Things to see and do East

True Ali Baba's cave, this small museum retraces through objects of daily life, the Creole life of yesteryear, from slavery to the present day: period radios, irons, telephones, clocks, sewing machines... Some of these witnesses of the evolution of our lifestyles are more than two centuries old. The place is a bit absurd, but you can easily spend two or even three hours there in the company of the owner, Claude Govindin, a friendly Creole with a white moustache. A passionate collector.

A superb Creole villa built in 1925, now restored and listed as a historic monument, houses the tourist office. Activities, accommodation, restaurants, transport, road and trail information... it's packed with advice and ideas to help you discover this beautiful part of the island! The office also helps to promote tourism in the region, and organizes exhibitions and cultural events such as Dipavali. Other branches are open to the public in Sainte-Anne (Saint-Benoît), Bras-Panon, Salazie and La Plaine-des-Palmistes.

Taking its source in the departmental forest of Piton Papangue, the Rivière des Roches passes through several basins, including the famous Peace and Sea basins, before joining the ocean. If the Rivière du Mât, which is a little stirred up, is intended for rafting, the Rivière des Roches is suitable for kayaking and water hiking. Several service providers offer white-water activities. For the less sporty or more contemplative, go to the mouth of the river, from October to December, to observe traditional fishing of the bichiques.

In an idyllic setting, the port of Sainte-Rose is a restful stopover. This fishing port is also the only one, along with Saint-Pierre and Le Port, that can accommodate sailing boats. On Sundays, many picnickers gather with their families. The site is also renowned for scuba diving. You will be able to discover the Corbet monument, made of basalt cut stone, a historical monument erected in memory of the British captain who attacked Sainte-Rose in 1809, as well as the fresco designed by Jace on the facade of the hydroelectric power station.

Built in 1840, the parish church of Saint-Benoît is in the neoclassical style, with a pure and symmetrical architecture. The massive aspect is reinforced by the visible stone and by the pairs of pilasters and columns. Its nave is supported by twelve basalt pillars in reference to the twelve apostles. Marble fonts have been preserved in the vestibule. Its stained glass windows made in 1960 in Nancy are remarkable. The church and the fountain on the square are worth a look. They are both listed as historical monuments.

Founded in 1886, the Distillerie Rivière du Mât, a pioneer in sustainable development, is one of the oldest distilleries still in operation on Réunion Island. The guided tour, which lasts between 1h and 1h30, takes visitors through a variety of workshops, introducing them to the making and secrets of the island's great rums. Free tastings of La Cave à Rhums' finest medal-winning vintages, and the opportunity to purchase the full range directly from the La Cave à Rhums website boutique.

Here's a 40,000 m² garden that lives up to its name! From spices to flowers, the different varieties of bananas and the history of vanilla... Put on your sneakers! For almost 1h30, Mr Aniel tells you the origins of the trees and fruits emblematic of Reunion Island, through his enchanted garden! This "agrotouristic" tour ends with a tasting. Small kiosks are also available for picnics.

La Vanille des Laves is a shop that complements the Cooperative of Bras-Panon, but which promotes vanilla in its natural environment: the volcano. Its emblem Ti Gouss takes you to discover the vanilla plantations and take part in the different stages of production. An enriching experience with guided tours on the history of the village, agroforestry and the profession of vanilla producer. This know-how has been recognized and valued by winning the gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2019.

Also known as the coastal path, this trail links the port of Sainte-Rose to Anse des Cascades, via the 1977 lava flow. Here, you follow the wild coastline lined with vacoas, where the ocean meets the volcanic rock. The trail can be walked in either direction, in part or in its entirety. Total walking time is around 6-8 hours round trip. From la Marine to Ravine Glissante: 45 minutes. From Ravine Glissante to the 1977 flow: 1h45. From la coulée de 1977 to l'anse des Cascades: 1h45.