An trip into volcanic territory

on the eastern Museums and Gardens Route

The East

It’s in the east of Réunion that nature has some of the best stories to tell, all along the Museums and Gardens Route. Here, in the Land of Eden, nestled between sea and mountains, verdant landscapes sculpted century after century by the elements and breathtaking volcanic panoramas reign supreme. And the star of the story is the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world!

From the discovery of local traditions, such as the ‘changement d’air’ (change of scenery), to a refreshing stroll in the heights, let yourself be guided by the living memory of the inhabitants of eastern Réunion.

The Museum and Garden Route itinerary

in the East of Reunion

A flurry of discoveries

Take the fascinating Route des Laves and head for Sainte-Rose for an unforgettable adventure! There, it’s time to take a break to discover the history of the famous volcanic flow of 1977, through a free exhibition explaining everything about the event. That year, lava flows from the Piton de la Fournaise emerged from its natural enclosure, tumbling down its slopes to the coast. Residents had no choice but to urgently evacuate their homes. A slice of Réunion’s history that you can still see today when you visit the Notre Dame des Laves Church, which still bears the marks of this eruption.

A bridge between heaven and earth

To get a little closer to the clouds, head for the suspension bridge over the Rivière de l’Est between Sainte-Rose and Sainte-Anne. From the walkway under the bridge, admire an extraordinary ballet: the dance of the white-tailed tropicbirds*!

*The white-tailed tropicbird is an emblematic bird of Réunion.

Découvrir le pont suspendu de la rivière de l'EST

Hit the trails in Salazie

If your latest volcanic discoveries have sent your senses into a frenzy, take a deep breath of fresh air in one of Réunion’s cirques: welcome to Salazie ! This cirque is the greenest, with its many waterfalls (including the sublime Voile de la Mariée!) and its islets, each with their own unique character. On the slopes of the cirque lies the village of Hell-Bourg, the only one in overseas France to be classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France! This is your chance to take a trip back in time, through the doors of the famous Maison Folio. The unique architecture of the village’s Creole huts and the period artefacts take your hand for a great leap back in time in 3, 2, 1 …

This is also an opportunity to explore the Creole huts tour. A must-see !

Dive in

To relax in Salazie, head to the old thermal baths with their gentle atmosphere. Just imagine taking a leisurely stroll through the ruins … It’s the perfect way to relax and let your imagination run free!

Plaine des Palmistes: history, fresh air and creativity

Continue your journey towards Plaine des Palmistes, where the fresh air of Réunion’s highlands invites you to enjoy a moment of pure relaxation! At the Domaine des Tourelles, immerse yourself in local history with a free audio guide. This unique venue reveals the history of La Plaine and the authenticity of this 20th-century estate, with a few touches of old-world charm!

The journey continues in the Domaine’s craft village! Watch local artisans at work in their workshops. Unique, handmade objects such as sculptures and ceramics come to life before your very eyes, imbued with the soul of Réunion. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself to a typical Creole souvenir!

Domaine des tourelles

site artisanal

At one with nature on the island of Réunion

Just a stone’s throw from the Plaine des Palmistes craft village, push open the doors of the Maison du Parc! With its fun, original and interactive scenography, it invites you to explore Réunion’s natural treasures between the Pitons, cirques and remparts (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

After this immersion in history and geology, take a tour of the nearby botanical garden. Here, you can discover the island’s endemic species. An easy-to-reach spot for a nature break, where Réunion’s flora and fauna reveal themselves.

To extend your discoveries in eastern Réunion

To find out more about volcanism in Réunion, head to ECLAT (the Citizen Books and Arts Space for All) in Sainte-Rose! This exhibition room reveals the secrets of volcanic life under the ocean. Touch and admire the different shapes of volcanic rock and be amazed by these natural treasures, sculpted by the depths.

In Saint-André, head for the ‘Dan’ tan lontan’ Museum … For a real leap back in time! Here, you’ll find out all about the evolution of everyday objects: dial telephones, corn mills, ‘grègue’ coffee makers and more. A host of little treasures that will take you back in time in the blink of an eye.

And no trip to the east would be complete without discovering the island’s ‘black gold’! As the birthplace of vanilla, the east of the island – and Bras-Panon in particular – is home to the Coopérative Pro Vanille, which brings together a number of local producers. And near Saint-André, discover the Roulof family plantation, which has been passing down its unique expertise for over a century. Let us take you on a sensory journey to the heart of vanilla, Réunion’s most precious aroma!