Things to see and do South

Also known as the fishermen's quarter, Terre Sainte is a small village in the heart of the city, an authentic place with a unique atmosphere. It's a good place to stroll along the pleasant waterfront, where you can see old Creole huts, lontan shops, huge banyan trees, as well as the works of local street artists such as Jace (the father of the famous Gouzou). Don't hesitate to get lost in its small streets or to put your towel on the peaceful white sandy cove.

Situated at the entrance of the village, there is a good chance that you will take a picture of this pretty Creole hut and its flowery garden. It is also for the very professional advice and the warm welcome that we advise you to stop there. In addition to the traditional missions of booking accommodation and restaurants, the office guides visitors on walks in the village and the Dimitile paths. Guided tours are also available.

This tourist office covers several communes in the south of the island, from Étang-Salé to Saint-Philippe up to Le Tampon and Cilaos. Reservation of mountain gîtes and Clévacances rentals, organization of guided tours on the cultural and religious heritage of Saint-Pierre (to be booked in advance), many ideas for activities (hiking, diving, microlight, helicopter flights...). Valuable tips for outings, too, on the well-stocked website.

Europe's largest cane sugar production unit, it produces 40 tonnes of sugar per hour, meaning that a semi-trailer loaded with sugar leaves the plant every half-hour, while a truck overflowing with sugar cane enters the plant every 4 minutes! The white smoke is not coming from the sugar factory itself, but from the adjoining power plant. It uses the sugar mill's bagasse to produce energy. A visit to the factory is a fascinating experience, with a tour that will stimulate all five senses.

Mare Longue is a primary rainforest of exceptional botanical richness. Decimated by two centuries of intensive deforestation, miraculously rescued by major conservation efforts, today less than 7% of this original tropical rainforest remains, located mainly in Saint-Philippe. Thérésien Cadet (1937-1987), a professor at the University of La Réunion, was the driving force behind this awareness. In the 1970s, his passion and commitment to the in-depth study of the plant species that make up the Mare Longue forest drew the attention of its managers to the need to preserve this "jewel of Reunion's natural heritage". A stele pays tribute to him at the start of a trail that takes around 1h30 to complete. This is one of Réunion's most beautiful botanical trails, in what is the island's first biological reserve.

Hiking. Take a stroll through the vegetation that has replaced the La Fournaise flows. There are two routes to the botanical trails, signposted on the left of the N2. The first, signposted at the Baril exit, follows a path that joins forest road 4, which leads to the trailhead. The second takes the RF4 directly to the trailhead. On this walk, you'll discover the forest's coloured woods, grand natte, benzoin, cinnamon tree, red-barked rampart wood, candle wood, vanilla stakes and other rare pearls. A leisurely stroll that doesn't tire you out.

The aim of this park, which will open in June 2021 and cover 4 hectares, is to care for the animals collected, but also to help the public discover these little-known species by raising awareness of their preservation, with, for example, fun workshops for children on Wednesday mornings. Parakeets, parrots, iguanas, turtles, farm animals, ostriches and birds of prey can be seen there. The discovery is based on an educational tour and animations and shows twice a day, during which you can get closer to the animals.

At the corner of rue Luc-Lorion and the waterfront, west of the city, this cemetery is visited especially for the tomb of the famous Sitarane who fascinates the curious. But you can also go and have a look at the sumptuous Chinese tombs, or the rich mausoleums of the great Reunionese families. Muslims are buried in a small, more sober cemetery, in the shade of the frangipani trees, on the other side of rue Lorion. This is a walk that says a lot about the relationship each of these religions has with death.

This easy 1.3 km walk is registered on the NFB's list of Marmailles trails. The loop features explanatory panels on the fauna and flora. Here, the forest is generous: coloured woods, fanjans (tree ferns) and 70 other listed species will be discovered. There are even hundred-year-old affouches (huge and tortuous trees)! The loop is quickly closed and one comes out of it educated. It is better to park on the car parks of the plane tree area.

