The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Reunion. So if you are in Reunion, I recommend visiting the following:
- Trou de Fer, Salazie, Reunion
- Voile de la Mariee, Salazie, Reunion
- Mare a Martin, Salazie, Reunion
- Le Colosse, Saint-Andre, Reunion
- Takamaka Valley, Saint- Benoit, Reunion
- Piton de la Fournaise, Saint-Benoit, Reunion
- Anse Waterfalls, Sainte Rose, Reunion
- Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, Sainte Rose, Reunion
- Le Barachois, Saint-Denis, Reunion
- Jardin de l’Etat, Saint-Denis, Reunion
- Niagara Fall, Sainte Suzanne, Reunion
- Maido Viewpoint, Saint-Paul, Reunion
- Cap Noir Viewpoint, La Possession, Reunion
- Bassin des Aigrettes, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion
- Aquarium of Reunion, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion
- Plage de l’Ermitage, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion
- Boucan Canot Beach, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion
- Bassin Cormoran, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains, Reunion
- Grand Galet Falls, Saint-Joseph, Reunion
- Dolomieu Crater, Saint-Philippe, Reunion
- Piton des Neiges, Cilaos, Reunion
- Belvedere of Bois Court Viewpoint, Le Tampon, Reunion
- Trou Noir Falls, Saint-Joseph, Reunion
- Grand Bassin, La Plaine des Cafres, Reunion
The Best Places in Saint-Benoit
1. Trou de Fer, Salazie
It is a geological depression in the Piton des Neiges in the northwest of the island, a fissure up to 300 metres deep. Six major waterfalls and a myriad of other secondary waterfalls add a special charm to this narrow, carved canyon. Today, you can fly over the area by helicopter and even drive to places that require hours of hiking through the forest.
2. Voile de la Mariee, Salazie
The bridal veil can be seen from the road, but the hike offers even better views. Don’t hesitate to visit every season. In fact, the appearance changes according to the amount of water flowing along the wall. Don’t forget to swim in the pool and enjoy this paradisiacal place.
3. Mare a Martin, Salazie
At 3070 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak on Reunion Island. When it’s too hot to walk (between January and March), swimming is the main pastime. Another option is to climb “high” and cool off in a pool, under a waterfall or in a river. There is not much to do apart from enjoy the view with the Piton des Neiges in the background.
4. Le Colosse, Saint-Andre
It is a historical and cultural monument of our island dedicated to the Goddess Pandiale. The foundations of the temple were built by indentured Indians. From a humble temple it grew to become the largest temple in Réunion. The Tamurs use these temples to pray and to commemorate various festivals (non-members of the congregation are not allowed to enter).
5. Takamaka Valley, Saint- Benoit
Takamaka Gorge is considered one of the wettest regions in the world, so it is important to visit when the weather is good. For a clear view, visit early in the morning, preferably before the clouds gather. The valley is surrounded by lush mountains and has several waterfalls such as Arcane Ciel, Surprom, Petit and Grands Gingembre and Petit Cimetiere. Approaching the falls requires several hours of walking, so plan a full day.
6. Piton de la Fournaise, Saint-Benoit
Piton de la Fournaise reaches 2,632 metres and dominates the island. One of the most active volcanoes on earth, it erupts on average every nine months. But its lava flows and jets look like burning milk. The volcano is the most visited site on Réunion, as it is only accessible outside the eruption season. It is also possible to explore this must-see attraction of Réunion by car. Enter the heart of a lush forest that climbs up to a spectacular sandy plain.
7. Anse Waterfalls, Sainte Rose
L’Anse des Cascades is a natural site located in the town of Sainte-Rose, in the east of Reunion Island. Next to the waterfall, let yourself be captivated by the large coconut trees mingling with the cows, which can also be found during the famous Vacoas festival. The waterfalls cascade down the basalt walls only during heavy rains, but this green place is always breezy and cool, and is most comfortable with a small jetty where fishermen board their colourful boats.
8. Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, Sainte Rose
It is a mountain pass and a viewpoint facing north-west towards Enclo Fouquet, the last caldera formed by the Piton de la Fournaise. Situated at an altitude of 2,319 metres, it overlooks a small crater called Formica Leo. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by walking up the staircase path from the observatory. Parking is provided at the end of the road. Also near Pas de Barcombe-Jacob is Gite du Volcan, a farmhouse that welcomes hikers who usually climb the main cone of the massif early in the morning.
The Best Places in Saint-Denis
9. Le Barachois, Saint-Denis
It is located on the waterfront of the capital Réunion. The word ‘Balashore’ means ‘a small harbour that encapsulates’. Barashore later served as a port for ships and was a place of embarkation and disembarkation for travellers and goods. This part of the waterfront has become a lively area. Bars, cafes, restaurants and casinos are the favourite haunts of Dionysus. The charm of this place is enhanced by the old seafront cannon, placed to repel attacks from the sea by the British invading the western side of the island.
10. Jardin de l’Etat, Saint-Denis
This is an acclimatisation garden intended to introduce new useful areas of plants to the colony. Extended since the end of the 18th century, the Royal Gardens cover more than 4 hectares. Its chalky paths and star-shaped flower beds are reminiscent of the French gardens of the 17th and 18th centuries. There are two ways to visit the Jardin de l`Etat. You can go on your own using the leaflets provided or book with a guide.
