The 8 things to do in La Réunion

Visit the most sensational end of France by discovering the 8 things to do in La Réunion!

If there is a land of contrasts, discoveries, shocks of flavors and mixtures of elements: it is the Meeting! And when we know that almost 40% of its territory is listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage, visiting La Réunion is no longer a mere wish but a necessity, an emergency.

But what to see in this island? By its natural diversity, its melting-pot Millennial cultural, its kyrielle of sensational activities, it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. We guide you, discover our ranking of the 8 things to do in La Réunion!

1. Piton de la Fournaise

The island’s symbol, the Fournaise piton, an active volcano, is one of the world’s most famous. Normal! As soon as we start ascension, magic works. The lively spectacle of silence, matter in fusion, vibrant lunar landscapes: it is necessarily a place to visit at La Réunion.

Several paths, more or less muscular, are possible. But the most spectacular remains that of crater Dolomieu which allows you to approach the volcano and its bouillonante!

2. The 3 Cirques

Among the best things to do in La Réunion, a hike in (minimum) one of the 3 circus is an obligation!

Cirque de Mafate

Mafate is the most remote circus. It was the former place of refuge for the slaves that managed to escape, and sought an almost impossible place of access.

Today, it is a natural setting full of history, picturesque and breathtaking beauty. An exceptional corner for nature lovers, hiking and those who want to cut off from the outside world!

Cirque de Salazie

Salazie leads you to the heart of Intense Island. The walk, as cozy as spectacular, immerses you in the atmosphere, the charm and the unique welcome of the meeting. If all the landscapes are fantastic, wait to see the forests bordering the trails...

Cirques of Cilaos and Mafate

With more than 1,200 metres of altitude, Cilaos and Mafate are surrounded by summits that flirt with 3,000 metres. Among them, top of the snow piton , another unmissable spot on a trip to La Réunion.

You are so invited where the earth and the sky meet, where fire and water have created incredible thermal springs!

3. Cascades and basins

Few places on Earth compete with the strength and splendor of the reunion waters. It is impossible to visit La Réunion without falling, even by chance, on a breathtaking waterfall.

Among the waterfalls and basins, two will not fail to get you the jaw!

L’Anse des Cascades

This part is of the island actually brings together a wild beach, a small fishing port and, of course, waterfalls. This surrealist setting invites both rest, good picnics, swim and the discovery of the endemic plants of the island!

The Sailing of the Bride

Sharp between the village of Salazie and the village of Salazie Hell-Bourg , this waterfall leaves the lover with out-of-standard landscapes. As it appears, this waterfall is impregnated with the tears of a father who lost his daughter on the day of his marriage...

Îlet Bethlehem

Very few visitors have heard of this magical place that locals like to keep for them... And we understand why!

Accessible in fifteen minutes walk from the parking lot, along the Rivière des Marsouins In particular, there is an ancient chapel (dating from 1858), still a place of pilgrimage, and some places to picnic in the middle of a lush vegetation.

This is especially a great place to swim with lots of natural pools!

4. Beaches and stuffing

That's true! Located in the Mascareignes Archipelago, La Réunion is much different from its neighbour Mauritius : it fills more hikers than the followers of the farniente.

However, as the lizards are reassured, the beaches to visit in La Réunion will have much to fill you. Hard to select the most beautiful and attractive, but here are two!

Hermitage Beach

One. must To be done at La Réunion when you stay on the west coast, this friendly beach is renowned for its white sand, crystalline lagoon, limpid waters and embellished palm trees.

Beach Boucan Canot

For some time, Boucan Canot has become the trendy beach of the island. But be careful, if you are looking for rest, you may be disappointed. Indeed, what makes the reputation of the beach is its living side. We come here to have fun, to play or to participate in animations.

Moreover, even if the sea is quite agitated in this place, it is the place where you have to be to admire the athletes on the beach making volleyball, snowshoe games or surfing... We mainly meet a young population who is trying to meet!

