BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY, EXPERIENCE REUNION ISLAND WITHOUT MODERATION !
Reunion Island is a land of variety, where you can find a diversity of cultures reflecting a rich history and illuminating the daily life in La Réunion. The island’s population is the result of a unique mixture of Asian, Indian, African and European cultures living together in perfect harmony, becoming ever more enriched.

As a testimony to this colourful heritage, Sega and Mayola – traditional genres of music on the island – have been listed as intangible world heritage by UNESCO. Even today, the rhythm of this music livens up the warm evenings on Reunion Island.

There are tours available to discover the island’s cultural heritage: Hindu temples, hundred-year-old churches and Chinese pagodas are a daily reminder of the multiple influences of the way-of-life on Reunion Island. Likewise, the events’ calendar is an endless source of surprising events steeped in distant traditions, that have been preserved throughout the years.

Reunion Island, a French island with Créole charm
Reunion Island is a kaleidoscope of magnificent landscapes and also cultures. Reunion Island is an exemplary melting pot, and the key values of the island are respect, kindness and sharing.

Here, different cultures and religions live together in perfect harmony: you can expect a warm welcome, smiles all round, new discoveries and flavours from all over the world.

Reunion Island is an overseas French department and visitors are invited to come and discover the origins of the Créole culture, by visiting the magnificent colonial dwellings, multicoloured houses decorated with valances, historic monuments, museums and gardens.

A palette of lifestyles
The locals of Reunion Island live by their cultural expression, a blend of different faiths, where everyone can get back to their roots, through their beliefs and their cuisine for example. As you explore the island, admire the churches that peacefully coexist next to Hindu temples, mosques, and Chinese pagodas, as a symbol of the many civilisations that have settled here.

The people of Reunion Island have developed the art of living together in harmony and one of the most beautiful symbols of this way of living is the shared celebration of Christian, Tamil and Chinese religious holidays. The Créole language also adds a certain charm to this colourful population, even if French is still the official language.

It is a language of mixed cultures, with surprising words and expressions, full of imagery and often delectable. Traditional and modern music is performed on the stages across Reunion Island, and each genre shares the Créole culture. This music groups together the various influences of the island, with sega, maloya and similar variations, jazz, rock or reggae, all offering surprising rhythms.

 

Colourful flavours
The creativity of Reunion Island cuisine is a testimony to the many ethnic groups and cultures represented here. Each region is proud of its specialities and culinary traditions: Cilaos lentils, Salazie Chouchou, Saint-Joseph turmeric, the palm of the Wild South, vanilla from Saint-Philippe… Producers will welcome you to their humble estates and will be delighted to share their passion and expertise with you.

Come on a culinary journey with us! Local gastronomy is full of European, Chinese, Indian and Malagasy influences that will take your taste buds on a voyage of flavours and spicy scents. The cuisine of Reunion Island has created its very own traditions: Rice, grains and rougail, the trilogy of traditional Reunion Island cuisine, that is always served with a “cari”. The restaurants, gîtes and inns guarantee top-quality services, for a mouth-watering stay on this island, guaranteed.

CONSERVATION AND ECOTOURISM
Mafate: An ecotourism laboratory

Accessible only on foot or by helicopter. this extraordinarily preserved site offers a range of jaw-dropping landscapes within a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To make sure the Cirque remains a preserved environment and to ensure the protection of the local people and culture, tourism here is limited and sustainable and responsible practices are encouraged.

Clean energy is used, waste management practices are implemented, environmental pollution is limited, the bio­ diversity is preserved, local production and consumption are encouraged and a culture of disconnection and shar­ ing make the Cirque of Mafate a reference in terms of ecotourism.