Created in 2002 by a Mafatais, Mafate Hélicoptères offers different tours and tourist flights à la carte, over the natural wonders of Reunion Island, as well as combined and original experiences from 5 people: heli-Rando (from 7am to 3pm) with a Pei guide, a 4 x 4, an authentic meal in a gite, then a helicopter return in the middle of the steep mountains of the Mafate cirque; Heli-Cari (from 10am to 3pm), a round trip in the Bras de la Plaine gorges, with a Pei meal in a gite and a swim; or Heli-Wedding.

At number 4, a beautiful Creole hut with a tamarind shingle roof. At number 28, the Saint-Charles private college occupies a traditional residence. At number 32, another pretty hut. You will have understood, there are many of them in this street, where rich planters had settled. At 46, a Chinese temple is dedicated to Gwan Di, a warrior god and symbol of fidelity. Finally, at the corner of rue Barquisseau, the Maison Adam de Villiers, dating from 1760, is listed as a Historic Monument.

The parish church of Saint-Pierre, built at the time of the Compagnie des Indes, is one of the oldest buildings on the island, and was completed in 1765 with the addition of two side naves, two turrets and a peristyle. It was completed in 1765 and two side naves, two turrets and a peristyle were added. The façade has four Doric-inspired columns that support a pediment in the centre of which are the keys of St. Peter. This decoration is completed by two statues: the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It has been registered in the inventory of historical monuments since 1998.

Opened at the end of 2018, this 1.5-hectare garden adjoins CAHEB (Coopérative agricole des Huiles essentielles de Bourbon), which already had a small garden demonstrating the plants used in essential oil production. Reunion's medicinal plants are featured here, including bois de joli coeur, ayapana and bois d'arnette, endemic to the island and included in the French pharmacopoeia since 2012. Hundreds of species to discover, just a stone's throw from the town center.

A magnificent symbol of the Muslim faith, with its elegant minaret that rises 33 m above the city centre, this mosque, with its Eastern charms through its Indo-Pakistani architecture, was built in 1975 and inaugurated in October 2002. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Muslims of Saint-Louis working all over the island could only meet on Fridays for congregational prayer, which they practiced in a room located at the current address of Photo Lux, opposite the mosque. Its name "Mubarak" means "who is blessed"

Built in the middle of the 19th century, this beautiful church, located opposite the town hall, was a symbol of the prosperity of the early years of the Second Empire. Today it is the largest and most vast religious building in Reunion Island. It is even one of the three largest churches (and not cathedrals) in the world with its 25 m high and its 1,000 m² surface area. For the record, the other two largest churches are in Saint-Louis of Senegal and Saint Louis of Missouri in the United States. In 1982, it was listed as a historical monument.

Very easy access, the white sand beach of Saint-Pierre and its transparent water invite you to meet the small fishes of the lagoon. Equipped with public showers and an MNS station, it allows children to splash about safely, as long as they stay in the delimited square. A privileged place for sunbathing and swimming in summer, it is often visited by locals in the early morning before going to work! At the end of the day, take advantage of the nearby snack bars to take a few samoussas and enjoy the sumptuous sunset over the sea.

This temple is probably one of the most beautiful on the island. It was elected third "favorite monument of the French" in 2020. Built in the 19th century by indentured servicemen who had been shipwrecked on the shores of Saint-Pierre, it was built in the Indian tradition. The fire marches, always impressive, take place in December and January, but you should check the Tamil lunar calendar for more information. One can attend, but in all discretion.

A vestige of a bygone era, this well, architecturally similar to those that were once dug in Arabia, has long supported the thesis that the Arabs knew and conquered the island as early as the 8th or 9th century, the thesis of a poorly informed Egyptologist. More recent studies have proved that the well was commissioned by the colonial administration in the 19th century. A lot of noise for a simple square excavation, whose 42 steps carved in lava, go down to the water table. The source was dried up in 1986, following an eruption.

This is the main shopping street, which crosses Saint-Pierre from East to west. The Chinese specialize in food, the Zarabes in the tissues. The traditional metal houses, still numerous, have a wrought iron balcony overlooking the street and give a little shadow to passers-by. The Indian temple, not far from the Saturday morning market, is waiting for a lesson in spirituality. You will also see, stuck between two stores, one of the entrances of the city mosque, with its door worked in the way Zanzibar.

