The 14 things to do in Saint-Gilles les Bains

Are you on holiday on the intense island? Here are the best things to do to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains!

Lost in the heart of the Indian Ocean, The Meeting deserves its title of intense island in many ways. Façonnés par les éruptions du Piton of the furnace , the reliefs and the lagoon encourage all kinds of sports activities. Hiking on the sides of the ramparts to an immersion with the whales, passing through a helicopter ride, the adrenaline is guaranteed!

To discover the island of La Réunion, settle to the west, in the small seaside resort of Saint-Gilles les Bains. Blottie on the beach, it invites to taste without moderation to the seaside and aquatic pleasures. Wonderful gardens and museums also open their doors to discover the Creole culture. Here's our list of the impossible to do in Saint-Gilles les Bains!

1. Attend the fishing return to the port of Saint-Gilles

A must-see visit to Saint-Gilles les Bains, the marina charms with its lively atmosphere. Install on a terrace to contemplate the ballet of the boats and children dive from the edge. You may have the chance to see a fisherman come back with his catch (usually, a big pelagic), weigh it and prepare it. There’s only one more to buy a piece of fishery right next to it!

2. Walk to the garden of Eden

In good place on the places to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains, the divine garden of Eden. Escape for a few moments from the hustle and bustle of the city to visit this oasis of greenery and tranquility. Created in 1991, the garden covers 2.5 hectares and includes some 600 endemic species or imported.

From bamboo to aquatic plants, from the sea of jonc to the collection of geraniums, one can only extasier in front of shapes, colors and fragrances! Count two hours to make the tour with the audioguide and take a photo from the platform.

• Opening hours : every day from 10am to 6pm, guided tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am;
• Tariff : 8 €/adult, 5 € up to 13 years;
• To be determined : a 5-way course was specially developed for children.

3. Walking to the market of Saint-Gilles les Bains

Give yourself a high parenthesis in flavors and colors by strolling between the market stalls. Not far from the beach of the Black Rocks , he stands all Wednesday morning , 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. . Enjoy it to taste anana or mango peï (the creole name to say local) and to buy crafts.

4. Go to theatre

We're more like, téat’ as we say here, to attend an outdoor performance. In this magnificent outdoor amphitheatre, we offer screenings of films, plays or concerts. Immerse yourself fully in local culture by choosing a Creole-language show!

5. Visit the Villèle Museum

Another place to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains, the historical museum of Villèle is an ancient colonial property. Nestled in the heart of a plantation of several hectares, it bears witness to the sad history of slavery.

In the house of the masters, you will contemplate furniture and decorative objects that date from the first half of the nineteenth century. History and geography enthusiasts will discover ancient maps and scenes of life.

Some areas such as the kitchen, the slave hospital and the garden are free access. Enjoy it to discover the Chapel Pointue a neo-Gothic-style monument, which houses a remarkable altar.

6. Buy souvenirs along Charles de Gaulle Street

You will necessarily fall on this artery while you are visiting Saint-Gilles les Bains. On each side there are many shops, mostly clothing, where to shop. Some brands are 100% local, the ideal to bring back memories of La Réunion to your loved ones!

7. Fun at the water park

Here is one thing to do to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains sur famille ! The water park offers a freshness parenthesis welcome in the summer. In the heart of lush vegetation, basins and slides will make the happiness of small and large.

8. Visit the aquarium

Another activity to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains with children or a day of rain. The aquarium has 5 spaces that make you discover the fauna and flora of the coral reefs, volcanic and wide. In the basins, colorful fish, sharks, murene, merous, hippocampes...

The aquarium offers several animations such as the guided tour of the scenes, the scientific mission and the tactile basin, to learn more about underwater life.

• Opening hours : Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm;
• Admission price : 9.5 euros for adults, 6.5 euros up to 12 years, free for under 4 years;
• To be determined : you can register your child to participate in the feeding of the fish.

9. Discover the best swimming spots

The beach of the Black Rocks

Located in the city centre, it allows to swim between two visits. It is not in the lagoon, but is secured by an anti- shark net.

The Brising Beach

This long roll of white sand forms a place of choice to excite in front of the sunset. Buy one beer Dodo in a local supermarket and enjoy it on the beach, or comfortably install on the terrace of a bar.

The beach of Boucan-Canot

Pronouncing Boucan Canotte! In the shade of the filaos and palm trees, book a flagship occupation here: the beach volleyball. Perfect to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains in a sporty way.

The beaches of Saline and Trou d’eau

(A little) less cured than their great sister of Hermitage, they allow you to contemplate the seabed in mask and tuba and offer you a new angle for sunset.

The Hermitage Beach

Long 7 kilometers, it is taken by the population of the entire island on weekends. Prepare your picnic and enjoy it with Creole music!

The waterfalls of Cormoran

The first image from the parking lot is not engaging, but don't trust it. The beauty of three tropical waterfalls is only a few steps away. To swim in a water a frisquette aunt, opt for the Aigrettes basin !