Protected natural areas
The natural heritage of Reunion Island is particularly exceptional, thanks to the plant life and spectacular landscapes. The La Reunion National Park strives to protect this heritage. The “Pitons, cirques and ramparts” cover 40% of the island (100,000 hectares) and have been listed as Worldwide Heritage Sites by Unesco since 2010. Ecotourism on Reunion Island is well-known across the globe and the island is one of the thirty worldwide biodiversity hotspots. This preserved ecosystem has just as many microclimates as contrasting landscapes, providing the ideal habitats for diverse plant and animal life, including endemic birds and more than three thousand endemic plant species that flourish across the island and form the lush plant life here, with orchids, moss, lichen, ferns, and much more.

The Reserve Naturelle Nationale de l’Étang de Saint Paul, created in 2008, is the only terrestrial national nature reserve on Reunion Island. The preservation and sustainable management of these ecologically rich wetlands have earned the site its certification with the Ramsar Convention on wetlands of international importance. There are sixteen plants and eleven animal species there (three species of bird, six species of fish, one crustacean and one insect).

The Reserve Naturelle Nationale Marine, created in 2007, stretches 40 km along the coastline from Cap La Houssaye in Saint-Paul, to Roche aux Oiseaux in Étang Salé. The marine biodiversity of Reunion Island is exceptional, in the reefs, offshore and in the lagoons. It is listed as one of the 10 main biodiversity hotspots in the world, as home to over 150 species of coral, around 3,000 species of molluscs, over 500 species of crustaceans, 130 species of echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc.), and nearly 900 species of fish, some of which are endemic.

Whale, dolphin and turtle watching
The whales journey

During the austral winter after a long journey ail the way from the Antarctic, humpback whales arrive on the coasts of Reunion Island every year, choosing the warm waters of the lndian Ocean to bring their offspring into the world, Nature lovers flock to catch a glimpse of the incredible show put on by these giants of the seas, and some of the lucky ones are even treated to an unfor­gettable encounter with one of these creatures, at the heart of the lndian Ocean. So that the activity of whale watching can be developed in a sustainable way and to ensure the well-being of these animals, a set of rules to respect when approaching whales was established in 2010, and modified in 2017 for the World Humpback Whale Congress that was held in Saint-Leu. Systems have been put in place to preserve whales, dolphins and turtles and to educate professionals and the public to observe them. “

CALM AND CLEAN AIR
Reunion Island is an oasis of wellness.

Between sea, and sky, the intense island is an invitation to be at one with Mother Nature. The swishing of the palm trees. the soft, warm sand between your toes, the spicy scents, the tasty exotic dishes, the magical volcano or peaks. cirques and ramparts classified World Heritage sites by Unesco: Reunion Island will awaken all your senses. Let the mysterious atmosphere of Bélouve Primary Forest bewitch you, enjoy the invigorating qualities of the white waters and relax and unwind to the sound of the gushing waterfalls, surrounded by a lush natural environment… Moments of pure and utter relaxation await you: just breathe in and breathe out. you are on Reunion Island!

Reunion Island, the ideal environment for easy living
All year round, enjoy a sunny, tropical climate tempered by the trade winds and the Indian Ocean. The island has hundreds of microclimates and constantly-changing conditions.

Beautiful beaches of white sand, like Boucan-Canot and Ermitage on the island’s West coast, and more unusual beaches of black sand, further south, invite you to relax…

Enjoy swimming in the safety of an aquarium teeming with all sorts of colourful fish, a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. The panoramic ocean view is a promise of restful serenity. At the end of the day, watch the sun set from the beach as you sip a cocktail and let the magic operate.

On the beach, combine those water sport pleasures with relaxing massages and treatments made with lychee honey or the renowned essential oils of turmeric, geranium or vetiver, or try an outdoor yoga session.

A relaxing escape
Inland, the island’s greenery is particularly lush and the temperatures more clement. There are plenty of ways to unwind here. A nature walk or a visit to the island’s beautiful fragrant gardens will delight nature lovers.

Far from the daily grind, these precious moments are a joy to experience. A multitude of hiking trails can be explored by the whole family. They offer a great way of becoming familiar with the island’s phenomenal biodiversity. Take to the trails to discover the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, the plains, Bébour-Bélouve, Takamaka and the Wild South. Explore woodlands, primal forest, botany trails and green pastureland. Beneath the bamboo and enormous tropical trees, like tamarind and Japanese cedar, marvel at the gentle breeze, the song of birds, the majestic waterfalls and the rivers that flow across the landscape.