The cultural service organizes guided tours in and around the city from 1 hour to half a day. We discover the covered market, the mosque, the Hindu culture, the big Creole villas... Torchlight lectures on the beach allow you to meet pirates and illustrious characters of the island. The schedule is variable. With affordable rates and guides approved by the Ministry of Culture, here's something to learn for cheap!

This pond offers picnickers banks planted with badamiers, neems and eucalyptus trees. At least on the sea side, where its shore is welcoming with its gently sloping lawns; the part on the plain side, on the other hand, is covered with swamps, with the proliferation of salads and water hyacinths nourished by the fertilizers that flow into it. A nature and bird reserve, the site is placed under the protection of the Conservatoire national du littoral. It is one of the few places where you may see the Bourbon Egret, an endangered endemic bird.

Just above the old lime kiln, a small Creole hut nestled in a magnificent setting. In this tourist office, you will find the sweetness of the South, the scents of spices and a warm welcome. It contributes to sustainable and solidarity development by involving the local population to guarantee more authenticity. The team takes great care of you: you feel listened to and you leave with good advice. Handicrafts and souvenirs are offered for sale.

Despite (or because of) its dilapidation, this old cane factory deserves to be moved. The walls have been torn open to reveal the huge machines used to crush, chop and clarify the cane and its juice. A mysterious, ghostly atmosphere when the light pierces the ceiling to illuminate moments, poetic or sinister, from another time. No visit of the factory is planned, no security is assured. To see one in operation, visit the Gol plant in Saint-Louis.

On the waterfront is a pagoda dedicated to Guan Yin, Goddess of Mercy (or the Lady of Childbirth) and founded by a certain Mr. Chan Fung Ting. He had a dream that his pagoda would be built on land irrigated by a spring of water flowing towards the sea: in Chinese tradition, orientation towards the mountains brings fertility, and towards the sea, prosperity. Built in 1955, the pagoda houses a community of nuns and is not open to the public.

To discover Reunion in a different way and especially if you have little time to stay, here are some 4x4 excursions for the day. On the program, several possible circuits: volcano/South, volcano, wild South, Entre-Deux/Cilaos, Salazie or Dimitile. At 7am, the 4 x 4 arrives at your hotel and it's off for a day of adventure, mixing nature and culture. In collaboration with Villages Créoles, a circuit "On the traces of the marronnage" has been designed, with meals at the inhabitant's house : to discover the first maroon settlements.

Easy to find, close to the beach, this tourist office offers an abundance of documentation. Another advantage: it is easy to park next door. The person on the spot can help you book gîtes, inform you about tourist sites, accommodation, restaurants, leisure activities and all the good ideas for your stay in the South, between sea and forest. You will also find a craft shop.

Built in 1732, it is the oldest known Christian building on the island. Rivière-Saint-Louis has long been the cradle of wood craftsmanship, thanks in particular to Father Delaporte, who trained in cabinet-making and basalt carving, as evidenced by the chapel's neo-Gothic-inspired liturgical furnishings. Particularly noteworthy are the choir, pulpit, nave and gallery. Listed as a historic monument since 1988, the chapel is perfectly preserved.

A beautiful garden of 7,000^m2, rich in about thirty endemic species, such as the takamaka, benzoins or the big mat. There is even a century-old letchi. Let yourself be transported by this tropical vegetation by reading a good novel or by drawing the trees or other plants. The shady spot also attracts the picnickers of the village. For more information, you can ask to be accompanied by a guide from the tourist office. It is necessary to call a few days in advance to find out his availability.

Saint-Philippe is one of the favourite territories for vacoa. Here, we exhibit and sell bertelles (traditional backpacks made of woven vacoa leaves), bags, vanities, briefcases.... After selecting the leaves of the vacoa, removing the thorns, splitting them into thin strips, the leaves are dried for 2 to 3 days. Then the craftswomen moisten them and soften them with a knife so that weaving can begin. Demonstration and initiation on request.