5. Aquatic activities

Among the must-see activities to be carried out in La Réunion, the observation of whales (whose season takes place between June and October ) and swimming with the dolphins put everyone in agreement. It is impossible to resist the charm and mystery of these joyous and waiting mammals.

The tourist cruises are numerous and are in all forms. The main thing is to call on real professionals, environmentally friendly and passionate about cetaceans.

If you are visiting La Réunion, you must absolutely enjoy it to try a water sport (snorkeling, diving and surfing as a priority) or rent a small boat family or friends. From the offshore, the beauty of the island is still quite different. When you vogue on the transparent waters, when you meet the lush seabed, the parenthesis is unheard of!

6. Creole gastronomy

One of the best things to do in La Réunion? Take a lot of taste buds of course! Creole cuisine is known as one of the most delicious in the world: and rightly! The cultural blend of the island is lit up on the plates that make the most of the spices around the world, multicolored foods and generous recipes. Place with rice, caris and rougalls.

And to taste the most authentic creole cuisine, direction local markets. True colorful and authentic dates, they are cultural immersions in their entirety. Perfect to make your shopping or to make sense of it!

Among the most vibrant markets, here is that of Saint Paul . It’s simply the the largest market on the island (but also the most tourist, we must not be content with it). Even if you go back several times, you will discover new stands at each visit!

7. Colonial and port cities

If to visit The Meeting is clearly the business of the lovers of the rich nature, the mordus of History and Architecture also have their place. Indeed, the island is surrounded by cities and monuments that are worth a visit!

Saint-Denis Cathedral

This small cathedral, which is located on the Rue de Paris in Saint-Denis, is not particularly impressive for its size but rather for its size. History . A beautiful building with beautiful frescoes, a garden maintained, a pretty fountain. A place to relax, rest, to forget the tourist hustle.

Saint-Pierre

You will find many very attractive colonial buildings scattered in the centre of this pretty city. Among them, the former Hotel de Ville which was originally a coffee warehouse for the Compagnie française des Indes .

Or again, the old station from the colonial era today occupied by the Café de la Gare, ideal for a drink. In the same area, devote one of your visits to the media library Raphaël Barquisseau dating from the flourishing period of the Compagnie française des Indes.

Port of Saint-Gilles

Here is a must-see place to visit in La Réunion during a small trip to the city... Along the port of Saint-Gilles, you will find shops, restaurants, nautical schools as well as the mere round-trips of fishermen and inhabitants who live at the rhythm of the ocean.

Hell-Bourg

A magical village where you can clearly guess what the ancient island could be... Loved in the most wet part of the island, it toises the time of the top of its 930 meters altitude . Creole houses enfilades create a magical, unique, deliciously colourful and joyful atmosphere. Despite its tourist attendance, the place remains very typical.

8. Piton Maido

The essential things to do in La Réunion sometimes require some effort. But be sure, it's always worth it. So put the awakening very early, so much for sleep, and go to the conquest of the sunrise at the top of the Piton Maido .

This natural balcony opens onto one of the most spectacular views of the island. Its view is plunging on the Mafate circus and, when the first rays break through the valley, offers a no-name show!

How do I go to La Réunion?

To get to La Réunion, the preferred means of transport is clearly the plane. From Paris or cities like Marseille , Bordeaux , or Lyon , flights are very regular.

For a combined trip, there are also numerous links to or from Mauritius, Madagascar , Mayotte or even Seychelles .

The price of a flight ticket to La Réunion is quite expensive, so take precedence when booking and, if possible, go to low season . You will find the best offers on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to sleep in La Réunion?

The Meeting covers an area of 2,512 km2, so it is important to properly target the city or area of the island for its accommodation. However, you can easily fly most of the island from a single drop point if you stay at least ten days on site and rent a car.

To find a cheap hotel in La Réunion, search our website Compare hotels . Want more authenticity or autonomy? Opt for one Airbnb at La Réunion or a few nights camping for example. From Saint-Denis to Saint-Gilles les Bains and Saint-Pierre, you will find your happiness!