Prolong your exploration of the island in the very special atmosphere of a gîte or something more unusual. Savour a curry cooked over a wood fire, soak up the stories of “lontan” (long ago) and spend evenings watching the stars from the silence of the mountains.

On the lava soils, admire the mysterious Piton de la Fournaise, and experience the pure joy of being in the lunar desert that surrounds this active volcano. At Pas de Bellecombe Jacob, the mist at sunrise makes the island look truly unique.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
The “Pitons, cirques and ramparts”

Since 2010, the pitons, cirques and ramparts of Reunion Island have been on the list of natural places classified as world heritage sites by UNESCO. bringing exceptional universal value to these superb places. More than 40% of the Reunion Island territory is listed as World Heritage. This jewel of the lndian Ocean has around 200 micro­climates making it the ideal habitat for an incredibly diverse ecosystem: almost 3,000 native plant species have been recorded here and amongst the. 230 flora species are unique in the world!

Key features of the National Park
Reunion’s relief is a maze of valleys, dizzying drops, cirques, pitons, ramparts, forests, channels and rivers. You’ll hold your breath at the Trou de Fer viewpoint where waterfalls create gleaming channels as they tumble from a height of 1,000 metres into the chasm below. It’s a magical moment when you discover the immensity of the Piton de la Fournaise caldera. The Piton Maïdo rampart meets the Piton des Neiges, dwarfing the Trois Salazes ridges.

 

Get your hiking gear on and explore the mountains of Reunion Island!
– Three cirques – Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie – back onto the Piton des Neiges, each with its own uniqueness. Mafate, the hiker’s paradise, is a timeless oasis that can be reached only on foot or by helicopter. Cilaos is a succession of hairpin bends leading from hamlet to hamlet at the foot of the Piton des Neiges, the roof of the Indian Ocean. The lush green cirque of Salazie promises a breath of fresh air between waterfalls, hiking trails and the Creole culture.

– The Piton des Neiges towers above the entire Indian Ocean from a height of 3,071 metres. At the centre of the island, its ascent is rewarded with a fabulous 360° panoramic view.

– The Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, features a fascinating moon-desert landscape.

A tropical garden
Reunion Island has been listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the world’s 34 biodiversity “hotspots”. The high areas of La Réunion National Park are home to some endemic species of highly unusual plants and wildlife. In this world of silence, soak up the fresh air, the special atmosphere, the humidity and the discreet sunshine that have allowed this unique ecosystem to flourish. Among the tamarinds, Japanese cedars, casuarinas, bamboos, Barbel palms, lichens, storax trees, tree ferns, orchids, eucalyptuses, cyatheas and palms, ancient specimens offer a nesting place to tropical birds.

 

An open window on the Indian Ocean
Besides the sumptuous “Peaks, cirques and ramparts”, the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean surround the entire island and the volcanic slopes, the lagoon and the seabed stretching north, south, east and west towards the ocean depths.

With 207 kilometres of coastline, Reunion Island’s exceptionally well-preserved beaches of black or white sand stretch for a total of 30 kilometres, of which 22 kilometres border the lagoon. To enjoy the sea’s every facet, head for the island’s west and south coasts, where crystal-clear turquoise lagoons at 27° Celsius, protected by a coral reef and lifeguarded bathing areas, invite lovers of the sea to unwind, swim and have fun. Meet whales and dolphins, contemplate the sunset over the ocean, dive into the depths of the sea, swim in the lagoon, go snorkelling, discover an impressive blowhole, a beach of black sand, or a basalt river.

