Intensely revitalising

A relaxing escape

Inland, the island’s greenery is particularly lush and the temperatures more clement. There are plenty of ways to unwind here. A nature walk or a visit to the island’s beautiful fragrant gardens will delight nature lovers.

Far from the daily grind, these precious moments are a joy to experience. A multitude of hiking trails can be explored by the whole family. They offer a great way of becoming familiar with the island’s phenomenal biodiversity. Take to the trails to discover the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, the plains, Bébour-Bélouve, Takamaka and the Wild South. Explore woodlands, primal forest, botany trails and green pastureland. Beneath the bamboo and enormous tropical trees, like tamarind and Japanese cedar, marvel at the gentle breeze, the song of birds, the majestic waterfalls and the rivers that flow across the landscape.

Prolong your exploration of the island in the very special atmosphere of a gîte or something more unusual. Savour a curry cooked over a wood fire, soak up the stories of “lontan” (long ago) and spend evenings watching the stars from the silence of the mountains.

On the lava soils, admire the mysterious Piton de la Fournaise, and experience the pure joy of being in the lunar desert that surrounds this active volcano. At Pas de Bellecombe Jacob, the mist at sunrise makes the island look truly unique.