Things to see and do East

Created in 1968, the island's only vanilla cooperative buys, collects and processes the green vanilla grown in the forests of the island's east and southeast, by the hundred or so producers it groups together, supervises and trains. Through gardens, workshops and enthusiastic guides, the guided tour allows you to learn more about the history of vanilla, and discover the different stages of ripening, processing and pollination of this famous "black gold". The boutique offers a wide selection of vanilla beans and related products, as well as a delicious vanilla coffee.

This steaming steel monster, which never sleeps in the middle of the sugar cane fields, is one of the last two sugar factories on Réunion Island. It adjoins the Savanna distillery, allowing visitors to combine a sugar factory and a distillery in a single visit (from July to December). An industrial universe that impresses both by its sheer size and by the detail of its production processes. By reservation only, this interesting and animated journey through Réunion's sugar odyssey begins at the Tafia & Galabé boutique (please note the clothing restrictions detailed on the web page). After a few explanations on the history of the Bois Rouge site, you'll be transported along the cane journey (crushing, juice extraction, syrup making, purification, crystallization), and it's a real spectacle of sounds, lights and smells, made even more impressive at sunset with the last departure at 6pm. In the second part of the tour, a visit to the distillery will introduce you to the meticulous production of great rums, from fermentation processes to the mysteries of ageing, right in the Savanna Distillery cellar. Finally, a rum tasting will help you identify the production processes and flavors discovered during the tour, not to mention various local pure cane artisanal products (sugars, syrups and jams). The boutique is also a great place to shop, with expert advice on the products on offer.

Remarkable sites, classified as natural sites, these basins with their waterfalls and basaltic organ walls are worth a detour. The basin la Paix, very well signposted to the car park, is on the right (contrary to what the sign indicates). Steps carve the steep descent. Straight to the car park, the Bassin la Mer is wilder. Be careful, since March 2018, it is forbidden to swim in the Bassin la Paix, due to numerous accidents (hydrocutions, currents...).

The only high altitude lake of volcanic origin in Reunion Island, the tour of Grand-Étang is a very nice family walk, with multiple ferns and the majestic waterfalls of Bras d'Annette. To get there, follow the RN3 towards Saint-Pierre for 10 kilometres, and, near the Payet bridge, branch off on the road to Grand-Étang. You will reach the lake in half an hour's walk. You can then go around on foot or on horseback (there is a very good horse farm nearby) in about 1 hour. It is beautiful, quiet and green. A call to meditation.

Originally the name of a tree, Takamaka is an exceptional site, a tropical paradise, with steep mountains and waterfalls, Jurassic Park style. It holds records with more than 6 m of rain per year. A viewpoint is accessible at the end of the beautiful D53. To do so, follow Bourbier, the first exit of the four-lane road leaving Saint-Benoît from the north. The dam, built in 1969, supplied the island with 100% renewable energy. Today, it is only 30%. Go very early and only in good weather. There are opportunities for sports hikes.

During the terrible volcanic eruption of 1977, when dozens of houses in the village of Sainte-Rose were destroyed by lava, this church was miraculously spared. The lava flow surrounded the church, but never penetrated inside. Built in 1927, L'Enfant-Jésus-de-Prague church was renamed Notre-Dame-des-Laves. In front of it, a statue, La Métisse, created by local artists, symbolizes the suffering endured by the inhabitants at the time.

This permanent exhibition, which can be visited in 20 minutes, offers explanations of the historic volcanic flow of 1977. Beautiful photos and poetic texts are accompanied by newspaper articles from the time, tracing the beginnings of the event back to the wakes of the frozen lava. Testimonials, vibrant with fraternity, reveal the impulse of generosity of the Reunionese people to help the wounded inhabitants. An 8-minute film is also proposed.

Built in 1857, the church of Sainte-Anne, with its original colours, is unique. Baroque in style, it is decorated with mouldings (some carved with a knife) and cement gargoyles. Inside, the Sainte-Thérèse chapel and its angelic sky blue vault is worth a stop. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1982. The scene of the wedding with Catherine Deneuve and Jean-Paul Belmondo in La Sirène du Mississipi, a film by François Truffaut, was even filmed in this church. The tourist office next door offers guided tours.

This is the story of a family that has been growing vanilla for 4 generations. In the 1850s, Reunion Island was the cradle of vanilla development, but this tradition is disappearing. So in three quarters of an hour, you can discover all the stages: from the planting of the orchid plant to the sale, through the harvesting and packing of the beans in the workshop. At the end, you will be able to buy this famous black gold and why not learn how to plant it at home.