With over thirty-five years' experience, Helilagon is Réunion's historic airline. Over the years, it has established itself as a key player in Reunion's economic and tourist landscape, operating in three business sectors: tourist flights, aerial work and medical transport. Its priority: to make your flight a unique and safe experience, by offering you the most beautiful views of the Reunion landscape. Sightseeing tours, heli-excursions by the day (heli-cari, heli-rando, heli-resto, heli-4 x 4, heli-golf), airport transfer flights, private flights on request. Authentic and dazzling, the panoramic flight over the island, commented by the pilot in French/English, offers a unique and incomparable interlude. Discovering Réunion's emblematic natural sites from the air is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. To ensure that customers have a clear view of the sites overflown, the company carries out a weather check 15 minutes before the departure of each flight, and offers great flexibility with the possibility of postponement in the event of unfavorable conditions. Helilagon has the largest fleet on the island, and is the only company to operate from three bases (north, west and south). Its main base is located on a unique 4-hectare site in the middle of the savannah at L'Éperon, overlooking the bay of Saint-Paul, and its two secondary bases are at the airports of Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. Free shuttle service in the west.

Guy Payet has been flying over the island for more than fifteen years and has concocted eight tourist circuits departing from Pierrefonds airport. On the program, two 15-minute flights: "le survol des lagons" and "Cilaos"; two 25-minute flights: "le piton de la Fournaise" and "les deux cirques" (Mafate and Cilaos returning by the lagoon). In 45 minutes "le complet" flies over the three cirques, the Trou de Fer, the Bélouve forest, the volcano and the lagoon. It is undeniably a must! Finally, the 55-minute "le grandiose" for a complete tour of the island.

Symbolically inaugurated on December 20, 2010, the anniversary of the abolition of slavery, the Ecomusée du Tévelave houses numerous utensils from Lontan Reunion Island collected by the passionate collector Dany Lepinay. Carpenters' tools, irons from the colonial period, mini stills, perfume flasks or toilet utensils... the whole social history of the 20th century in the Hauts region is open to you and reminds you that it is not so far away. Each object is carefully highlighted and illuminated by historical explanations.

It's the waterfront of St. Peter's. It passes in front of the beach, the port, the old train station and heads towards Terre-Sainte. Ideal for a stroll. For children, water games and a trail between century-old trees to let off steam. Feeling a little peckish? Many snack bars are open day and night. One of them is the Guan Yin pagoda. Further up, in the rue Désiré-Barquisseau, a Creole hut from the 1950s is worth the detour: the Maison Orré, the official residence of the TAAF prefect. At number 69, the Sainte-Thérèse chapel exudes an air of Louisiana.

Inaugurated in 2010 and enlarged in 2015, this immense park is home to thousands of palm trees. It's the ideal place to get together with the family at the weekend, for a jog at the end of the day, or simply to stroll and admire the palm trees, which are certainly young, but already huge. The maintenance of the park is irreproachable, and the equipment is original: have fun finding the bench in the shape of a palm leaf, which is... palm tree! Each tree is decorated with a sign explaining the name and origin of the palm tree. More than 3,000 different species!

The botanical park is a jewel to be discovered in the heights of Saint-Joseph. Former crossroads of the great perfume plant distilleries, the park is a place steeped in history, where Valmyr and Marie-Jo pass on their passion: aromatic and medicinal plants. Let us guide you through the educational greenhouses, before tasting herbal teas with multiple virtues. Various workshops on the transformation of plants are offered. A boutique also opens its doors.

Unknown to tourists and even Reunionese, the charming little black sand beach of Ti'Sable, will be perfect for a picnic, take some pictures, relax... but not for swimming, which is far too dangerous here. In the form of a cove surrounded by cliffs of volcanic rocks, the place is bewitching. At the western entrance of Saint-Joseph, turn right towards the sea at the Quick roundabout. Park next to the skate park, the beach is about 200 m away. A pleasant coastal path has been laid out and leads to the cemetery.

This very accessible lava tunnel is not signposted at all. You can find it on the Internet or with a good map. By the light of a headlamp, you can explore both sides of the tunnel dating back to 1800... for a few meters, without danger, at a height of 2 m. To go any further, you'll need a helmet, a good lamp, hiking boots and a K-way... the tunnel is over a kilometer long! If you'd like to discover other tunnels, call in specialized service providers.

