Réunion Island 🌋
"A volcanic emerald in the middle of the Indian Ocean."
This French territory is a dream for families who love the outdoors. You can hike the 'Cirques' (massive natural mountain amphitheaters) and relax on the white and black sand beaches of the west coast.
An epic loop of Réunion Island balancing the turquoise lagoons of the West, the dramatic peaks of Cilaos, and the raw volcanic energy of the South Coast.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival and Lagoon Relaxation
Morning — Arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN), pick up your rental car, and drive to the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Check into your hotel.
Afternoon — Head to the coast for a swim or paddleboard session at L'Ermitage Lagoon, protected by a coral reef and perfect for a relaxing first day.
Evening — Enjoy fresh seafood and a sunset 'Dodo' beer at a beach bar in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
💡 Rent a car at the airport; it is essential for exploring the island's diverse terrain.
Day 2 · The heights of Le Maïdo
Morning — Visit the vibrant Saint-Paul market (if Friday/Saturday) to sample exotic fruits, samosas, and local crafts.
Afternoon — Drive up to the Maïdo viewpoint (2,200m) for a breathtaking panoramic view over the Cirque de Mafate. Take a short walk along the ridge.
Evening — Stroll through the Saint-Gilles marina and dine at 'Le Débarcadère' for traditional Creole kari.
💡 Leave for Maïdo by 7:00 AM to beat the clouds that usually roll in by mid-morning.
Day 3 · Journey into Cirque de Cilaos
Morning — Drive the 'Road of 400 Bends' into the heart of Cirque de Cilaos, surrounded by the island's highest peaks.
Afternoon — Drive to Cilaos village. Explore the narrow streets, visit the 'Maison de la Broderie' (embroidery house), and taste the local Cilaos lentils and wine.
Evening — Relax at a mountain lodge and enjoy a hearty 'Rougail Saucisse' near the fireplace.
💡 The drive to Cilaos is spectacular but curvy; take it slow and use the pull-outs for photos.
Day 4 · Hiking the Heart of the Cirque
Morning — Early morning hike to the 'Bras Rouge' waterfall, enjoying the crisp mountain air and volcanic scenery.
Afternoon — Hike to 'La Chapelle,' a massive rock formation and canyon with a hidden swimming hole (approx. 3-4 hours round trip).
Evening — Unwind at the sensory thermal baths at 'Etablissement Thermal de Cilaos' to soothe hiking muscles.
💡 Pack a waterproof bag for the La Chapelle hike as you may need to wade through water.
Day 5 · The Wild South and Lava Fields
Morning — Drive back down to the coast and head south toward the 'Sud Sauvage' (Wild South). Stop at Grande Anse for its stunning palm-fringed beach.
Afternoon — Drive the 'Route des Laves' (Lava Route) on the east coast to see the massive solidified lava flows from 2007 that reached the sea.
Evening — Check into a guesthouse in the lush, green region of Plaine des Cafres, the gateway to the volcano.
💡 Stop at the church 'Notre-Dame-des-Laves' which was miraculously spared by a lava flow.
Day 6 · Volcanic Moonscapes
Morning — Drive to the Pas de Bellecombe for a moonscape view of the Piton de la Fournaise. Hike to the 'Formica Leo' crater or the main crater rim.
Afternoon — Visit the 'Cité du Volcan' museum in Bourg-Murat to learn about the island's geological formation.
Evening — Final island dinner at a local 'table d'hôte' for an authentic family-style Creole meal.
💡 The volcano is one of the world's most active; check local alerts before attempting the main crater hike.
Day 7 · Vanilla and Waterfalls
Morning — Drive toward the north-east. Stop at the 'Cascade de Grand Galet' (Langevin Falls) for one last iconic waterfall photo.
Afternoon — Visit a vanilla plantation in Saint-André to see how Bourbon Vanilla is grown and processed before heading to the airport.
Evening — Drop off rental car at Roland Garros Airport for your evening flight.
💡 Buy your vanilla and spices today; they are much cheaper at plantations than at the airport.