Travel to Réunion Island
An island born of fire
A volcano that is still awake, cirques carved like amphitheatres, a turquoise lagoon and a wild south where lava meets the ocean. Réunion packs a continent of landscapes into one island, and a Creole culture that welcomes you at every table.
Plan my Réunion journeyFrom the lagoon to the volcano
Saint-Gilles & the west coast
Arrival and the beaches of the west. Snorkelling in the lagoon of L'Ermitage, sunset at Cap La Houssaye, and an early start to the Maïdo viewpoint, above the cirque of Mafate.
Cilaos, heart of the cirque
The famous road of 400 bends into the cirque of Cilaos. Hikes among waterfalls and ridges, thermal springs, and the local lentils and wine of the cirque.
The Piton de la Fournaise
Up to the Plaine des Cafres, then a dawn departure across the lunar Plaine des Sables to the Pas de Bellecombe, and a hike towards the crater of one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Saint-Joseph & the wild south
The green Hauts of Saint-Joseph and Grand Coude, the Langevin river and its waterfalls, the natural pool of Manapany, and the lava flows of the south coast plunging into the ocean.
Departure
Transfer to the airport, or extend your stay.
Three ways to discover the island
The essentials
The lagoon of Saint-Gilles, Cilaos and the volcano: the great landscapes of Réunion in one week.
The complete island
Our signature itinerary: lagoon, cirque, volcano and the wild south of Saint-Joseph, at a comfortable pace.
The hiker's island
The 10-day journey plus a crossing of the cirque of Mafate on foot, sleeping in guesthouses where no road goes.
Activities to add to your journey
Choose the experiences that suit you: we fit them into your itinerary.
A night in the cirque of Mafate
No road leads to Mafate: hike in and sleep in a Creole guesthouse, in a village reached only on foot or by helicopter.
Sunrise on the Piton des Neiges
The highest summit of the Indian Ocean, 3,070 m: a night in the mountain refuge and the whole island at your feet at dawn.
Hell-Bourg, in the cirque of Salazie
Creole houses, gardens and waterfalls in one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Ultralight flight over the lagoon
An open-air flight along the coast and up to the cirques, for unforgettable views.
Scuba diving
Reefs, wrecks and volcanic drop-offs off the west coast, for beginners and experienced divers alike.
The primary forest of Bélouve
A hike through the tamarind forest to the viewpoint over the Trou de Fer and its waterfalls.
Transparent kayak in the lagoon
Paddle over the coral of the Saint-Gilles lagoon in a see-through kayak, with the fish swimming beneath you.
Snorkelling in the lagoon
Mask and fins among the corals and tropical fish of L'Ermitage.
Whales and dolphins at sea
A boat trip off the west coast to watch dolphins and, in the austral winter, humpback whales.
Kélonia, the sea turtle observatory
In Saint-Leu, discover the sea turtles of the Indian Ocean and the care centre that looks after them.
Discover Kélonia →Paragliding over the lagoon
A tandem flight from the heights of Saint-Leu, landing on the beach.
Helicopter over the cirques
Mafate, Cilaos, Salazie and the volcano seen from the sky: the whole island in one flight.
Canyoning in Cilaos
Jumps, slides and abseils in the canyons of the cirque, with a qualified guide.
Lava tubes
Explore underground tunnels left by the volcano's lava flows in the south of the island.
Sunrise over the crater
A night departure to watch the sun rise over the Piton de la Fournaise.
Vanilla and spices
Visit a vanilla plantation and discover the spices of the wild south, around Saint-Joseph.
Creole cooking
Rougail, cari and samosas: cook and share a meal with a local family.
Markets and rum
Local markets, tropical fruits and a tasting of Réunion's renowned rums.
Activities depend on the season and the weather, and are booked on request.
From the lagoon to the Hauts
Our 1991 Volkswagen van
Travel the island at your own pace in our converted 1991 Volkswagen van for two: wake up by the lagoon, at the foot of the volcano or in the cirques. Freedom, with a touch of vintage.
Ask about the vanMountain guesthouses
Creole gîtes in Cilaos and Mafate, with home cooking after a day of hiking.
By the lagoon
Hotels and guesthouses in Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu, steps from the beach.
Near the volcano
Lodges in the Plaine des Cafres, perfect for an early start to the Piton de la Fournaise.
Tailor-made or in a small group
Tailor-made
Your dates, your pace: more hiking in the cirques, more time on the coast, or a family trip. We adapt every stage.
Small group
Share the island with a small group of curious travellers, guided by people who know it from the inside.
A day with Kélonia, and a sea turtle to follow
Traveling means both: receiving and giving. Every Réunion journey includes a full day with Kélonia, the sea turtle observatory and care centre in Saint-Leu, alongside the team who look after the turtles of the Indian Ocean.
- A day behind the scenes with the Kélonia team
- Discover the care centre and the turtles it looks after
- Sponsor a tracking tag and help researchers protect the species
- Back home, follow your turtle's journey across the Indian Ocean in real time
La Villa des Remparts, our family villa
A calm, nature-filled hideaway in the hills of Grand Coude, ideal for families, groups of friends and celebrations, and a perfect base for exploring Réunion's wild south.
- 6 bedrooms, sleeps up to 19 guests
- 7 double beds, 1 single bed and 2 double sofa beds
- 2 baby cots
- In-ground jacuzzi
- Parties and celebrations welcome
- About 30 minutes from Saint-Joseph
- About 1 hour from Saint-Pierre
- 400 m from the Labyrinthe En Champ Thé
- 400 m from the Jardin des Bestioles
- Many hiking trails nearby
Practical information
- A French island: Réunion is a French overseas department. The currency is the euro.
- Climate: the cooler, drier season runs roughly from May to November, the best time for hiking. The hot season, from December to April, is also the cyclone season.
- The volcano: access to the Piton de la Fournaise can close during eruptions. We adapt the programme day by day.
- Hiking: good walking shoes and layers are essential: it can be hot on the coast and cold at the volcano on the same day.
Your questions about Réunion
How many days do you need in Réunion?
Allow at least 7 days for the essentials. Ten days let you see the lagoon, the cirques, the volcano and the wild south without rushing, and two weeks leave time to hike across Mafate.
When is the best time to go?
From May to November, the cooler and drier season, ideal for hiking. From December to April it is hot and humid, and it is also the cyclone season.
Do I need a car?
Yes, to move freely around the island: a rental car, or our vintage van. On a tailor-made or small-group journey, we take care of transport.
Are the hikes difficult?
There is something for every level, from short walks to waterfalls to the ascent of the Piton des Neiges. We adapt the hikes to your fitness.
Is Réunion suitable for families?
Absolutely: calm lagoon, turtles at Kélonia, easy walks and our villa for large families and groups.
Other skies to discover
Ready to discover Réunion?
Tell us your dates and what you dream of: lagoon, cirques or volcano. We will build your journey.
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