Reunion Island invites wilderness adventurers to come and experience something unique in the heart of the lush natural environment of the national park, the Pitons, cirques and ramparts listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. There is a wide range of water sports to try out in the sea, the lagoon, and along the beaches, to suit everyone’s tastes. A getaway or a one-of-a-kind adventure to explore the ultimate island, along the trail-running routes for sporty visitors, hiking trails for avid explorers, scuba diving for those looking to explore the depths of the ocean, swimming in the turquoise lagoon, paragliding for those who want to take to the skies, and canyoning for thrill-seekers.

Activities in the great outdoors
Explore the island and its unsuspecting treasures, in every last nook and cranny of the different territories: sites, exceptional landscapes, breath-taking views, surprising natural habitats and microclimates, all you could possibly need for sports and leisure activities in the great outdoors.

A whole host of activities are available all year round for all, with your safety guaranteed and led by professionals. Whether you’re with your family, with friends, alone, a beginner, thrill seeker, looking for extreme sports, there’s something for everyone.

Some original activities at sea, in the mountains, in the skies and in the white-water rapids.
From the marked trails along the coastline to the lush-green heart of the different territories, you can go hiking on foot, go for a family-friendly walk along the botanical footpaths, horse-riding across the savannah, downhill mountain biking along the Mégavalanche trail, explore the lava tunnels, go climbing in the Trois Salazes peaks, treetop climbing in Makes Forest, an aquatic experience in the white-water rapids, go for a game of golf or fly over the island in a helicopter. And you can even explore the island in a van, 4×4 or a quad bike.

The lagoon is an exceptional place for those looking for relaxation and a dreamlike setting. Laze in the warm sun of the southern hemisphere, on the beaches. Enjoy the twenty-two kilometres of crystal-clear lagoons, along the coastline. The 27°C waters are exceptionally preserved and protected by a coral reef, making it the ideal place for swimming and water-based activities such as paddle boarding, bodyboarding, transparent kayak, snorkelling, with complete peace-of-mind. Enjoy the wonders of the underwater world, and witness the surprising topography of the sea bed: faults, arches… with some breath-taking sights: a clownfish hiding in its anemone, the laced moray eel, stingrays swimming so elegantly, sea turtles and so much more.

Reunion Island is well-known across the world for hiking. There are so many unforgettable walks to do across the island, thanks to the mountainous terrain, a peak at 3,071 metres, the spectacular and active volcano, the majestic cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, and the deep forests. Over 900 km of marked footpaths and three “GR” hiking trails winding across the most beautiful places on the island, including the GRR1, the “Tour du Piton des Neiges” which was named the favourite GR trail of the French in 2019. Don’t miss the “Grand Raid”, one of the most difficult races in the world, and the only ultra-marathon on Reunion Island, that includes four iconic races: The Diagonale des Fous, the Trail de Bourbon, the Mascareignes and the Zembrocal trail (as a relay).

Whether you decide to set off alone or with an experienced guide, there are plenty of itineraries available, so everyone can find the right trail to suit their needs. The Salazie Station de Trail is the only trail-running resort in the southern hemisphere that can offer personalised routes. The mountain gites and table d’hôte services, and atypical accommodation services offer the very best in hospitality and a warm and inviting atmosphere, at the heart of the landscapes”.

Piton de la Fournaise, the sacred furnace
The most popular natural site on the island

This is the star of Reunion Island. The Piton de la Fournaise is the most visited tourist site on the island. Since August 2014, the Cité du Volcan, at the Plaine des Cafres, has been unveiling the secrets of this huge giant, standing at 2,631 metres. This turbulent volcano can be seen from all over the island, even when the clouds are gathered around its peak… It erupts every nine months on average, making it one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Reunion Island’s Piton de la Fournaise is around 500,000 years old and since 2010, it has been a member of the prestigious club of natural treasures listed as World Heritage sites by Unesco, due to their exceptional universal value. This honour is shared with the other Reunion Island volcano, the Piton des Neiges as well as the natural cirques and rampart of the island: all of which belong to La Réunion National Park. The fantastic biodiversity of this extraordinary natural reserve is protected and studied.

