Natural Wonders
What to expect?Jutting out of the ocean like a basaltic shield cloaked in green, this scenically magical island enjoys a truly astonishing diversity of landscapes. The formidable Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, adds to the thrill – Réunion is not dubbed 'the Hawaii of the southern hemisphere' for nothing. Awesome mountainscapes, emerald forests, tumbling waterfalls, soul-stirring panoramas, energetic coastal cities and a sprinkling of white- or black-sand beaches. And as if living on an active volcano weren't enough, Réunion has three Cirques (calderas) with folk living in them.
Food Culture
Food lovers will revel in trendy beach restaurants serving the freshest of fish,
and in snug restaurants featuring mouth-watering Creole specialties. You'll also
find plenty of bakeries and pastry shops selling baguettes, croissants and
melt-in-your-mouth cakes.Gourmands will be in seventh heaven in Réunion. One
thing is sure: Réunion is not a place to diet. Markets are full of colourful
exotic fruits and vegetables, from sweet bananas and huge avocados to succulent
mangoes and lychees. Island cuisine is made up of a well-matched mix of Creole,
Indian, Chinese and French cultures. The tastiest Creole food is often served at
B&Bs, which are famous for their home-cooked meals.
Reunion and its Culture
Cultural diversity forms an integral component of the island's social fabric. A smattering of top-notch museums round out the offerings. There's a wealth of architectural treasures, historic sites, delightful religious and colonial buildings and vibrant festivals that are a great occasion to immerse oneself in local culture. Reunion is not all about photogenic landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This French overseas territory offers a fascinating jumble of Creole, African, Indian, Chinese and French influences that was created by centuries of immigration, and there's a casual multi-ethnic atmosphere.
Day 1: AIRPORT/ SAINT-DENIS
Meet and greet at the airport by Papangue Tours’ representative and recuperation of the travel book (vouchers, map …), delivery of the vehicle by our partner.
Departure to Saint-Denis, the capital is a former « trading post of the East India Company», an ethnic and cultural melting pot (Creole houses, colonial era’s historical monuments, cult places Chinese, Christian, Muslim and Hindu, «Jardín de l'état », etc.) Visit of the « little and big market » on the Maréchal Leclerc street where you would find handicraft and local products. We suggest the panoramic view over the city from the curves of La Montagne road, by night and day the show is amazing.
Installation & night at JULIETTE DODU***
Day 2: SAINT-DENIS / SALAZIE
Departure for the East Coast towards the cirque of Salazie: waterfalls, luxuriant vegetation. Stop recommended at Saint-André Tamil temple "le Colosse" and Roulof vanilla plantation. Arrival in Hell-Bourg, a lovely charming creole village (do not miss the sightseeing tour of Maison Folio & the Museum des Musiques & Instruments de l’Océan Indien).
Installation & night at RELAIS DES CIMES**
Day 3: SALAZIE / VOLCANO / PLAINE DES CAFRES
Early departure in the morning by « la Plaine des Palmistes », then « la Plaine des Cafres » and the forest road leading to the « Piton de la Fournaise ». Many stops on the road to admire the amazing landscapes: Rivière des Remparts, Cratère Commerson, Plaine des Sables and Pas de Bellecombe. Possibility of walking until the first crater « Formica Léo» (about 1h00) or for the bravest the « Piton de la Fournaise » (about 4h30).
Night at LA FERME DU POMMEAU** (Plaine des Palmistes)
Day 4: PLAINE DES CAFRES / WILD SOUTH / SAINT-PIERRE
Discovery of the Bebour / Belouve forest by the road of “Petite Plaine” in the village of Plaine des Palmistes. , then drive down by the east coast to Saint-Pierre, through Saint-Benoit, Sainte-Rose, L’Anse des Cascades until La Pointe de la Table (1986 lava). Continuation vers Saint-Philippe jusqu'à "Grand Bois" (close to Saint-Pierre). From Saint-Philippe to Saint-Pierre appreciate the nice atmosphere of this region between volcano and Indian Ocean. Stop recommended: Spices and perfume garden in Saint-Philippe at 10h30 or at 14h30 (Information at the tourist office in Saint-Philippe). Passage by Saint-Pierre, capital of the South.
Night at DOMAINE DES PIERRES*** (Pierrefonds at 10 min from Saint-Pierre).
Day 5: SAINT-PIERRE / CILAOS
After Saint-Louis, take the unique picturesque road leading to the heart of Cilaos surrounded by the highest summits and dominated by the dormant volcano Piton des Neiges (3.070m). Many walks and point of view: Roche Merveilleuse, Ilet à Cordes road, Bras Sec, old thermals, etc. Stop recommended: embroideries and creole museum. Many sports activities: canyoneering, mountain bike, trekking. Specialties of Cilaos: lentils and wine.
Night at VIEUX CEP***
Day 6: CILAOS / WEST COAST
Wake up in this beautiful cirque and drive back to the west coast. Stop recommended at the Entre-Deux village, to see its nice small creole houses. Then to the “Souffleur” and Pointe to Sel. Visit suggested: some museum on the west coast like Matutina Museum at Piton Saint-Leu or some activities such as cruise.
Installation for two nights at NAUTILE Beachfront Hôtel***
Day 7 SAINT-GILLES / MAIDO / SAINT-GILLES
Early in the morning drive to Piton Maïdo to discover the superb view on the cirque of Mafate, only reachable by foot. Visit suggested on the way back: the creole property of Villèle at Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts (house and gardens), Eden Garden at l’Ermitage-les-Bains and Saint-Paul’s Market (only on Friday).
Activities recommended: helicopter, cruise, diving, paragliding, etc.
Night at NAUTILE Beachfront Hôtel***
Day 8: SAINT-GILLES / AIRPORT
Day at leisure and drop off the car at the airport, according to the flight departure.
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This island really throws a punch! From active volcanoes, incredible landscapes and majestic viewpoints, attractive coastal villages, great food and old-time French culture!