Located just before the famous Grand Galet waterfall, on the road along the Langevin River, the Trou Noir waterfall is less impressive, but it is worth a visit. It has the advantage of being less frequented. To reach it, park just after the hamlet of Grand Défriché. The start of the path is just after the bridge on the right. After only a few minutes of walking, you will reach this magnificent waterfall immersed in a luxuriant setting with its refreshing crystal-clear swimming pool.

Prior to 2007, the rocky coast here was directly battered by the waves. It formed a bay used as a fishing port. Since the eruption of the century, this 300-metre strip of very fine black sand, mixed with olivine crushed by the sea, shimmers in the sun as if it contained gold flakes. A steep and stony path descends along the rampart to reach the beach. If it is too dangerous for swimming, this beach, the last born in Reunion Island, is worth the trip for the spectacle of the end of the world that it offers.

This garden, named after Vanda, the famous tropical orchid that grows on Reunion Island, is sure to please all orchid enthusiasts! From planting to caring for different species from all over the world (nearly 400 to discover here!), owner Michel has dedicated 500 m² to his passion for sharing his knowledge of tropical orchids with you. With a guided tour and photographs, you'll be able to wander freely through the magnificent colors these flowers develop. And if you fancy one, Michel has set up a small nursery just outside the garden.

It is one of Reunion's architectural masterpieces inspired by neoclassism. Built in 1820 by Laurent Philippe Robin, pharmacist, then owner of a sugar factory in the Ravine Blanche, this house owes its name to the Motais family of Narbonne, owner of the site from 1911 to 1980, the year it was bought by the department which installed the offices of the sub-prefecture. It is registered in the supplementary inventory of historical monuments since 1989.

Le Dimitile offers splendid panoramic views of the cirque de Cilaos. It is also a place steeped in history, marked by the fate of the former slaves, the "marrons", forced to work on the plantations around Le Dimitile. Fleeing oppression, they found refuge on the steep slopes of this massif. In their memory, a brown camp was reconstituted on the summit in 1998. A series of sculptures depicting some of the legendary maroon slaves can be seen there, including Chief Dimitile, known as "the elusive one", who gave his name to the site.

Les Aventuriers invites you to discover the town of Saint-Pierre on your own, thanks to a family treasure hunt. Guided by a map of the city and oeil de Papangue's riddles of observation and reflection, become the explorers of the "bay of the best anchorage" for a morning. The activity unfolds at your own pace; you'll discover old Saint-Pierre through more than ten stages highlighting the town's history, legends and anecdotes. An original, enjoyable and fun way to explore Réunion Island.

The unique character of the village of Entre-Deux deserves a guided tour to find out a little more about it. In collaboration with the Tourist Office, Johnny proposes visits to discover the flora of this "Village fleuri", its Creole huts, its relief and its history, intimately linked to the maroon. You will have the privilege of entering a private courtyard to discover the art of the Creole garden and the old way of life of the people of the Hauts. The visit ends under the varangue, with a tasting of herbal teas, cakes and pei honey.

Esprit Randonnée's aim is to help you travel "with your feet and your heart". Whether you're on your own, with family, friends or as a couple, on vacation, on a weekend break, looking for a retreat or a break from the daily grind, Amandine and Manal will put together a program tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for a one-day hike or a multi-day, itinerant or star trek, you'll discover the trails and landscapes of Reunion gently. Amandine also organizes scientific hikes to learn more about Réunion's endemic birds. Enough to awaken the scientist in you!

This temple dedicated to the warrior turned god, Guan Di, is the largest Chinese temple in the Indian Ocean. Its majestic pagoda stands on the heights of the Holy Land. It was built in the purest Chinese tradition by workers who came specially from the provinces of China and according to the principles of feng shui: facing the sea. In addition to the free guided tours on Saturdays, you may have the chance to witness the magnificent lion dance during the Lantern Festival which closes the cycle of Chinese New Year festivities.

Reunion's Lava Tunnels, located in Le Tampon, offer visitors a unique experience. Kokapat Rando offers hiking tours through these fascinating tunnels. The Kokapat Rando team is made up of qualified mountain guides and speleologists with a passion for volcanology. The blue lava tunnels are particularly popular and can be visited on outings organized by the agency. In addition to the lava tunnels, Kokapat Rando also offers hikes on the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and multi-day trekking tours. The agency has professional liability insurance to ensure the safety of participants.