What to do during the holidays in the East? Lovers of moments of relaxation by the fireside, hiking and sports activities, or walks in the forest in the freshness of the heights, the East of Reunion will seduce you for your holidays. The East Tourist Office offers a selection of activities to enjoy your holidays in Reunion.
Discover the Piton de la Fournaise differently
Activities to discover the Piton de la Fournaise during your holidays in the East are numerous. In addition to the great classics, such as the sunrise at Pas de Bellecombe or the hike to the Dolomieu crater. Here are some ideas of activities to do at the Volcano.
On foot or by bike at La Plaine des Sables
Follow the guide for an easy and eco-responsible hike in the Plaine des Sables
Amandine, Alexis and Didier, all three state-certified guides, offer a hike in the heart of this emblematic site listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The guides will teach you more about Reunion's biodiversity, volcanism, etc.
On the route side, hikers begin by following the rampart of Pas des Sables via the Mouton path, before reaching the Plateau des Basalts. A picnic break is planned in this island of nature, kingdom of highland tamarins. Then the hike ends with a crossing of the Plaine des Sables. Faced with this immense expanse of slag, we no longer really know what planet we are on!
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The walk, accessible even to beginners, is done in small groups. Particular attention is paid to the preservation of this exceptional and protected natural site. This is what earned this hike the label “National Park Spirit” of Reunion.
You can book your guided tour of La Plaine-des-Sables by clicking here!
The Piton de la Fournaise and its surroundings by electric bike
This is another activity for dynamic vacation enthusiasts. Meet at Commerson Crater for an approximately 4-hour e-bike ride through breathtaking landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions. The course, about twenty kilometers long, allows you to observe different volcanic craters as well as the mythical Plaine des Sables. At Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob, you can enjoy the view of the Dolomieu crater. A tasting with local products is also planned, at Pas des Sables, with a breathtaking view of the Plaine des Sables.
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The electric mountain bike ride to the volcano is a family activity, accessible to all (minimum height 1m48)
You can book your electric mountain bike to discover the volcano independently by clicking here!
Explore the lava tunnels of Piton la Fournaise
The lava tunnels that form after each of the eruptions of Piton de La Fournaise are a great playground for caving enthusiasts in Reunion. While most excursions take place on the 2004 flow, in the town of Sainte-Rose, the Eastern Tourist Office invites you to explore a slightly less known tunnel, and accessible to seasoned athletes: the Piton Kapor lava tunnel. Enthusiasts rank it among the most beautiful lava tunnels in the world. There are formations of stalactites and stalagmites of solidified lava.
To explore it, you must first climb the Piton de la Fournaise, culminating at 2631 meters above sea level. Then we sneak into this lava tunnel, which would have formed in 1988, with the flow of Piton Kapor. The access is steep and vertiginous, and some passages are done on all fours or by crawling.
You can book your discovery of the lava tunnels of Piton de la Fournaise by clicking here!
Visit the most beautiful islets of the Cirque de Salazie
The circus of Salazia has several typical Creole villages. Hell-Bourg is thus classified among the most beautiful villages in France, But also Creole Village. To learn about the history of this high place of spa tourism in the XNUMXth century, nothing better than a guided tour.
The circuit of Creole huts
The circuit of Creole huts highlights the colorful traditional houses which date from the golden age of Hell-Bourg, before the ferruginous springs were completely destroyed by a cyclone in 1948. The most famous of these huts, c his is the Maison Folio, a must-visit. Its famous kiosk and its Creole garden are worth the detour.
You can book your discovery of the Circuit des cases créoles by clicking here!
Sea to Martin
If Hell-Bourg remains the most famous village of the Salazie circus, the other islets deserve that you linger there during your holidays in the East of Reunion. Mare à Martin is well known for its pond, in which you can admire the reflection of the highest peaks of the island, such as the Piton des Neiges, in good weather. It is also the starting point for several hikes, towards Roche Ecrite or Piton Bé Massoune.
Mare-à-Vieille-Place
Further on, the Mare-à-Vieille-Place belvedere is also one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the East. On the road that leads to the Cirque de Mafate, the passing landscape is spectacular. The Col des Boeufs, located in the Cirque de Salazie, is also one of the easiest accesses to the Cirque de Mafate.
Stroll along the wild coast of Sainte-Rose
Take advantage of your holidays in the East to survey the Fisherman's Trail, known to be one of the most beautiful walks on Reunion Island. Between the Port of Sainte-Rose and Cascades Cove, you walk on the coast lined with vacoas and filaos, with the sound of the waves crashing on the cliffs.
Family walk
This family outing can be done alone or with a guide. Eastern Adventurers offer a walk of about 3 hours in the footsteps of fishermen, to learn more about the history of Sainte-Rose. The walk ends in the Creole garden of the Cana Suc gite. And why not spend the night in this charming cottage, surrounded by orchids, palm kernels and other jackfruit trees?
You can book your walk on the fishermen's trail by clicking here!
Where to eat ?
As for catering, stop off at the Bertel des Lava restaurant, one of the emblematic addresses of Sainte-Rose to eat a good curry, in the pure Creole tradition.
To book your package, click here!
Lava vanilla
Don't leave Sainte-Rose without stopping by La Vanille des Laves. A guided tour of this shop, whose emblem is Ti Gouss, takes you to discover the vanilla plantations and the profession of vanilla producer.
The Lava Vanilla also offers two walks and guided tours to learn more about Reunion Island vanilla. (booking available online) :
The lava waterfall
The favorite of Côté Est Réunion: Discover the lava waterfall that
found on the 2002 flow. Located a few steps from the lava route, this little-known site is easily accessible. It allows you to observe a flow that looks like a petrified waterfall.
Recharge your batteries in the heart of the Bébour / Bélouve forest
These two forests, which are systematically associated because they are only separated by a hillside. They are among the essentials to visit during your holidays in the east of Reunion. The visitor actually walks in the 4th circus of Reunion, which has been partially filled by lava flows from the last eruptions of Piton des Neiges.
The former Cirque des Marsouins is today a vast primary forest. This protected area, in the heart of the Réunion National Park, is home to many endemic species, such as the highland tamarin. And when the mist takes possession of the place, the atmosphere is so mystical that it's like being on "Middle-earth" in the Lord of the Rings.
Explore this emblematic forest in the east of Reunion
To explore this emblematic forest of eastern Reunion, there are many hiking trails, whatever your level. There are many walks to better understand the cultural and natural heritage of the forest.
You can book your guided hike to discover this beautiful forest by clicking here!
A treasure hunt by electric bike
To discover Bébour – Bélouve in an original way during your stay in the East, you can opt for a treasure hunt on an electric bike. The excursion, imagined by Vélo Explore Réunion, starts at the entrance to the Bébour forest and takes you to the Gîte de Bélouve. During the break, behind the gîte, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Cirque de Salazie.
To book your electric mountain bike heritage rally in Bélouve, click here!
Have fun at Parc du Colosse in Saint-André, a paradise for young and old
Skatepark, swimming pool, children's play area, maze, water jets, basketball/football field, giant picnic area. The Parc du Colosse is the large leisure area of the municipality of Saint-André. An ideal place for a family outing during your holidays in the East.
At the entrance to the park, you can also eat in one of the restaurants, snack bars or ice cream parlors.
Practical info +
The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. and Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 18:00 p.m. The swimming pool is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 17:45 p.m., €5 per person.
And to end your day at Parc du Colosse, meet at Ô Bistro du Colosse with your loved ones. Book online by clicking here!
Explore the East on horseback: from the Plaine-des-Palmistes waterfalls to the Grand Etang
Horseback riding is an original way to discover the most beautiful landscapes in the east of Reunion, in the company of “péi cowboys”. At Plaine-des-Palmistes, François Garçonnet, from La Porte des Cascades, will serve as your guide. On the back of an Irish Cob, Irish horses known to be particularly gentle. You walk in the guava fields and at the foot of the Plaine-des-Palmistes waterfalls.
Horseback riding
In the heights of Saint-Benoît, Rico Nourry welcomes you to one of the oldest equestrian farms in Reunion. His playground is the Grand Étang, this natural water reservoir which seems to have served as the setting for Jurassic Park. These two horseback rides, accessible to beginners, are a must-try during your holidays in the east of the island.
You can book your horseback riding towards the Grand Étang by clicking here!
And to discover the ephemeral waterfalls of La Plaine-des-Palmistes, it's here!
Enjoy the freshness of the heights of Bras-Panon, at Eden and at the Cascade du Chien
De Bras-Panon, we often only remember the Agricultural Fair. However, this town in the East offers breathtaking landscapes, like Eden. On the way to this paradise on earth, stop to admire the Cascade du Chien, which plunges more than a hundred meters into the green valley.
The Eden Belvedere
At the end of the road, the Eden belvedere offers a 360 degree view. It is one of the ideal places to admire the sunrises of the East. Going towards the viewpoint, you will cross tea plants, remnants of an old tea estate.
Vanilla in Bras-Panon
After your escapade in the heights of Bras-Panon, stop off at the Provanille cooperative, to learn more about vanilla from the East, for us, and for many, the best in the world! If you want to taste Péi vanilla, don't miss Madame Annibal's famous “vanilla duck”, which she has been serving for several decades in her farm inn.
To book your lunch at the farm inn, click here!
We also offer a complete package including the guided tour of the Vanilla Cooperative and lunch at Eva Annibal's. Discover it quickly by clicking here!
Bivouac at the top of Piton des Neiges
The Piton des Neiges, which culminates at 3 m, is a bit like the Everest of Reunion, what am I saying! of the Indian Ocean! The hike that leads to the highest peak of the island is renowned for being difficult, but also one of the most legendary on the island
The ascent in two stages
It is possible to climb from Cilaos, the Plaine des Cafres or from Hell-Bourg, in the Cirque de Salazie. Many walkers choose to make the ascent in two stages, stopping to sleep for a few hours at the unique Piton des Neiges lodge. They then resume their progress in the middle of the night, to reach the summit before sunrise.
Climb in one go
The other option is to climb in one go, at your own pace, to reach the summit before dark and set up a bivouac. The advantage: you will have a front row seat to enjoy the sunset and sunrise from one of the most beautiful places on the island.
Constraints and advice
The only constraint: be well equipped to face the cold at this altitude (3070m). You can rent all the necessary equipment from Lokanoo, which offers a special Bivouac pack in the highlands. You will find the essentials such as the tent that can be erected in 5 minutes, the ground mattresses, the sleeping bags, the stove or the lamp.
Participate in an orienteering race at Domaine Palssade, in Saint-André
La educational farm of the Domaine de Palssade allows children to have fun with alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, peacocks, llamas, and other deer. Orienteering is organized during the holidays. The goal ? Be the first team to decode a secret message thanks to clues to spot as a family! A picnic and a lontan games workshop follow.
Do you want to eat or sleep in the east of Reunion? Discover the good addresses of the Eastern Tourist Office.
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