Piton de la Fournaise: the perks of an angry disposition
The surrounding slopes of the Piton de la Fournaise, which actually covers almost a third of the island’s surface area, are far from being barren lava fields! On the contrary, after molten rock has passed through these parts, the vegetation comes quickly back to life. White lichen appears first, providing a light colour to sections of the slopes of the volcano, such as the cliffs of the Grandes Pentes. Then other plant species start to grow in the crevices of fertile ground: ferns, bushes and little by little, the forest takes over once again.

Unveil the mysteries of the Piton de La Fournaise
To understand this captivating phenomenon, follow the educational trail in the Fouqué Chamber, the area surrounding Dolomieu crater which appeared in 1791. This is the volcano’s biggest crater and its physiology changes with each eruption. It’s not possible to go the whole way around the Piton de la Fournaise, but a marked path will take you to the observation point at the top on the north side, and it’s absolutely incredible!

You’ll see a lunar desert, as far as the eye can see, very similar to the Plaine des Sables , which we crossed to reach the peak of the Piton. These landscapes that appear to be from another planet, are not inhabited: the eruptions and lava flows take place inside the chamber and on the slopes on the south-east side. That means there’s never any real danger for the people of Reunion.

Did you know ?
In 1977, lava flow reached the main road in the town of Sainte-Rose, but it stopped at the threshold of the Notre Dame des Laves church, as if by miracle! Following this event, the Observatoire Volcanologique was created so that the volcanic activity could be monitored, and the eruptions anticipated.

A land shaped by eruptions
When the Piton de La Fournaise erupts, it doesn’t only change the morphology of the volcano, it also changes the island itself! After the volcano erupted in April 2007, 45 hectares of new land were recovered over the water. Near the Pointe du Tremblet lava flow reached the ocean, and extended the surface area of Reunion Island. After that, some previously unknown species were discovered off Saint-Philippe. Even more proof of the rich natural heritage of Reunion Island!

Volcano walks
PITON DE LA FOURNAISE: AIM FOR THE MOON!

Futuristic hikers
Strange two-wheeled devices in silent procession cross the Plaine des Sables, an impressive desert of red and ochre. A promising prelude to the discovery of Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island’s most famous volcano, a 2,631-metre giant that’s still active. You almost wonder how these tiny vehicles overcome the issue of weightlessness. And how the astronauts breathe without helmets or spacesuits… Are they space conquerors steering the latest Explorer model? No, they’re curious hikers trying a new experience, standing on gyropods. The gyropod is a kind of large electric scooter that moves forward when the driver leans slightly forward on the handlebars. Top speed: 20km/h.

But these futuristic explorers are not in a race… they’ve come to (re)discover the wonders of this extraterrestrial volcanic world. The top of the Pas de Bellecombe offers a captivating view of Piton de la Fournaise. The expedition then heads towards the Piton de l’Eau, the island’s only volcanic lake, and leads around it to reveal the fragile plant life and incredible geological features.

 

A must-do
The Marmite Lontan gîte and the Volcan gite offer hikers traditional meals and overnight stays. The Cité du Volcan on the Plaine des Cafres is well worth stopping to visit. This educational centre reopened in August 2014 to offer children and adults a fun approach to learning all the secrets of the Piton de la Fournaise, with innovative, interactive facilities.

Discover the volcano as if you were there
Explore Reunion as if you were there, with Google Street View. The rocky, volcanic soils of the Piton de la Fournaise will reveal all their secrets and you can even admire some key attractions such as the Chapelle de Rosemont and the Pas de Bellecombe.

Reunion Island, a hiker’s paradise
Reunion Island is the perfect place for hiking. For all hikers, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, the island has over 900 km of marked trails. These trails cross over varied environments, all breathtakingly beautiful: dense tropical forests in the east; savannah or sugarcane fields in the west; the lunar landscapes of the volcano, coastal walks with the sound of the waves.

This unique variety of landscapes has earned Reunion Island and its Pitons, Cirques and Ramparts a place on the list of natural treasures, classified as world heritage by Unesco, since 2010.

