Adventurous holidays on Reunion Island

The GR®R2 crossing: an out-of-the-ordinary trek. If you’re passionate about trekking, spend 10 days or so crossing Reunion Island on the GR®R2 trail. Starting at Saint-Denis, you’ll cross the island from north to south. The GR®R2 trail stretches for about a hundred kilometres, offering superb views at every stage along the way. From the top of Coteau Maigre to the bird’s-eye view of the Cirque of Salazie from Roche Ecrite, via the Piton des Neiges summit from where you can see almost the entire region, you can only agree that this enchanting island is full of wonders: the ONF plantations, the colourful woods, the highland tamarinds, the mountain plants, the sparse vegetation of the Cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, the lunar landscape of the Plaine des Sables and the rainforests of the south east.

Piton de la Fournaise in the south-eastern part of Reunion Island, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. When you reach Pas de Bellcombe you’ll enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over the massif, from the top of the Enclos Fouqué caldera. This volcano of surreal beauty offers a whole eruption of outdoor activities and original tours, like visits to the lava tunnels on the coast, or to the Cité du Volcan in Bourg-Murat. Magical, dazzling and sensational are good words to describe the sight of the rising sun when you’re out hiking, mountain biking or horse riding amid the lunar landscape of the Plaine des Sables. Call upon the services of a mountain guide to safely explore this fiery giant.

In Hell-Bourg, walk up the famous Piton d’Anchaing. From Vidot, head for Ilet, then Bras Marron. Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the chasm and the pools of clear water. You’ll cross chouchou fields, Grand Sable, Col de Fourche and Grand Ilet. As you approach the bottom of Piton d’Anchaing, your climb begins and you’ll follow a succession of hairpin bends all the way to the top. Leave very early in the morning to admire a multitude of unique views over the Cirque of Salazie, Roche Ecrite and Cimendef.

From the Piton Maïdo to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains by mountain bike. From the mountaintops to the shores, the best MTB descent on Reunion Island starts at Piton Maïdo, on the famous Megavalanche trail. So grab your mountain bike and prepare for a thrilling descent that really gets the adrenalin flowing. In the heart of the cryptomeria forest, take the waymarked track at the intersection with the tamarind forest road and the Maïdo road. In the tamarind forest you’ll negotiate a few technical sections over the roots of ancient trees and enjoy an absolutely stunning sight of the sky blending into the ocean. Along the way, you must stop to admire the superb views over the west coast. You’ll cross prairies and sugarcane fields on your way down to Saint-Gilles beach where you can round off the experience with a dip in the warm waters of the turquoise lagoon.

In La Plaine des Cafres, visit the blue lava tunnel. Explore the magical world of the blue lava tunnel in La Plaine des Cafres. Feast your eyes! These underground wonders of nature are intact treasures composed of rocks with tinges of blue, orange or red, stalactites and stalagmites by the hundred, and solidified lava. You’ll explore (crouching in places) one of the lava caves tucked away in this region of plains. An unforgettable experience! Stay safe and enjoy this unexpected adventure in the company of your guide, a volcano specialist.

Dive into the waters of the Indian Ocean. On Reunion Island, you’ll swim like a fish in the giant aquarium of the Indian Ocean. Beneath the warm, clear waters of Reunion lies a seabed of extraordinary biodiversity. The best time of year to go diving is the southern summer, between late October and late May. The visibility is excellent and the sea is calm and teeming with fish. The water temperature varies between 24° and 26°C all year round and a variety of easy-to-access diving spots can be found off the island’s west and south coasts. Colourful tropical fish, sea turtles and corals of a thousand shades coexist in a world of drop-offs, wrecks, anchors, caves and arches.

Canyoning, a vertical experience. Reunion Island has become an international reference in the canyoning world. There are more than a hundred viable canyons on the island! Try a sensational experience in the wild and magical setting of the canyons in the company of a guide. The decor features dizzying drops, lush green cliffs, rock faces, crystal-clear pools and, into the bargain, some remarkable views. Treat yourself to a thrilling descent of the famous Fleur Jaune canyon in Cilaos. The Grand Galet canyon is ideal for adventurous souls. The Trou de Fer canyon is one of the most spectacular on Reunion Island. Amid turbulent waters, you’ll walk, slip, slide, swim and jump into pools of clear water, for a total change of scene. At some sites, only seasoned adventurers and experienced canyoners will be able to make the descent! A guaranteed rush of adrenaline!