10. Scuba diving or snorkeling

We taste the intoxication of the depths with a dive outing. The sites are intended for all divers, from beginner to confirmed, autonomous or accompanied. Among the must-see spots: the pass from Hermitage , Canyon and Pointe au sel . The departure is at the port of Saint-Gilles les Bains for most clubs.

11. Test the wholesale fishery

If you’re in a sporty mood to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains, take the sea to try the wholesale fishing. The marlin, swordfish and tuna await you to battle!

12. Observe whales and dolphins

You are on an island, enjoy it to admire it from another angle with a boat trip. To do in Saint-Gilles les Bains entre June and October : a trip to meet the hump whales. The dolphins are present all year round.

To be determined : you can book trips by boat and dive directly to the establishments on the port. To make sure you have a place in high season, prefer online booking!

13. Offering strong sensations

Visiting Saint-Gilles les Bains from the air, does it connect you? A helicopter tour will give you the full measure of the relief and charm of the lagoon. Another possibility, a paragliding jump, but you will have to join Saint-Leu where the flight base is located. Unless you prefer the ascensional parachute?

The more land-based athletes will opt for a mountain bike ride to Saint-Gilles les Bains from the Maido . In addition to offering you a breathtaking view on the Mafate circus , this activity guarantees a breath of pure adrenaline.

And for those who love the sea, there's the jet ski!

14. Taste with culinary specialties

It is impossible to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains without tasting some local culinary specialties. The carry, traditional creole meal, is structured around rice, a meat in sauce and grains (lenses, red beans, Cap peas...). Another essential dish here, the rougail sausages, to spice according to its desire. And of course, the fish in all its forms!

We're starting this popot tour at Loulou , installed in a historic Creole house recognizable to its turquoise façade. We're spitting for samoussas, candy peppers, caps and other patate cakes.

Let's go. at Marie , located on the harbour, to taste a delicious fish tartar on the terrace. Are you in a hurry to continue visiting Saint-Gilles les Bains? There is a sandwich version to lick your fingers.

Another option for tartare, the Ti Mahi Mahi , which accompanies it with green rice. You only have to go there to discover the recipe!

In the evening, the fish restaurant is recommended DCP . After admiring the picture of the patron saint, who fished a 551 kilos marlin to the cane, sit down to enjoy the discovery menu (all raw and cooked recipes) or the fisherman's pot.

What to do around Saint-Gilles les Bains?

Are you still wondering if to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains? We're going to get away from the tripodante resort to explore its surroundings.

Meeting turtles in Kélonia

A must for visiting Saint-Gilles les Bains: the center of care of the marine turtles of Kélonia. Very playful, it allows to learn more about the life of this animal, which has long been consumed in soup, and which is now protected. The must? The possibility to see some big specimens that swim in the basins!

Walking in the savannah in Cape Lahoussaye

A few minutes by car from Saint-Gilles les Bains, discover a landscape of savannah that is not to mention the nearby Africa. He crowds on foot or on horseback and unveils narcotic views of the lagoon and the city of Saint Paul.

Do not forget your cap and a bottle of water, sun i pouak (the sun's hitting hard).

Discover the Stella Matutina Museum

To be done near Saint-Gilles les Bains, the Stella Matutina Museum will tell you the history of La Réunion and the sugar production. After undergoing a big lifting, it now houses several eclectic and exciting collections.

Flâner au marché de Saint-Paul

After the visit of Saint-Gilles les Bains, heading to the most beautiful forain market in the West: that of Saint-Paul. Located along the beach, stalls offer tropical fruits, local specialities and art crafts. We’re full of small snacks that we enjoy on the black sand.

Take advantage of this to get you to the seaside cemetery all dressed in white. The place is incredibly photogenic!

Discover The botanical garden of the Mascarin

Those who come to visit Saint-Gilles les Bains grow to the Colimaçons to discover a fabulous botanical garden. After the laces road, which offers spectacular views, you will arrive on a domain that looks like a small manor.

The reunion flora here gives the full measure of its exuberance, through beautiful collections of fruit trees, palm trees, cacti, orchids and bamboo. Prefer guided tour, anecdotes are tasty!

Hiking to the point of view of Roche Vert Bouteille

The visit of Saint-Gilles les Bains the seaside laughs also with great air! Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner accompanied by his children, the ride is suitable for everyone. First stop: the Cap Noir , from which you will enjoy a superb panorama on Mafate. The rest of the hike is without difficulty, but you have to cross a few ladders.

How to get to Saint-Gilles les Bains?

To visit Saint-Gilles les Bains from the France , you have to fly. L’ airport Gillot , also known as Roland Garros , is located Saint-Denis de La Réunion , an hour by car from your final destination.

Good news, there are direct flights to La Réunion from Paris , Lyon and Marseille . To find your flight ticket at the best price, use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Saint-Gilles les Bains?

Please visit Saint-Gilles les Bains, from the hotel hut to the apartment in Airbnb. To avoid the extreme traffic on the west coast, it is recommended that you install as close as possible to the city.

The price range varies according to the selected accommodation and the season, better use a Compare hotels or platform Airbnb to find his little nest at the lowest price!