 

Reunion Island hiking trails for all levels of ability
The “marmailles” trails (for kids), family-friendly walks, evening walks or along the seaside, hiking trails in the mountains: Reunion Island has a wide variety of trails and itineraries on offer. Whatever your level, there’s a trail suited to you, to explore the wonders of the island at your own pace. The island is well-known thanks to some of these trails and many visitors take to them every year. One of the must-see hiking trails of Reunion Island will lead you to the magnificent Piton de la Fournaise, the peak of the Mascarene islands.

Every year, around 400,000 visitors take on the climb up the famous volcano, at their own pace. Along the marked trails, this two-hour walk will take you across lunar landscapes and craters, to the Plaine des Sables, and then the climb up to the peak, at an altitude of 2,632 metres (access to the area depending on current regulations).

The most beautiful beaches OF REUNION ISLAND
Come and discover the most beautiful beaches of Reunion Island

Where can you go swimming on Reunion Island ?
Due to the particularly abundant marine wildlife, swimming, water sports and diving are forbidden within a perimeter of 300 m around the Reunion Island coastlines. The Reunion Island lagoons are protected by a coral reef.

However, there are special swimming areas that are safe and with lifeguards, much to the joy of those looking to enjoy the waves.

 

Checklist for enjoying
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF REUNION ISLAND
– Relax on the warm sand, in the shade of the coconut trees or casuarinas… An exceptional place for an afternoon nap in a picture-perfect setting.

– Appreciate the peace-and-quiet of the lagoon and try out some new water sports (transparent kayak, stand-up paddle, sailing, etc.).

– Admire the colourful fish of the Natural Marine Reserve and dive into the underwater depths of Reunion Island.

– Let the gentle winds carry you and take the time to enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean, from one of the beach restaurants.

– Play beach-volleyball or petanque on the beach and enjoy an impromptu picnic lunch with friends on the grass, in the shade of the casuarinas.

– Walk along the coastal path.

Pools and waterfalls ON REUNION ISLAND
Refreshing discoveries

Reunion Island abounds with waterfalls and pools surrounded by luxurious nature. There are almost a hundred, scattered all over the island, ensuring a refreshing climate. Some are more accessible than others, by car or hiking, with or without a pond for a tempting swim in a magical setting or simply for contemplating this truly natural paradise.

Waterfalls on Reunion Island
Nestled in a breathtaking natural backdrop, each waterfall and river has an element of surprise. Some, like Trou de Fer, the highest waterfall in the French territory (725 metres) is listed among the most spectacular sites on the planet. It is perfect for high-level canyoning.

A waterfall of activities
In the heart of forests and mountains, in the cirques, in the white waters of the east, rivers and pools are very popular picnic sites, ideal for a range of activities all year round: swimming, canoeing, rafting, canoraft, water hiking and canyoning. The waterfalls, named Langevin or Grand Poulette Voile de la Mariée, Takamaka, Trou Noir, Niagara, and rivers named Marsouins, des Roches, Bassin de la Mer each have their own unique identify. Inquire before heading out.

Reunion Island National Park
An abundance of national treasures

Established in 2007, this protected space is the beating heart of Reunion nature. It represents 42% of the island’s total surface area and it is home to very rare flora and fauna, a remarkable biodiversity, the safeguarding of which is essential.

Discover the National Park of Reunion Island
Reunion Island National Park is the island’s geographic centre, covering more than 100,000 hectares, that is 42% of the island’s total surface area. It is also the heart of its national land assets. Created in 2007, it has the task of protecting and promoting a unique heritage: numerous species of animals, insects and plants only exist in this region and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. The park ensures the conservation of a delicate balance, in magnificent land that everyone should respect.

