaking views of the Mafate circus. The Piton de la Fournaise is the star of Reunion Island: still active, this young volcano draws the contours of the island with its eruptions. Located in the very south, this volcano surrounded by fertile and lunar landscapes is the ideal place for hiking, but you can easily access it by car or bicycle.
How can we not talk about the beaches of Reunion Island? One of the most beautiful is certainly the beach of l'Ermitage, in Saint-Gilles. Lined with high filaos, it makes its visitors crack thanks to its turquoise water lagoon and its white sand, perfect for long relaxing breaks under the sun. The place is ideal for scuba diving, you can also observe many species of fish and the coral reef, classified as a Natural Reserve. The same applies to the beach of La Saline, the beach of Les Roches Noires, the beach of Boucan Canot, the beach of Grande Anse or the beach of Étang Salé. Finally, in terms of activities, Reunion Island will suit all your desires: Mountain biking, snorkeling, surfing, paddle, sea excursions to meet dolphins and whales, paragliding, white water sports, flying over the coast and mountains by helicopter... Impossible to get bored during your stay!
