Authentic stay in La Réunion

Beschrijving van de reis

Accommodatie

Programma van het verblijf

• dag 1

  First Glances – Heading East

  

  Welcome to the island of La Réunion! Upon your arrival at the airport, pick up your rental vehicle and hit the road for your first discoveries. Take a break at the Barachois, the iconic seafront of Saint-Denis, before enjoying lunch nearby. Then, head to Sainte-Rose, a charming village on the East coast, for a first immersion in Réunion’s nature. Stroll around the Marine de Sainte-Rose, a small peaceful harbor nestled between the ocean and lush vegetation: a striking contrast and a first strong image of the island. Night in Sainte-Rose

• dag 2

  Salazie and its Creole houses

  

  This morning, set off towards the lush green heights of the Salazie cirque. Discover Hell-Bourg and, to understand its charm, head out with a guide to explore its Creole houses, and let yourself be told the legends of the Voile de la Mariée or of the couple of maroon slaves Anchaing and Héva. After a Creole lunch, if you like walking, take the Trou Blanc trail (1h30 round trip), accessible from the îlet à Vidot. This trail will offer you superb panoramas of the Piton d’Anchaing and the surrounding peaks. On the way back to Sainte-Rose, if time allows, make a stop in Saint-André to admire, from the outside, the Colosse Tamil temple, a symbol of Réunion’s cultural mixing. Night in Sainte-Rose

• dag 3

  The Lava Road and the Wild South

  

  Take the spectacular Route des Laves, a symbol of the power of Piton de la Fournaise. Stop at the Notre-Dame-des-Laves church, miraculously spared by a lava flow in 1977. Further on, discover Anse des Cascades, a peaceful spot for a shaded picnic between the sea and waterfalls. You will then follow fascinating landscapes, between old black lava flows and rugged shores. Don’t miss Cap Méchant, the Manapany pools and the beautiful beach of Grand Anse. Your day ends in the heights of Saint-Joseph, the beating heart of the Wild South. Night in Saint-Joseph

• dag 4

  Facing the fire – Piton de la Fournaise

  

  Get up early to experience the unforgettable: the volcano. The road climbs up to the Plaine des Sables, a science-fiction landscape. At the Pas de Bellecombe, the crater reveals itself, majestic and silent. Then head back down toward Saint-Pierre: market atmosphere, lively beach, sunset on the seafront. La Réunion shows you another side, more urban, but just as endearing. Night in Saint-Joseph

• dag 5

  Grand Galet Waterfall & road to Cilaos

  

  Start the day with a gem: the Grand Galet waterfall, which fans out into a lush green setting. Then, take the famous road with 400 bends. It winds toward Cilaos, in the heart of a mountain cirque. Up there, time stretches, the air is pure, the landscapes are grand. Night in Cilaos

• dag 6

  From Cilaos to the lagoons of the West

  

  Take one last breath of the air of the Hauts: local lentils, local wine, thermal baths. Then head back down toward the West coast. Stop at l’Étang-Salé: its black sand beach warmed by the sun. Stop at the Souffleur, a living natural sculpture. And finally, Saint-Leu: turquoise lagoon, shaded terraces, sunset over the ocean. Night in the Hauts of the West

• dag 7

  The West – Market, lagoon and freedom

  

  For this last full day, set off to discover the West coast. If it’s a Friday or a Saturday, don’t miss the famous Saint-Paul market, one of the most renowned on the island: a festival of colors, scents, and local flavors. Swimming at l’Hermitage, snorkeling at Boucan Canot, paddleboarding on the lagoon or paragliding above the hills: the day is yours. Night in the Hauts de l’Ouest

• dag 8

  Final moments…

  

  Depending on your flight, treat yourself to one last dip or a gentle morning, eyes turned toward the ocean. Then, it will be time to return your car and say goodbye to this intense island, hoping that La Réunion has offered you a concentrate of emotions, spectacular landscapes and unforgettable moments. See you soon on Île Bourbon!