Road trip to La Réunion: the must-see stages

Want about fifteen days on Intense Island? Discover the essential stages of a road trip in La Réunion!

To explore the riches of La Réunion , the road trip is undoubtedly the most graying and complete option. Indeed, due to its small size and well-maintained roads, the island is visiting with an almost disconcerting facility. At the wheel of your vehicle, you enjoy great freedom and can live your itinerary in La Réunion at the unique pace of your desires.

However, it is always good to have a general frame to prepare its circuit. Here is an example of road trip to La Réunion on which you base your trip. To make this complete tour of the island, count between ten and fifteen days.

The meeting in a few words

If the islands of the Indian Ocean compete with all beauties and wonders, one of them shines especially for its exuberant nature and its landscapes with a huge variety. Besides, she's French. Cocorico! We're talking about the meeting. This volcanic island that houses lagoons, tropical forests and circus with cyclopean dimensions, delights and enchants visitors from all over the world.

No matter where we come from, The Meeting is a world apart. A singular identity, which it also owes to its cultural blending. Indeed, “Intense Island” was a recurring meeting point between peoples from Asia, Africa and Europe. Today, the creole culture, joyous and colorful, dominates and discovers small villages to the plates. Finally, a route to La Réunion has to enchant all travellers: great athletes, beach lovers and culture lovers.

From Saint-Denis...

Most road-trips in La Réunion start from Saint-Denis : captivating city that houses the international airport. Small advice, choose directly for a car rental from Roland Garros Airport . You will save considerable time and, depending on your arrival time, you will be able to start your circuit from the outset.

The historic city of Saint-Denis has several attractive sites. They provide a beautiful taste of the island and its atmosphere. Among them you will find the Barachois (the small, lively and sublimated seafront promenade at sunset), parks where it makes good picnic, close to one hundred and thirty historical monuments or the house of the Bourbon Brewery. To the rich heritage is added a true sense of the celebration. "Saint-Denis by Night" is perfect for taking the pulse of the festive Creole culture.

Eastern Cape to Cascade Niagara

After this short introduction to the island lifestyle in the heart of Saint-Denis, you are offered to start your route to La Réunion by going east. Nearby you will find the Niagara . This force of nature deflects over forty meters in an impressive natural setting. The water is fresh but is worth a few chills. You will not forget your swim so soon.

The circus of Salazie – Hell Bourg

A few kilometers more in the land are enough. Here's the one. circus of Salazie which unfolds before you. The largest of the three reunion circus is striking. It cannot be said whether it is the green of its lush vegetation or the strength of its cascades that dazzle the most. But one thing is certain, this enclosure of greenery and amazing mountains is, like the whole island, a paradise for hikers.

Hell Bourg , for him, is a must-see village during a road trip to La Réunion. Belonging to Salazia, he knew, despite the tourist influx, to keep his charm. Moreover, it is the only overseas village ranked among the Beaux Villages in France. With its bigarred creole boxes built in enfilade, the town overflows with visions and tranquility. As you permeate, do not miss the House Folio , typically creole case, and its pimping garden.

The Mafate Circus

Continue your road trip to La Réunion to a second circus: that of Mafate . Important: The latter is inaccessible by car. So you'll have to leave your vehicle and get the circus on foot. However, this is the price to discover one of the most spectacular, wild and isolated corners of Intense Island. The undeniable character of Mafate is translated here by a more razed vegetation and a more lunar landscape than in other circus.

Laves Road

Now discover the castings of hypnotic lava Grand Burn . This unique landscape, mineral and vegetable theatre, results from the eternal footprint of volcanic eruptions. The black lava castings plunge into the ocean and offer a most photogenic and surprising frame. If the innards of the earth attract you, book an unpublished hike under the 2004 lava casting and its galleries. Surreal experience.

The beach Grande Anse

When you leave on a road trip to the Reunion, you also expect to discover some landscapes of “postcard” beaches. For this, come lizard on the beach of the Grande Anse . This beautiful white sand tongue, full of coconut trees, is as wild as family. The feet in a range, this rest on the way will make you a crazy good. On the other hand, let the diving ferus abstain. Between the strength of the swell and the sharks, those who rub to the depths of the Great Anse regularly regret it.

The Fournaise piton

Don’t miss the ascent of the Fournaise piton . This mythical active volcano, visible massive figure from all sides, is passionate about walkers around the world. Its ascent, though muscular, remains accessible to many individuals a minimum trained. If you are, you will evolve into a cinema scenery, shaped by eruptions and fire. At the top, the huge crater of the volcano opens under your feet. But the latter often plays cache-cache in the clouds... Suspense to the end of the adventure.

The Belvedere de Bois-Court

The Belvédère de Bois-Court opens onto one of the most beautiful views of La Réunion. Your look literally plunges six-cent meters down, directly on the Cilaos ramparts. This unbeatable place, at 1,400 metres above sea level, has several observation kiosks.

The circus of Cilaos

Last of the circus you will meet during your road trip to La Réunion, Cilaos stands proudly like the roof of the island. Its majestic setting – one does not get tired – is characterized by high mountains erected like ramparts, encashed valleys and streams of water. In addition to hiking , the adrenaline bits will be able to rub themselves on the mountain bike paths, climbing paths and canyoning paths.

The Hermitage Beach – The return to Saint-Denis

What if you finish your itinerary at La Réunion with a little rest? Find the idyllic and immaculate frame of the Hermitage beach . The fine and white sandy beach is licked by crystalline water. Unlike other reunion beaches, the latter is suitable for swimming. Heat your palms and put your mask on. The shallow waters are full of corals preserved with great beauty.

Once on this side of the island, you are only 45 minutes from Saint-Denis!