Thanks to the park, knowledge about the flora and fauna has developed, and it has also become more accessible to the public. Scientists study the exceptional biodiversity and the teams on the ground share their passion with the visitors, even though it is difficult to see endangered species. For example, two large marine birds: Barau’s petrel and the Black petrel. Other indigenous species: the Reunion cuckooshrike, a bird in danger of extinction, the zoizo green glasses or zoizo green; the Marsh Maillard, the island’s only bird of prey; the papilo phorbanta and salamis augustina butterflies, which are endangered; or the Reunion Island day gecko.

A diverse space with lush nature
As regard the park’s flora, this varies depending on the altitude and the microclimates: 850 indigenous species have been counted. This seems a lot but in fact it’s not, given that 2,000 species have been introduced by man during Reunion Island’s history. These extraordinary plants, flowers and trees grow in rain or cloud forests, on moorland, in gorges and on astonishing reliefs, formed by the volcanic eruptions, erosion and lava flows. Or even as a result of volcanic vents collapsing, which created the spectacular Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos craters.

These three fascinating regions and their ramparts, as well as the two huge volcanoes of Piton de la Fournaise and Piton des Neiges have been part of UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites since 2010, due to their outstanding universal value. A formidable international recognition for the Reunion Island National Park, which represents a highly diverse space. It has an inhabited interior, since two populated areas can be found within its borders: the islets (isolated hamlets) of Mafate and that of Salazes (col du Taïbit, in Cilaos crater). Their inhabitants are the only permanent residents living right in the heart of the National Park: they constitute the very essence of Reunion Island, the cornerstone of creole culture and identity, imprinted by a traditional way of life and a strong relationship to the land.

Indeed the park has a cultivated interior, in the middle of untamed nature. This concerns livestock farming areas (Piton de l’Eau), crop and geranium production (Sans-Souci), cultivated forests and tea plantations (Plaine-des-Palmistes). Indeed, these agricultural activities were already there before the creation of the park and its charter enables them to blend seamlessly with the natural environments which surround them, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between man and his environment.

The plains ACROSS THE PASTORAL PLAINS
The plains of Reunion Island are found on the high plateaus and are a delight for families and walkers

The gentle plains
A mountain sitting on the ocean. That is pretty much how we could describe Reunion. And yet it is so much more than rugged terrain and beaches bordering the azure blue sea. Gentle plains nestle in the upland areas. The only road that crosses the breadth of island weaves its way across these plains to link Saint-Benoît in the east to Le Tampon in the west, crossing Plaine-des-Palmistes and Plaine-des-Cafres. The first of these plains is a lush green plateau, dotted with peaceful pasturelands, craggy pinnacles formed by volcanic activity, invigorating waterfalls and rich endemic vegetation. You will be more than tempted to take a walk along one of the many hiking trails through the Bébour-Bélouve forest. Or up to the Biberon waterfall which cascades down from a height of 240m into a small pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

The botanical paths on the Petite Plaine and the Piton des Songes take you on a discovery of a series of trees with some pretty unusual names, such as bois maigre (Nuxia verticillata), bois de papa (Tambourissa elliptica), bois de fer (Sideroxylon majus), bois de cannelle (Ocotea obtusata), bois de violon (Acalypha integrifolia), bois de pomme (Syzygium Cymosum), and so on. The Domaine des Tourelles, devoted to promoting regional crafts, is a great example. Other Creole houses and gardens can be found along a trail that crosses the area.

Fragrant, lively plains
Plaine-des-Cafres is made up of farmed fields and natural landscapes ideal for various sports such as hiking (up to Piton des Neiges, for example), horse-riding, mountain-biking and so on. This high plateau is crossed by the volcano forest road that runs up to Piton de la Fournaise, through Bourg-Murat and its Cité du Volcan visitors’ centre.

Other high plains can be found in the centre of Reunion, including the plains of Affouches, Chicots, Lianes, Fougères to name but a few. To the south, Plaine Grègues sits at the lowest altitude and is the home of “Indian saffron» or turmeric growing, a spice emblematic of Réunionnais cuisine. It even has its own “Maison” at Saint-Joseph, which shows how it is transformed from the plant root to the spice.

A visit that will spice up the stories of your travels !