Popular Topics

Trip Report

Réunion Island, a French development in the Indian Ocean

3 weeks to enjoy the French island vibes!

  • Saint-Gilles+ 6
  • Saint Pierre
  • Saint Pierre
  • Réunion Island, a French development in the Indian Ocean
floegz
About Me:I am a French girl of 23 yo travel alone everywhere I can :) read more

AfricaRéunion21 days / January 2019

Highs & Lows

You can both relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy the best hikes of your life!

The weather is very hot in December/ January

Itinerary Overview

  • 7 Nights: Saint Pierre
    Beach time and party
  • 7 Nights: Saint-Gilles
    Beach time
  • 7 Nights: Cilaos
    Hiking, nature
Saint Pierre - Beach time and party
1

Saint Pierre Beach time and party

Saint Pierre - Beach time and party - null
Saint Pierre - Beach time and party - null
Saint Pierre - Beach time and party - null

Saint Pierre is a very pleasant seaside town located in the south of Reunion Island.

One of the great activities to do is the market of Saint Pierre which is located on the seafront. This big market takes place every Saturday morning. You can find vegetables, souvenirs and delicious fruits!

You can also stroll along the city's waterfront and enjoy the beach. The beaches of Saint Pierre are not the most beautiful on the island but they are lively and the atmosphere is very nice. You will also find restaurants, cafes and terraces very nice.

If you want to visit a museum in Saint Pierre I recommend the museum of the Rum Saga. It is a museum dedicated to rum from Reunion Island where you can discover the process of rum making and even taste it!

Saint Pierre is also known for party and it’s quite a good spot to go out (like in Saint Gilles). I definitely recommend you to go the Shamrock’s, a little bar/ nightclub very authentic. 

Saint-Gilles - Beach time
2

Saint-Gilles Beach time

Saint-Gilles - Beach time - null
Saint-Gilles - Beach time - null
Saint-Gilles - Beach time - null

Saint Gilles is the most tourist city of the island thanks to its beautiful white sand beaches and its lagoons.

It is also a city full of life and very animated if you like to go out. It includes several nightclubs where you will spend great nights!

You can walk around the port of Saint Gilles where you will find fish shops and agencies for sea trips. The most important activity is the boat trip off the island to observe dolphins and whales. Incredible! The best time to see them is from mid-July to mid-September.

You can also visit the aquarium of Saint Gilles where you can observe tropical fish, anemones and sharks. A great family activity!

The best beaches overthere are Plage de l’Hermitage, Les Roches Noires et la Plage de Boucan Canot. If you are looking for a nice and calm beaches I recommend you la Plage de l’Hermitage.

Another good activity to do near Saint Gilles les Bains is to go to the market of Saint Paul. It’s one of the big markets on the Island and it worth it! 

Cilaos - Hiking, nature
3

Cilaos Hiking, nature

Cilaos - Hiking, nature - null
Cilaos - Hiking, nature - null
Cilaos - Hiking, nature - null

Cilaos is one of the three cirques of the island and one of the most authentic. Located at 1700 meters of altitude, Cilaos offers an incredible nature and many walks! I loved this place, so preserved.

The interest of this place is especially the treks and walks to do. One of the best trek is the one of the Piton des Neiges. Starting from Cilaos, you have to walk a few kilometers to the Caverne, the lodging of the Piton des Neiges. 

After a night in the lodge, I advise you to get up around 4:00/5:00 in the morning and start the climb to the top of the Piton des Neiges to watch the sunrise. You will walk 16 km with a difference in altitude of 1700 m positive. A unique and unforgettable moment.

In the city of Cilaos, I recommend to go to the viewpoint La Roche Merveilleuse where you can see all the city. Moreover, you should visit the church Notre Dame des Neiges. 

If you are looking for a nice little restaurant, go to Chez Noé where you can eat very typical food. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I advice you to stay a little bit less on the coast and to do the hick to the other volacano, Le Piton de la Fournaise.
  • Transportation Tips?

    I advice you to rent a car. The distance are quite long and a lot of place are more accessible with a car.
  • Booking details?

    Book your hotel in advance because prices can go up quickly.

Lodging