The 12 most beautiful villages in La Réunion

Discover an exuberant nature and Creole traditions through the 12 most beautiful villages in La Réunion.

Spend a few roads under the cliffs, between the black rocks, in the middle of the emerald landscape or half-pente between ocean and mountain. No matter what, the small villages of the Reunion land everywhere and around the island. Some will however ask for some efforts to unveil yourself in your bahish eyes.

All were able to preserve their authentic face, their healthy air and their harmony with nature. The inhabitants perpetuate the sweetness of living in Creole and the delicate ancestral know-how. Discover the 12 most beautiful villages in La Réunion.

1. Hell-Bourg

Hell-Bourg is still in pole position among the most beautiful villages in La Réunion. It must be said that its charm is indeed irresistible. In the obsolete streets, the pretty boxes bloom this and there, in a lush green setting.

The traditional Creole houses then slice with the green relief: their roofs are colored, decorated with artistic fries. In Hell–Bourg, it makes a good stroll through the obsolete and pimping streets. Not to mention that this small town is an ideal entrance door to explore the extraordinary circus of Salazie.

2. Small Island

This village to visit in La Réunion bears the name of Petite-Île because of its face-to-face with the only piece of land detached from the island. This unique rock comes out of the water a few dozen meters from the shore. Dominated by the Calvary Pylon, the commune lives mainly thanks to the soils made fertile by the sunny slopes.

Petite-Île is thus renowned for its garlic but also for its beach of Grande Anse. The latter is poured into white sand banks lined with coconut trees. As for the turquoise lagoons straight ahead, don't venture into it. They're jealous of a couple of sharks...

3. The Makes

Among the most beautiful villages to visit in La Réunion, Les Makes lives peacefully at the rhythm of its cultures, in a preserved environment. This typical altitude town, surrounded by mountains, offers a breathtaking panorama of the natural circus of Cilaos, the snow piton and the Grand Bénare.

If this point of view, named Fenêtre des Makes, is particularly appreciated, it is also a great starting point for lovers of hiking . Finally, Makes also attracts astronomy bites. It is indeed a fantastic spot to contemplate the stars in the only astronomical observatory of La Réunion.

4. Petite France

Among the charming villages to visit in La Réunion, Petite France shines with its geranium culture. This flamboyant flower finds perfect conditions. In the distilleries of perfume plants you will find an original and typical souvenir to bring back. This middle-altitude village also offers pleasant strolls in a peaceful setting.

Don’t miss The chapel of Petite France, lined with a two-paned roof and built in basalt stones. Then, after your pretty treats, stop in a Creole restaurant with original geranium specialities. Finally, not far away, the view of the Maido rises: one of the most beautiful views of the Mafate circus.

5. Grand Ilet

The fabulous village of Grand Ilet is a paradise for hikers, recreated in the Salazie circus, more than a thousand meters above sea level. Apart from being in the ranking of the most beautiful Reunion villages, Grand Ilet is also known for the turbulent road leading there. It offers fabulous views, to contemplate at the pace of turns.

Then you finally arrive at the heart of a village of breeders where St. Martin’s church in tamarins sabre the sky. This town blooms well the countryside and evokes some end-of-the-world airs blotti at the foot of mountain peaks.

6. Between two

Located between the Bras de Cilaos and the Plaine, the picturesque village of Entre-Deux can boast its adorable Creole boxes. Traditional, coated in shingles and decorated with finely cut white mbrequins, they brighten the landscape.

Everywhere also bloom the pretty gardens where the roots, fruit trees and plants blend. This village to be visited in La Réunion, despite its almost seven thousand inhabitants, was able to preserve a sweetness of life and its motto: "two arms, one heart". Located also at the foot of the famous Dimitile summit, the Entre-Deux offers superb hikes.

7. The New

The New is a secret place among the most beautiful villages to visit in La Réunion. It is lost in the heart of the Mafate circus mountains: the wildest and least run of the three unmistakable circus of the island. This perched and isolated hamlet is gaining only on foot.

At the end of your efforts, you finally land in an idyllic setting designed by forests, pitons and ravines. This haven of peace is a Eden for lovers of calm, authenticity, nature and walking.

8. Sainte-Rose

In Sainte-Rose, the seabed seems straight out of a dream. The lava flows Piton de la Fournaise which have devalued to the Azur water thus reveal unique fishes in the world. It is therefore between ocean and volcano, in a wild and preserved setting, that Sainte-Rose flourished.

Bananas, vanilla, sugar cane, litchis: here the fertile soil offers the essentials of Creole cuisine. This village to visit in La Réunion bears witness to an authentic character and is distinguished by its exceptional panoramas.

9. Saint-Philippe

Saint-Philippe was built on the coast shredded by the waves, along the Cap Méchant. It is located in the heart of the southern wilderness of the island, where the abundant primary forest and paradisiacal literals are confused. This Creole village is full of authenticity and is preserved from development. This is because of the threatening shadow of the Piton de la Fournaise that dissuade.

Take a walk to its fishing port that bathes in maritime traditions, at the pace of the return trips of colored boats. If he is among the most beautiful villages in the meeting, it is also for his picturesque craftsmanship.

10. Bourg-Murat

In Bourg-Murat, the atmosphere is resolutely creole and campagnarde. This village to visit in La Réunion has a rural and authentic face at once. It is a wonderful entrance door for the discovery of the Piton de la Fournaise.

Perched over a thousand six-cent meters above sea level, this town likes to remain secret. Indeed, it often hides in the fog. It is also gridded by nice trails between the fields, where you will be surprised by the presence of cows.

11. Plain of the Grègues

Situated in a pretty cuvette, the small authentic village of La Plaine des Grègues has a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Among the most beautiful villages in La Réunion, it is renowned for its culture of the favourite epice of the meeting: le curcuma .

Why not discover the surroundings through a multi-hour hike? The Margousiers loop is the turn of the village and is punctuated with views of the Remparts River. Otherwise, discover the paragliding from the ramparts that circle the village. A spectacular opportunity to measure the extent of the reunion reliefs.

12. Grand Coude

Nestled at more than a thousand meters above sea level, between two rivers, this small village to visit in La Réunion lies in a preserved nature. In the heart of the Grand Coude is also a tea forest that will not fail to surprise you.

Here life flows peacefully at the rhythm of the culture of geranium, tea, marshes and Bourbon Pointu coffee. In order to win this small town, you will first have to face the car climb on the ridge that separates the river from the Remparts of the Langevin River. Named Petit-Serré, this road similar to a thin cord offers breathtaking views.