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Africa Réunion Reunion Island Do & See Piton de Fournaise

Overview

Piton de Fournaise

The guide was updated: 2021-06-04

Get your hiking shoes on and plan a day trip up the magnificent Piton de Fournaise volcano - one of the most active peaks in the world. Joining a guided tour is highly recommended, and do wear appropriate clothing, as temperatures tend to fall dramatically the higher up you go.

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Address: Piton de Fournaise, Reunion

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Piton de Fournaise

Piton de Fournaise

Get your hiking shoes on and plan a day trip up the magnificent Piton de Fournaise volcano - one of the most active peaks in the world. Joining a guided tour is highly recommended, and do wear appropriate clothing, as temperatures tend to fall dramatically the higher up you go.

Le Maido

Le Maido

The island's north holds one of its most scenic spots at the le Maido summit, where stunning views over Reunion's west coast unfold before the eyes of enthralled visitors. To avoid madding crowds and possible weather changes, head to the summit early in the morning on a clear day.

Domaine du Café Grillé

Domaine du Café Grillé

A fascinating adventure through the island's past via the over 900 plant species contained in this well-maintained botanical garden awaits visitors to the domaine du Café Grillé, where the journey starts at a recognizable modern creole garden and ends at a lush forest containing indigenous plants.

Cirque de Mafate

Cirque de Mafate

The stunning, secluded caldera of Mafate is the place several tiny villages call home. Reaching the dazzling remote loaction is certainly worth the hike (no paved roads run up here, and hiking for hours is unavoidable). Depart in the early morning hours from the Maido or Cilaos (for an easier hike).

Jardin des Parfums et des Epices

Jardin des Parfums et des Epices

Tropical flower fragrances fill the air already in the garden's parking lot, and the abundance of flower species becomes apparent once visitors set foot into the lush gardens. Marvel at and learn all about the indigenous plants, flowers, and spices (learning is currently only possible in French).

Maison Folio

Maison Folio

The authentic Creole villa is now open for public tours, the owners gladly walking visitors through the well-preserved 19th century house and lush garden premises. Tours in English are possible if you're in luck and happen to be visiting at the right time - there is, however, no fixed schedule.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Visiting the beautiful natural waterfalls is a must-do for visitors to the island. Some of the most scenic ones include those at the bassin des Aigrettes (at Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains), the cascade de Bras Rouge in Cialos, Delices in Sainte-Suzanne, and Takamaka in Saint Benoit.

Beaches & Lagoons

Beaches & Lagoons

Being an island in the Indian Ocean, Reunion naturally boasts a number of splendid beaches, some of the best being concentrated in the waterside stretch between the settlements of Saint-Gilles and l'Ermitage-Les-Bains - these beaches here are sheltered from strong waves by near-lying coral reefs. One of the prettiest white sand beaches on the island is the l’Hermitage, lined with trees to provide saving shade. The prettiest lagoons are to be found between St. Paul and Saint-Leu.

Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis

The region's capital Saint-Denis in the island's north is worth a visit, even if only for a glimpse of Reunion's urban side. Being the administrative center of the island, it is home to a significant number of local museums, monuments, and important sights.

Aquarium de la Reunion

Aquarium de la Reunion

The fascinating 600,000 liter aquarium of Reunion contains an impressive 500 species of fish and marine animals. Descriptions are provided in French only, but the aquarium is still worth a visit if only for the sight of underwater creatures. Workshops and information meetings are held regularly.

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Few places in the world compare in beauty and dramatic effect to the impression produced by the scenery of Reunion Island. See the volcano, incredible cirques, waterfalls, and the stunning coastline all on one tour of the island from above - on board a helicopter or an ultralight. FelixULM +33 6 92 87 32 32 www.felixulm.com Helilagon www.helilagon.com +262 262 555 555

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Dolphin and Whale Watching

Marine life is abundant in the waters around the lush Reunion Island, and quite a number of local companies offer organized tours to some of the best spots where sighting a school of dolphins or even a couple massive whales (June to October) is all but guaranteed. Bato Pei +262 692 64 81 97 www.batopei.re

Cirque de Cilaos

Cirque de Cilaos

The windy road up to the caldera is a thrill in its own right - after dozens of twits and turns and breathtaking vistas of mossy green cliffs travelers arrive at the secluded settlement of Cilaos. For best vistas, walk up the Roche Merveilleuse, and do stop by the local thermal baths.

Canyoning

Canyoning

Those up for active and a tad bit extreme outdoor pursuits should definitely try canyoning in Reunion. The unique natural landscape provides an abundance of opportunities for exploring (jumping, sliding, swimming and walking in) the canyons, all under supervision of professionals offering services throughout. Aquasens (Rivière Langevin) www.aquasens.re +262 692 20 09 03 Canyoning la Reunion (Cilaos) www.canyoning-la-reunion.fr +262 692 94 03 35

Piton des Neiges

Piton des Neiges

Reunion Island's highest peak with its unbeatable 360-degree panorama is certainly worth the two-day hiking trip normally arranged to reach the summit (those with ample energy may manage a round-trip in one day). If going overnight, opt to stay at Gîte de la Caverne Dufour.

La Saga du Rhum

La Saga du Rhum

The Saint-Pierre distillery museum grants visitors insight into the production process of one of the island's traditional alcoholic drinks. Take a look at the workings of rum production in Reunion, and do try the several rum varieties offered for tasting at the end of the tour.

La Cooperative Provanille

La Cooperative Provanille

Discover the little-known vanilla cultivation plant Cooperative Provanille, where all work is done by hand on-site. See the industrious workers on the job, and witness the spice every step of the way over the 18-month long processing period. Gift shop operates on premises.

La Maison du Coco

La Maison du Coco

The curious Maison du Coco in Saint-Leu is where everything revolves around coconuts abundant all throughout the island. Visitors will gain insight into the way coconut-derived products are made, from juice and various edibles to items made by weaving palm tree leaves.

Kelonia

Kelonia

The Kelonia turtle center is home to dozens of marine turtles, some of which guests can come in direct contact with. Apart from providing unique entertainment to visitors, the center contributes to research on migration patterns and turtle populations, aimed at preserving the species.

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