In Langevin, an aquatic hike in the river. This activity is great fun, with swimming, natural slides, and crystal-clear pools to jump into. In a sumptuous setting, participants get the opportunity to explore an outstanding unspoilt environment. You’ll be supervised by a canyoning guide and equipped with a helmet, a harness, a neoprene wetsuit, a descender with carabiners and ropes, etc.

In Saint-Benoît, go canoeing on the Marsouins river. Ilet Coco is a place of very special charm. This tiny remote village near the Marsouins River is home to about twenty Creole houses. It is also the perfect spot to enjoy whitewater sports! Armed with paddles and accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll tackle the fast-flowing river in your raft, kayak or canoe. It’s a challenging descent through the bamboo groves, lychee trees and coconut palms. A descent that will leave you with a head full of great memories.

In Bellemène, take off from the slopes of Saint-Paul for an unforgettable adventure in which you’ll see the famous bay of Saint-Paul, often nicknamed the “bay with the best anchorage” and well-known for its beach of black sand. You’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the Etang de Saint-Paul, the island’s biggest stretch of water and a protected nature reserve.

Prepare for a memorable flight in a microlight. Alone or in pairs, this unique and thrilling experience in the company of a pilot will remain in your memory forever. You’ll fly over the exceptional sites of Reunion Island: cirques and cliffs, Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise with its craters and the lagoons of the west coast.

In Saint-Gilles, the 3-star Tropic Appart Hôtel is situated in the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a few metres away from the Ermitage lagoon. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and the fitted apartments are air-conditioned and have a verandah. The complex is also close to shops and services, restaurants and night clubs.

In Saint-Gilles, the Boucan Canot gîtes, rated “4 épis” by Gîtes de France, are Creole-style chalets nestling in grounds dotted with palms and fruit trees and overlooking the swimming pool.  The comfortable, well-equipped chalets are just the thing for recharging your batteries after a fabulous day’s hiking in the highlands of the Ultimate Island. You’ll be staying just a five-minute walk from the shops, restaurants and Boucan Canot beach.

In Petite Ile, in the wild south, the Case Beauregard guesthouse is located in the highlands and benefits from a stunning view over the sea. After an exciting adventure in the outstanding settings of the Ultimate Island, this is the perfect place to enjoy a rest as you gaze at the setting sun. The cosy rooms with private patio, the garden and the swimming pool make your comfort complete for a totally relaxing holiday. Visit the nearby Maison du Curcuma and, for a relaxing break, Manapy-les-Bains.

In Mafate, the Bois de Couleur, rated “4 épis” by Gîtes de France, can be found in the cirque, on the edge of the Bois de Couleurs forest in Marla. After the day’s efforts, take a break in an outstanding natural setting. The detached bungalows each have a deck offering breathtaking views of the cirque landscape. Delicious table d’hote meals made with local produce are served in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

In Sainte-Suzanne, in the East of the island, the Terrasses de Niagara, rated “3 épis” by Gîtes de France, can be found in the Marencourt estate at the foot of the Niagara waterfall. This is a place worth checking out! Its three outstanding gîtes are set in a tropical garden with stunning views of one of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can choose between spending the night in a Creole house or in the timber cabin perched at the top of an ancient lychee tree. Make the most of the estate by visiting the orchard of coffee, cacao, nutmeg, clove and tropical fruit trees. Visit the island’s East region to admire its luxuriant vegetation, waterfalls and natural pools. The perfect way to recharge your batteries!

At the volcano, the mountain gite  is just 600 metres away from the entrance to the Piton de la Fournaise caldera. Its proximity to Pas de Bellecombe makes it the perfect starting point for a morning hike to see the sun coming up over the volcano. This hike across the mysterious lunar landscape of the Plaine des Sables promises a real change of scene amid the tranquillity of the volcanic mineral setting. The gite has a restaurant with a panoramic view over the East River.

In Cilaos, the Cabane du Raideur, rated “3 épis” by Gîtes de France, proposes three chalets with all the mod cons in an authentic and unspoilt natural setting. Treat yourself to the most comforting reward there is after climbing the Piton des Neiges or any other hiking trail around Grand Bénare, in Mafate… After walking all day, the spa is the icing on the cake! Famous for its thermal baths and vineyards, the town of Cilaos has other assets waiting to be discovered: canyoning descents, climbing sites, treetop adventure trails, walks by the Mare à Joncs, pedalo rentals, opportunities to learn about local crafts at the Maison de la Broderie (embroidery museum) and the art & craft shops, not forgetting visits to the lentil farmers.