Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, some 9,000 km from Paris, this island belonging to the French department is rich in breathtaking nature.
Between volcanoes, waterfalls and extreme hikes, this small corner of France is a true paradise for thrill-seekers and lovers of unspoilt wilderness.
In particular, the Reunion National Park accounts for 40% of the island’s surface area and is home to rare fauna and flora. It is the geographical centre of the island and covers more than 100,000 hectares, the heart of its terrestrial natural resources. The park is home to endangered animals and more than 850 native species. These extraordinary plants, flowers and trees grow in the forests, gorges and on the astonishing reliefs formed by volcanic eruptions.
Spectacular collapses gave rise to the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos. These three fascinating regions and their ramparts, as well as the two volcanic massifs of the Piton de la Fournaise and the Piton des Neiges, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010 for their outstanding universal value.
Located in the south of the island, this still active (but not dangerous for the local population) volcano is the main attraction with its 2631 metres height.
With more than 250 eruptions observed throughout history, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Its activity continues to this day with equal intensity even though eruptions are mainly limited to the Enclos Fouqué caldera.
Its lava flows are veritable spectacles of fire that attract crowds of tourists. Each eruption reshapes the landscape, causing new peaks and craters to emerge here and there, in a mineral universe. Some lava flows reach the ocean and on this occasion enlarge the island, in supernatural atmospheres.
Following eruptions, the Piton de la Fournaise regularly undergoes impressive landscape changes. The most recent occurred in 2007, when its summit suddenly collapsed following a large-scale eruption on its lower slopes at Grand Brûlé: within a few hours, the Dolomieu crater turned into a gigantic funnel, reaching a depth of 350 metres. This powerful geological dynamic gives the faces of the Fournaise an ephemeral character and makes the volcano even more beautiful and attractive.
To access it, there are several solutions
The hike to the Piton des Neiges is one of the most important activities to do in Reunion and a great classic not to be missed. It is in fact the summit of the dormant volcano at the origin of the island’s formation. Very impressive for its size, it is the highest peak in the entire Indian Ocean and exceeds 3000 metres.
It is flanked by the three large cirques of Reunion: Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, these form the remains of the ancient giant volcano that caused the entire island to emerge from the waves.
There are several options for climbing it, but starting from the Bloc à Cilaos is a safe bet. At the end of a magnificent route, with an altitude difference of almost 1800 metres for about 4 hours of ascent, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. It also takes 4 hours to descend: the slope is quite steep and it is therefore dangerous to run back. Considering a few breaks and an hour to enjoy the view from the summit, you should calculate about eight hours for the more athletic and about ten hours for an average hiker.
The climb is one of the most legendary on the island. It offers the bravest who reach the summit an unforgettable memory, especially at sunrise. It is true that the fatigue is substantial, and it is best to be well prepared, but this hike remains very accessible and without any real danger: the path is quite wide and has few scree and no dangerous passages.
Another unmissable place on Reunion Island is the Cirque de Mafate and its Jurassic Park-worthy landscapes. Born from ancient collapsed volcanoes and the work of erosion, Mafate is one of Reunion’s three cirques, along with Cilaos and Salazie , but above all it is the most remote and isolated.
It is surrounded by vertiginous ramparts that mark a unique geological originality, resulting from the erosive decay of an incredible volcano, the Piton des Neiges. Here, the rugged landscape is organised around high basalt walls and deep valleys. This land, violent in its features, is nevertheless a place where life has clung together, forming contrasting environments: rock faces and unstable slopes, with little vegetation, overlook green, wet ramparts. This closed world has no natural connection to the coast except through a stream, the Rivière des Galets, the only outlet of the cirque, which emerges from the sides of the volcano through a gorge with vertiginous walls.
Here lives a community of 700 people with strong ties to the land of the circus. Despite the developments brought by modern life, Mafate remains a world of its own where man has forged strong links with nature, revealing a possible and original balance between tradition and modernity.
To admire it, you have 2 options, booking a helicopter tour and enjoying a spectacular and absolutely unique view, or on foot: numerous paths (140 km in total) provide access to the heart of Mafate. Departure from Hauts de Saint Gilles/Cirque de Salazie/Cirque de Cilaos via Rivière de Galets or Dos d’Ane (west of the island) / from Saint Paul
As Mafate is one of the most isolated places on the island, you will find no hotels, banks or roads. Hikers can of course camp in the few hostels along the route, but bear in mind that you will be far from any form of civilisation.
Also remember to cover yourself with warm, waterproof clothing because Cirque de Mafate is at altitude and it gets cold quickly.
Don’t miss Piton Maido and its 2,200 metres of altitude. Reachable by car from Hauts de Saint Gilles, via another beautiful, winding road, this promontory offers a breathtaking view of the Cirque de Mafate.
A good compromise and a spectacular view for those who do not want or do not have time to explore Mafate. Piton Maido is also the starting point of many hikes, particularly to Mafate or the Grand Bénare mountain. Shuttles shuttle buses pick up hikers several times a day.
Easier to access, thanks to a road leading directly to its heart, Cilaos is a must for a stay on the island. From Saint Louis, take the RN1 then the RN5 and its 400 hairpin bends to the heart of Cirque in about 1½ hours.
Cilaos differs from Cirque de Salazie and Mafate in that it is much sunnier and drier, not to mention its cirques and ramparts. Within the Cirque, there are canyons and deep ravines (Fleur Jaune, Bras Rouge, Gobert) and peaks (Piton de Sucre, Bonnet de Prêtre, Morne de Gueule Rouge), which form a spectacular landscape and an unforgettable experience. All this, added to the altitude of 1,200 metres, makes Cilaos a truly unforgettable place.
Once you arrive in Cilaos, you will discover a charming village with all the necessary facilities, full of street art. Remember that the road to Cilaos is, as its name suggests, winding: tight and vertiginous curves, tunnels and very steep slopes.
This town is particularly famous for its thermal springs and vineyards. Numerous pools and waterfalls punctuate your discovery of this isolated place that invites you to escape. We recommend spending two days there: one to visit the town, the other for an excursion in its wonderful surroundings.
Like the other two cirques on the island, Salazie is a hiker’s paradise. Easily accessible via the RD48 from Saint André, you will only need half an hour of splendid road, among lush vegetation and waterfalls, to reach it.
Dominated by the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée, Salazie is the rainiest cirque in Reunion, unlike Cilaos which is the driest. You will find several hiking trails, which you can explore over several days, staying directly on site, as well as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Hell-Bourg.
With its traditional, colourful Creole huts, picturesque streets and old cemetery, this little village is a real must-see at Cirque de Salazie.
Located in the Cirque de Salazie region, the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée is the most famous waterfall on Reunion Island.
About 1 km from the village of Salazie, in the direction of Hell-Bourg, you will see the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée in the distance. Although it is beautiful even from the road, we recommend that you leave your car at the car park and follow the path that will take you to the foot of the waterfall in 1½ hours.
You will pass through superb landscapes, next to watercress cultivations, walking on stones and up the river bed to the pool where you can refresh yourself with a regenerating bath: wear good shoes because some stretches are in the water.
Depending on the season, the flow rate of the waterfall is more or less important, so we advise you to enquire with the locals before taking the path, which is not signposted.
Nicknamed the Niagara Falls of Réunion, the Trou de Fer falls are obviously another of the island’s must-see sights.
Formed by a combination of an abyss more than 300 metres deep into which several rivers flow, the Trou de Fer lives up to its name.
To admire this wonder of nature, there are two solutions, by helicopter tour or by hike: starting from the car park of the gîte Bélouve (in the Bébour forest), follow the Allée Cavalière path, passing in front of the Queen of the Tamarins, a kind of huge reclining tree. Continue on this same path, ignoring the ‘Trou de Fer’ sign, which will certainly take you on a shorter, but above all muddier and more difficult path. Once you arrive at the Trou de Fer viewpoint, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas of Réunion. Allow 4 hours for the walk there and back.
The Langevin waterfall is one of the best known and most iconic on the island. Located in the south, in the commune of Grand Galet, it is easily accessible and only a few minutes’ walk from the car park.
With its height of 45 metres and its multiple rivulets of water bordered by lush vegetation, these waterfalls cover a large green wall before flowing into turquoise water. It is one of the most photogenic places in Reunion.
In addition to the actual spectacle, there are facilities for canyoning activities, going down natural slides, jumps or even zip lines.
In short, a more geographically accessible possibility for this activity that is usually practised more in the heart of the island, towards Cilaos.
The Takamaka Valley is best known for its magnificent green hilly landscapes, with large waterfalls in places. During the rainy season, this area is known to be one of the places in the world with the most rainfall.
Apart from the beautiful viewpoint, easily accessible from the car park, the best way to enjoy it is to take a three-hour hike on the Takamaka trail.
This out-and-back trail will allow you to immerse yourself in the lush vegetation and discover, among other things, a beautiful waterfall on the Marsouins River.
Located in the north, very close to the international airport, Saint-Denis is the largest city in Réunion, as well as its capital. Very active, it is also an important cultural centre, home to the largest places of worship and numerous museums.
Most visitors are more interested in the other parts of the island, with its lush nature, beaches, wild mountains and Creole culture, but it would be a shame not to dedicate even half a day to it.
Don’t miss the Grand Marché, perfect for discovering Indian Ocean handicrafts, and the Petit Marché for local fruit and vegetables. Also not to be missed is Rue de Paris, lined with colourful colonial houses and leading south to the State Gardens, as well as the Barachois promenade to the north.
However, this town is not the ideal place as a base for visiting the rest of Reunion Island. In fact, it suffers from its central location and is subject to many traffic jams.
The cultivation of sugar cane and the production of its alcohol, rum, are an integral part of Reunion’s history.
Visiting a rum distillery is a good way to learn about the production process of this product and have the opportunity to buy it locally, with a wide choice.
There are three distilleries on the island: Maison Isautier10, the oldest, distillerie Savanna11 and Rivière du Mât12.
All three offer sightseeing tours that allow visitors to discover the production processes and the history of the different rums and preparations, with tastings and access to a souvenir shop.
La Saga du Rhum is the name given to this tour by Isautier, and is the most popular. But Savanna and Rivière du Mât are also worth a diversion: it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your expectations and your travel schedule.
It was on Réunion that modern vanilla cultivation was first developed. This vine native to the Amazon requires manual fertilisation, a process invented by a young slave from Bourbon Island, the former name of Réunion Island.
The same technique is still used today and Bourbon vanilla is among the most famous in the world. Visiting a plantation is therefore one of the activities to do to discover this distinctive product.
The process of growing, harvesting and ripening vanilla pods is complex and time-consuming. You can discover all the stages during your guided tour, and thus understand the very high price of this product, as well as the possibility of buying pods or derived products.
Located on the west coast of Reunion, Saint-Paul is one of the oldest towns on the island, founded in 1665. Its open-air market on Fridays and Saturdays is one of the liveliest on the island, where you can find local products, spices, handicrafts and traditional Creole culinary specialities. The town is also home to the marine cemetery, where the island’s first colonisers and famous pirates rest.
The waterfront of Saint-Paul, with its black sand beach, is a popular spot for whale watching during the migration season (June to September). The old town retains several vestiges of the colonial period, including the church of Saint-Paul-de-la-Conversion and old Creole mansions.
A particular point of interest is the Grotte des Premiers Français, where the first French settlers are said to have taken refuge on their arrival on the island. The town is also an excellent starting point for inland excursions, with trails leading to the heights of Maïdo, offering spectacular views of the Cirque de Mafate.
The main town in the south of the island, Saint-Pierre is a lively cultural and commercial centre that combines modernity and tradition. Its most iconic landmark is the Tamil temple of Narassingua Perournal, one of the largest outside India, which testifies to the strong presence of the Tamil community on the island. The waterfront has a beautiful beach protected by a coral reef, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
The city centre is home to the covered market, a historic 19th century building where local produce and handicrafts can be bought. The town is famous for its gardens, in particular the Jardin de la Plage and the Domaine du Café Grillé, where one can discover the history of coffee cultivation on the island.
Colonial architecture is well preserved in the Terre Sainte district, with its traditional Creole houses. Saint-Pierre is also an important centre for water sports, with numerous surf schools and diving centres offering excursions to the surrounding rich coral reef.
Situated in the south of the island, in the municipality of Saint-Philippe, the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices is a tropical oasis covering three hectares of volcanic terrain. This unique botanical garden offers a sensory journey through more than 1,500 plant species, many of them rare or endemic to Reunion.
Visitors can discover a vast collection of spices such as vanilla, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, as well as aromatic plants and tropical flowers. The garden is organised thematically, with areas dedicated to traditional medicinal plants, orchids and carnivorous plants.
Expert guides provide detailed explanations on the traditional uses of the various species and their importance in Creole culture. The trail also passes through a primary forest, offering a glimpse of the island’s original vegetation. The environment is particularly impressive after the rain, when the aromas of spices and flowers are at their most intense.
Ranked among the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’, Hell-Bourg is a picturesque village located in the Cirque de Salazie at an altitude of about 930 metres. Founded in the 19th century as a spa resort, the village retains a remarkable colonial architectural heritage, with beautifully restored Creole villas and manicured gardens.
The Maison Folio, a 19th century colonial villa, offers an excellent insight into the architecture and lifestyle of the period. The village is surrounded by lush vegetation and numerous waterfalls, including the famous ‘Voile de la Mariée’.
The cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal destination for relaxation and excursions. Visitors can explore the thermal spa museum, which tells the story of the village as a spa destination, and stroll among the traditional houses with their characteristic ‘varangues’ (covered verandas). Hell-Bourg is also an ideal starting point for excursions to the Cirque de Salazie.
Nestled between two rivers in a picturesque valley, Entre-Deux is an authentic Creole village that has preserved its traditional character. The village is known for its well-preserved Creole architecture, with sloping-roofed wooden houses and decorative lambrequins (carved wooden borders).
The village is famous for its lentil production and handicrafts, in particular the creation of ‘choca’ (objects made from natural fibres). A unique attraction is the ‘Chemin Pavé’, an ancient paved path that runs through the village, offering a historical route between traditional houses and flower gardens.
Entre-Deux is also known for its hiking, with trails leading to the Dimitile and offering spectacular views of the region. The village keeps Creole culinary traditions alive, with numerous restaurants serving typical dishes such as ‘carri’ and ‘rougail’. The Casa del Turismo organises guided tours to discover the history and cultural heritage of the village.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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