The Essentials of La Réunion

Reunion Island, discover this 14-day trip

Nature Adventure Relaxation Culture

The Essentials of La Réunion - Main photo of the trip

The Essentials of La Réunion - Photo 2 of the trip

The Essentials of La Réunion - Photo 3 of the trip

The Essentials of La Réunion - Photo 4 of the trip

The Essentials of La Réunion - Photo 5 of the trip

Set off to discover La Réunion through a complete and accessible self-drive tour, designed for a first approach to the intense island with complete peace of mind. This trip takes you to the heart of the island’s most emblematic landscapes, between majestic cirques, an active volcano, wild coasts, Creole villages and the beaches of the West. Designed to be comfortable and adaptable, this itinerary favors gentle discovery, the pleasure of the road and the freedom to explore at your own pace. An ideal stay to enjoy La Réunion!

Trip Description

This trip invites you to discover La Réunion in all its diversity, through a balanced and accessible itinerary, designed to fully enjoy the island without physical constraints. On a self-drive tour, you explore the island at your own pace, in complete freedom, with carefully selected stops to limit driving times and maximize discoveries. From the lush cirques of Salazie and Cilaos to the lunar landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise, via the luxuriant East coast, the Wild South and the beaches of the West, each day reveals a different facet of the intense island. Creole villages, accessible waterfalls, spectacular panoramas, local markets and cultural sites set the rhythm of the stay. This tour favors gentle discovery: no hike is mandatory and activities can be adapted according to your wishes. Free time is planned to enjoy the beaches, natural pools or simply relax, while leaving the possibility of adding optional experiences (sea outings, water activities, helicopter flight…). An ideal trip for a first discovery of La Réunion, combining nature, culture, authenticity and moments of relaxation, in a spirit of freedom and comfort.

Accomodation

The price includes: - 9 nights in a hotel, with breakfast - 4 nights in a guesthouse, with breakfast - Car rental type Renault Clio or similar for 14x24h - The airport tax collected for the car rental - Tourist taxes - Assistance during your stay on site The price does not include: - Air transport - Activity suggestions - Fuel - Meals not included in the program - Personal expenses - Insurance Additional information: Budget prepared on the basis of 2 people Program adaptable according to your wishes Subject to availability at the time of booking

Stay program

day 1

Arrival at the airport, pick-up of the vehicle. First stop in Sainte-Suzanne to admire the Niagara waterfall, then drive to the Salazie cirque. Discovery of Hell-Bourg, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, and its charming Creole houses. Overnight in Salazie.
day 2
Salazie
Day dedicated to the Salazie cirque, the greenest on the island. Waterfalls, panoramas and authentic villages punctuate this day. Possibility of easy walks or free time to enjoy the natural setting. Night in Salazie
day 3

Discovery of the East coast: Tamil temples of Sainte-André, Bourbon vanilla and baroque church of Sainte-Anne. Passing through the Plaine des Palmistes, then the Plaine des Cafres, with typical agricultural landscapes. Night in the Plaine des Cafres
day 4
The volcano
Road to Piton de la Fournaise through spectacular lunar landscapes. Stop at Pas de Bellecombe to admire one of the most active volcanoes in the world (no mandatory hike). Night in Plaine des Cafres
day 5
Route of the Lavas & South
Discovery of the Route des Laves, the Notre-Dame-des-Laves church and Anse des Cascades. Stop at Cap Méchant before joining Saint-Pierre, capital of the South. Night in Saint-Pierre.
day 6
Wild South
Exploration of the Wild South: Langevin waterfall, natural pools, Manapany-les-Bains and Grand Anse beach (swimming possible in the designated areas). Night in Saint-Pierre
day 7
Saint-Pierre
Free day in Saint-Pierre: street market (depending on the day), seafront, marina, Saga du Rhum or the Terre Sainte district. Night in Saint-Pierre.
day 8
The Entre-Deux
Road to the Creole village of L’Entre-Deux, nestled between two rivers. A peaceful place, renowned for its heritage, its traditional houses and its timeless atmosphere. Night in L’Entre-Deux.
from day 9 to day 10
Cirque de Cilaos
Scenic route with 400 bends to Cilaos. Discovery of the cirque, its viewpoints, its thermal springs and its local specialties (lentils, wine). Easy walks possible depending on your wishes. Nights in Cilaos
day 11

Descent to the West coast with a stop at Le Souffleur and a beach break at l’Étang-Salé. Arrival in Saint-Leu or Saint-Gilles. Night on the West coast.
from day 11 to day 13
The West
Seaside stay: supervised beaches, lagoon, water activities (optional). Possible excursion to the Maïdo viewpoint for a spectacular view over the Mafate cirque. Sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Nights on the West coast
day 14
Departure
Last moments of relaxation before returning the vehicle and the return flight