A true enthusiast, Maryse Mounier will introduce you to her primary forest, with its many endemic species, on which she has grown more than 5,000 vanilla lianas over 4 hectares. Not a building or a machine on the premises, here everything is natural and artisanal, in a listed area. Many explanations are given: planting, fertilization, processing and the main varieties of vanilla trees. Walking shoes recommended. Production offered for sale.

This must-see stop on the Route de l'Est is well worth a few minutes' detour. The 152-meter-long suspension bridge spanning the Rivière de l'Est was the longest in the world when it was delivered in 1894. Classified as a historical monument in 2028, it has been undergoing major restoration work since 2021, in order to make it once again (and exclusively) accessible to pedestrians. The reopening of this suspension bridge, also known as the "Pont des Anglais", is scheduled for the end of 2023.

The last primary forest of Saint-André, it is a world of olive wood, tan-red and jamerosa that is offered to you on this trail. In this twelve thousand year old forest, you will discover species unique in the world: ironwood, takamaka and parrot trees. After a 45-minute walk, you will have a magnificent view of Salazie. An interesting picnic area, that of P'tit Trou, close to an Indian chapel. A very nice walk, difficult in the rainy season, because of the soggy path! The loop is done in 2 hours.

Nestled in the hollow of the rocks, a splendid freshwater basin. Its fresh water, of exceptional transparency, makes it one of the best swimming spots in the East. Be careful however not to go there in case of heavy rains or when the sky is dark in the Hauts: a flash flood can occur. It is reached by a road just after the church on the left, in the direction of Sainte-Rose, at the level of the invert. On the old coastal road, you can admire some very pretty huts and nibble on some festivities at the bar-trucks.

Come and discover a place out of time, full of history, and bathe in the clear waters of the Rivière des Marsouins. Built in the 18th century, the islet served as a refuge for families facing the invasions of the forbans. Mrs Delisle, the governor's wife, had a workroom built there for young destitute girls, as well as a chapel. Snaking between ferns and bamboos for 20 minutes, the trail offers beautiful views of the river. The descent is a Way of the Cross, with a Saint-Expedit chapel halfway down.

The walls of the temple are decorated with mythological characters. On the right, Mourouga, represented by a fawn, embodies beauty, youth and strength. On the left, his brother Ganesh, god of intelligence and knowledge, with the head of an elephant. The temple is dedicated to Pandiale, goddess of fire. Behind, another temple, dedicated to Kali, who represents strength, evil and good. Remember to take off your shoes at the threshold of the temples, as well as all your leather objects, as they are considered impure.

This large park where Creole families come to picnic is a great success. With its lawns, fountains, handicraft stores, snack bars, ice-cream parlors and pond, it's the ideal place to relax. The plan is to turn it into a real regional center of attraction, with a hotel, restaurants (Dailly's Burger, Ti Van, Davy Pizza, Ô Bistrot du Colosse...), stalls, a variety of activities (including giant zumbas led by state-certified coach Rodérick) and water sports (waterski lift, wakeboard, wakeskate...).

A stone's throw from the church of Sainte-Anne, this tourist office is very dynamic and welcoming. The office is full of ideas and suggestions to help you discover Saint-Benoît and its surroundings. After having listened to you, the reception staff will be happy to make reservations for you. Documentation is also available on request. Finally, a craft shop offers mother-of-pearl, pearl or wood jewellery, recipe books and various dishes..

The waterfront stretching from Beau-Rivage to Champ-Borne is a pleasant walking area, with a few restaurants and the opportunity to take a quick look at the old church. The more courageous will push the walk to Bras-Panon, through cane fields and take a bus to find their vehicle at Saint-André. Then count on 2 hours of quiet walking. Stay vigilant during hurricane season, as this route is often at the forefront of bad weather.

An impressive waterfall during the rainy season. It can be reached via the D59 between Saint-André and Bras-Panon. The access is well indicated, contrary to the viewpoint which is not. Stop on the right side of the road, at the level of the railing. At the end of the forest road, you can also go up to the Eden by a path which offers a beautiful view. Another possibility : from Bras Panon, go to Caroline by Liberia. A longer and sometimes muddy loop reaches the lookout of the dog waterfall, via the Eden trail.

This path allows you to discover three different plant formations: an old tea plantation, the primary forest and an area damaged by plant pests. Beautiful views of Bras-Panon and Saint-André.