11. Niagara Fall, Sainte Suzanne
Definitely one of the most important things to do during your stay in Reunion. You also have easy access to Niagara Falls. Swimming is available in the pool at the base of the falls, and the site also offers rock climbing and via ferrata next to Niagara Falls. Naturally, the falls in and around the Sainte-Suzanne River are perfect for picnics.
The Best Places in Saint-Paul
12. Maido Viewpoint, Saint-Paul
The Maido is a magnificent window into the Cirque de Mafate, easily accessible from the road. It is a popular spot because there are many wooded areas on the way to the summit. To make the most of the scenery, it is recommended to go early in the morning, before the sky and landscape are obscured by morning clouds. It is also an amusement park location, not flashy but will delight lovers of summer tobogganing down metal slides.
13. Cap Noir Viewpoint, La Possession
Cap Noir is one of the most surreal places in Reunion. Many helicopter tour operators take visitors to the valley on short flights. A comfortable 20-minute ride, accessible to all, to admire the Cirque and its ramparts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip is short and some steep hills require effort but are short.
14. Bassin des Aigrettes, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
The Bassin des Aigrettes is a waterfall that can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot, in the highlands of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. The path first meanders through all kinds of choucas and aloes, dips into the shade of creepers and trees, and overlooks small watercourses. After descending, all that remains is to follow the canal to reach the pool. Unfortunately there is little space around the pool to rest, but you have plenty of time to immortalise this spectacle in photos.
15. Aquarium of Reunion, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
Reunion Aquarium opens its doors to offer educational guided tours accompanied by delightful visual animations. There are many small sharks as well as fish from the Indian Ocean. The aquarium is located near the marina of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a 3-minute walk from the town centre and the famous Roches Noir beach.
16. Plage de l’Ermitage, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
This beach stretches for several kilometres. There are many plots shaded by casuarinas and protected by coral reefs. The lagoon is classified as a nature reserve. Don’t hesitate to bring your mask and snorkel as the underwater flora and fauna is very abundant. Many restaurants and cafes are on or near the beach. Weekends, especially Sundays, are crowded with hikers, so if you are looking for a quieter place, this might not be the place for you.
17. Boucan Canot Beach, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it offers spectacular white sandy beaches perfect for rest and relaxation. A pedestrian promenade runs along the beach, where you can relax on the terraces of cafes, bars and restaurants. A great place to stroll in front of the ocean and cool off with a fresh fruit juice. The beach is not protected by a coral reef, but occupies 8 hectares surrounded by two anti-sea zones. There is a large swimming beach and shark net for water sports enthusiasts such as swimming and surfing.
18. Bassin Cormoran, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains
Located in the west of the island of Congrès, not far from the coastal town of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and the Hermitage beaches, it is part of the municipality of São Paulo. It is a body of water fed by waterfalls in the course of the Saint-Gilles valley which ends its course in the Indian Ocean. Follow the same path as the Aigrettes jetty mentioned earlier in this article, but descend to the right once you reach the level of the canal. The path is probably the most difficult.
The Best Places in Saint-Pierre
19. Grand Galet Falls, Saint-Joseph
It is made up of several waterfalls and is the most famous and famous of Reunion Island. You will have the opportunity to observe different types of fruit trees where lychees, mangoes and even oranges grow. If you are lucky, you will come across a trail of Manapani green lizards, a mighty endemic island. The Langevin Grande Cascade Fish Park hosts a rainbow trout fishing party and has all the rods and tackle you need. You can walk away with the fruits of your catch.
20. Dolomieu Crater, Saint-Philippe
The summit of Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most important routes on the island. Enter the mineral universe where lava erupts from the bowels of the earth every year. Once at the top, the panorama of the great slopes of the island and the Piton des Neiges is spectacular. The view at the bottom of the Dromeu Crater is simply breathtaking. The weather can change suddenly, so bring warm clothes.
21. Piton des Neiges, Cilaos
The Piton des Neiges is the mother of all hikes and possibly the best in the country. It takes 10 hours and you may have to stay in a mountain hut. There are some prizes here. On the one hand we reach the Piton des Neiges and the wonderful scenery that must be there, and on the other we reach Herbourg or Bellouves. Seek advice from the tourist office staff before embarking on particularly challenging hikes lasting several hours.
22. Belvedere of Bois Court Viewpoint, Le Tampon
A platform in the centre of Reunion Island overlooking the coffee-free plain just above the town of Tampon. Situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres, from its height you can admire the walls of the Cirque de Cilaos and the magnificent Voile de la Marié waterfall. Stroll among guava trees, treuleurs and lantana. A walk of about 16 km is planned from Bois-Cours. You can also cool off in the Véu da Noiva pool, as long as it is not too watery. If long walks are not your thing, spend the night in one of the rooms at Grand Bassin Island.
23. Trou Noir Falls, Saint-Joseph
The Trou Noir waterfall is located in the town of Saint-Joseph. The place is easily accessible, quiet, uncrowded, and has cool, clear water. You will have the opportunity to swim in the spring and, if you are lucky, you may even see some trout. Be careful, the path is a bit slippery but worth the detour. Anyone can access this spot.
24. Grand Bassin, La Plaine des Cafres
Grand Bassin is a small town on the Plain des Caffeles, just above Réunion. There are several lodges and guesthouses where you can stay on Grand Bassin Island. There is no electricity or internet here, so isolation is guaranteed. This place has the famous Bois Court viewpoint, the Voile de la Bride waterfall and, above all, a spectacular mountain backdrop. The ramparts of Bras Sec, Sainte-Suzanne and Roches Noires.
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