The East
For a complete change of pace and atmosphere, consider spending some time in the protected 159-hectare Forêt Ste-Marguerite, way up in the hills. Fans of flora will get their kicks here; there are over 150 indigenous species of plants. A network of easy walking trails snakes through the quiet forest.
Take the RN3 in the direction of Plaine-des-Palmistes until you reach a roundabout at Chemin Ceinture; Forêt Ste-Marguerite is signed on the left.
8.53 MILES
You've reached the end of the world! The Plaine des Sables is a wide windswept plain, made of ashes. With its lunar landscape, it could form a perfect…
17.28 MILES
It would be a sin to visit Les Makes and not take the forest road that leads to this viewpoint, another 10km further uphill. The view over the entire…
Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien
11.39 MILES
A great surprise! In October 2015, the innovative Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien welcomed its first visitors, showcasing hundreds of…
26.15 MILES
Réunion's most beloved museum is dedicated primarily to the sugar industry, but also provides fascinating insights into the history of the island,…
Conseil Général de la Réunion – Direction de la Culture
22.02 MILES
You can't miss this villa – it's one of the most elegant of St-Denis' Creole buildings, with a superb varangue (veranda), finely crafted lambrequins …
13.84 MILES
This sugar refinery is on the coast 3km north of St-André. During the cane harvest (July to early December) visitors are shown around the huge, high-tech…
13.74 MILES
In April 2007, in one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded, an impressive lava flow was formed, about 2km north of Pointe du Tremblet. The road was…
7.99 MILES
From the viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe (2311m), the 'entrance' to the volcanic area, you'll be rewarded with mesmerising views of the volcano and its…
3.24 MILES
Around 12km southwest of St-Benoît along the road towards Plaine-des-Palmistes is the 3km road to Grand Étang (Big Pond). This pretty picnic spot lies at…
3.98 MILES
Between Ste-Anne and Ste-Rose is the graceful Pont des Anglais suspension bridge over the Rivière de l'Est, now bypassed by the main highway but open to…
4.05 MILES
You can't help but be dazzled by this surprisingly extravagant church that was erected in 1857. The facade of the building is covered in stucco depictions…
4.56 MILES
The headquarters of the Parc National de la Réunion are based here. There's an interesting exhibition section, with plenty of information (in English)…
4.6 MILES
A lovely 1920s Creole building just south of the town centre, Domaine des Tourelles now houses a shop selling local produce and souvenirs. Outside you'll…
4.6 MILES
North of St-Benoît the D53 strikes southwest, following the Rivière des Marsouins 15km upstream to end beside the Takamaka viewpoint. Be prepared to fall…
4.81 MILES
Very few visitors have heard about Îlet Bethléem, a magical spot by the Rivière des Marsouins that locals would like to keep for themselves. Reached after…
8. Bassin La Paix & Bassin La Mer
6.11 MILES
A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly…