Reunion

Follow the beautiful scenic coastline to the north east, to reach the capital, St Denis. Surrounded by idyllic mountains on 3 sides, it is located on the northernmost tip of the island. This warm and extremely welcoming town is the largest of the French Colonies, and was named after the boat St Denis that ran aground in the nearby bay, with the town growing around the small pier of Barachois.

Your local guide will point out the former East India Company building, before passing by the splendid Creole-style houses of Rue de Paris with their shady white verandas. There will be a short stop at the State Garden and the former palace of the General Consul, now the Natural History Museum.

Passing by the Hindu Temples and the Christian Cathedral you fully understand the variety of races and cultures that mix harmoniously. They are united by the musical Creole language on this little remote island.

Enjoy a brief stop at a handicraft market, which offers typical Creole products. You can bargain with the stall-owners for handicrafts, scents and spices from Reunion and Madagascar.

Relax and take in some of the scenery of the island of Reunion. During this interesting excursion you will explore the north coast via the seashore road. Pass the capital of St Denis and journey towards Ste Marie and Ste Suzanne.

Stopping at St Andre, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the vanilla plantation, where you will learn about the production process, before heading to the heart of the island. Passing though the lush countryside of sugar cane fields, vanilla and lychee plantations, reach the spectacular waterfall of Voile de la Mariée. Better known as the Bride’s Veil, it is the most prominent of around 100 waterfalls in this amazing and striking area.

Lunch will be served at the picturesque Creole village of Hellbourg before the return scenic drive, passing by some of the restored Creole houses in the city centre.

Drive along the west coast to St Paul, from where you will start your ascent into the enticing mountainous centre of Reunion. Your destination is a marvellous viewpoint on the edge of a high escarpment at over 7,000 feet. Absorb breathtaking views descending into the ancient crater of the Circle of Mafate, totally surrounded by impressive mountains. This rugged and wild cirque is the only one of the island’s 3 natural amphitheatres that is accessible only on foot or by helicopter.

Stop at the quaint village of La Petite France, the centre of the geranium growing district. Reunion is one of the largest producers of geranium oil, used as a fixative in perfumes. Visit a small Geranium Oil Distillery, where the distillation process will be explained and you’ll be given an opportunity to purchase Geranium essential oils and perfumes. This is a very simple cottage industry, far removed from more developed productions, and a very low-key delicate process.

Your journey begins by heading to the northern coast of Reunion Island via the seashore road. You will cross the capital of St Denis, in an easterly direction towards Ste Marie and Ste Suzanne. Pass by Ste Rose, sheltering the chapel of Notre-Dame des Laves, which was miraculously spared during the lava flow of 1977. Absorb these wonderful and intriguing landmarks whilst admiring the spectacle of the cold lava flows from the last eruptions in the Tremblet zone.

Lunch will be served in a local traditional Creole restaurant in charming St Philippe. This town is famous for vanilla cultivation, as well as other treasures like the palmist (palm heart).

Discover the primary forest of Mare Longue by visiting the exotic garden of perfumes and spices with a specialised guide. See various endemic plants and spices introduced by Joseph Hubert and preserved in this wild natural environment.

During the picturesque return drive, follow the alluring wild coast, discovering various creeks along the way.

Heading to the south of the island, you will pass several seaside towns until reaching St Pierre. En route, you will take a scenic road with spectacular views of the littoral.

From St Pierre, head towards the heights of the island to take the volcano road. Pass through extraordinary landscapes, going from beautiful lush green settings to breathtaking moonscape sights. During a stop at Nez le Bœuf, you can enjoy a breathtaking view into the deep volcano ravine and the green countryside full of stunning flowers.

Upon reaching the volcanic crater in Pas de Bellecombe at a height of over 7,000 feet, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze down in amazement into the active crater of the volcano Piton de la Fournaise, possibly the most viewed attraction on the island. After viewing these awesome sights, enjoy a typical Creole lunch in a popular local restaurant.

During your return scenic drive, you will cross the Plaine des Palmistes before returning to the east coast.