レユニオン島旅行ガイド: レユニオン島でやるべき15のベストアクティビティ

レユニオン島旅行ガイド: レユニオン島でやるべき15のベストアクティビティ

So you want to know what are the 
best things to do in Réunion Island? Great, you’re in the right place. In this video we’re gonna discuss the 
top things to do in Réunion Island. Number 15: Walking Tour
A walking tour through Saint-Denis, the island’s capital, is a perfect way to begin your trip.
Start on Rue de Paris, where you’ll find old Creole houses, small museums, and 
the colorful Hindu Temple Kalikambal. From there, head to the Barachois waterfront, 
where old cannons line the shore and a long path lets you walk by the ocean.
Along the way, you will see the Natural History Museum (Muséum d’Histoire naturelle) 
and later the Léon Dierx Museum for paintings. As you explore the streets, you will 
also notice the city’s mix of mosques, Chinese temples, and Saint-Denis Cathedral.
Later, you can relax at Parc de la Trinité, play golf, or enjoy the lively nightlife.
Number 14: Reunion Island’s Beaches Réunion Island has some of the 
best beaches in the Indian Ocean. You can visit Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a beach 
resort town where you’ll find white sand beaches, top hotels, and a lively atmosphere.
Plage de l’Hermitage, the only beach protected by a coral reef, is a perfect place for 
snorkelling and picnics under casuarina trees. If you love surfing, Plage des Roches 
Noires and Boucan Canot offer great waves. For beach sports, La Plage des Brisants hosts 
tournaments and a film festival in November. At L’Etang-Salé Beach, you will find black 
volcanic sand that gets hot in summer. You can also visit Plage du Tremblet, 
formed by a 2007 volcanic eruption, with green-tinted sand.
Number 13: Hiking If you enjoy hiking, Bélouve 
Forest offers a three-hour round-trip walk through lush rainforest.
The trail takes you past thick vegetation, wooden walkways, and misty trees before 
reaching a viewpoint overlooking Piton des Neiges and Cirque de Salazie.
Another nearby forest is Forêt de Bébour, known for its twisted tamarind 
trees covered in moss, orchids, and ferns. Classified as a biological reserve in 1994, it is 
one of Reunion Island’s best-preserved forests. While you can hike alone, consider joining 
a guided group to learn more about the unique plants and wildlife.
Number 12: Piton des Neiges Standing at 10,000 feet (3,071 m), Piton des 
Neiges is the highest point on Réunion Island. This dormant volcano, which last erupted over 
12,000 years ago, helped form the island. The hike to the summit is tough, 
with a 5,580 feet (1,700-m) climb, but getting to the top before sunrise is worth it.
You can start from Cilaos, Salazie, or the Plaine des Cafres, and stay overnight at the Caverne 
Dufour refuge at 8,100 feet (2,470 meters). From there, you’ll make the 
final two-hour climb to the top. At the summit, you’ll get a 360° view of 
the island, including the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie.
Number 11: Saint-Pierre In Saint-Pierre, a vibrant town on the island, 
you can enjoy a variety of activities, from scenic helicopter rides offering breathtaking views of 
Réunion Island to exploring the local market. At the market, you can find fresh produce, spices, 
and local specialties like vanilla and sugar cane. Afterward, take a walk along the 
seafront or visit the nearby Terre Sainte district, a former fishing village.
For a unique experience, head to Rum Saga Museum (Saga du Rhum) for a taste of locally made 
rum and a look at the island’s distilling history. Then, visit Domaine Du Café Grillé, 
a Creole botanical garden where you can explore island flora, learn about coffee 
cultivation, and taste Bourbon pointu coffee. Number 10: Temple Tamoul Narassingua Péroumal
Before leaving Saint-Pierre, make your way to Narassingua Peroumal Temple, the 
largest Tamil temple on the island. Built in the 1800s by Indian laborers, 
it was restored between 1997 and 2010 by artists from southern India.
The temple is dedicated to Narashima, an avatar of Vishnu, and draws many worshippers 
every year between September and October. Its detailed carvings and colorful exterior 
reflect Tamil culture and craftsmanship. You can also admire the intricate 
architecture and learn about Hindu traditions. When visiting, remember to dress modestly 
by covering your arms and legs and avoiding leather clothing.
Number 9: Saint-Paul Market (Marché Forain de Saint-Paul)
For all your food cravings, head to the Saint-Paul Market.
This lively market on the seafront is packed with over 300 stalls selling fresh 
produce, Creole snacks, and handmade crafts. You can try local fruits like Victoria pineapples, 
passion fruit, and guava or pick up vanilla and “péi” honey from local farmers.
Grab a quick bite of samosas, sweet potato cakes, or the famous “pains 
bouchons gratinés,” a popular sandwich. If you want a full meal, small restaurants serve 
dishes like chicken curry and saucisse rougail. You’ll also find colorful sarongs, t-shirts, 
and baskets, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs along with delicious food.
Number 8: Musée Stella Matutina Housed in a former sugar factory 
that operated from 1858 to 1978, Musée Stella Matutina takes you through the 
history of sugar production on Réunion Island. The museum, located in Piton-Saint-Leu, 
shows the development of sugar cultivation, from the arrival of sugar cane in the 17th 
century to its dominance in the 19th century. The exhibits highlight the role of slavery in 
the sugar industry and the lives of workers. You will see old machinery and learn 
about the island’s cultural shifts, including the rise of Creole culture.
Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for sugar-related souvenirs like spiced sugars, 
including a brown sugar flavored with combava. By the way, check the links in 
the description for the ultimate guide on saving money while traveling, plus 
recommended tour operators in Reunion Island. Number 7: Cooking Class
Taking a Creole cooking class will help you learn how to make local dishes at home.
You can cook rougail saucisse, a spicy sausage stew, and gratin de chouchou, made 
from a vegetable called chayote. Classes often start with picking fresh ingredients 
and learning traditional cooking techniques. Some cookin class options include La Réunion 
Des Chefs, where expert chefs guide you through Creole flavors, and Farfar Kréol, which offers 
hands-on experience in an authentic setting. You’ll also get to enjoy your meal and may even 
try homemade rhum arrangé, a local infused rum. Number 6: Rivière Langevin
For more adventure, head to Rivière Langevin for canyoning.
You can spend the day swimming in clear pools, jumping off waterfalls, and 
sliding down natural rock formations. If you prefer a gentler experience, try 
ropeless canyoning, also called water hiking. It’s perfect for families and beginners, 
with no need for ropes or climbing. You will get a wetsuit, helmet, and safety 
vest before following the river’s course, crossing waterfalls, and making 
optional jumps up to 20 ft (6 m). Afterward, you can drive along the 
Wild South, stopping at Manapany, a small village, for more exploration.
Number 5: Blue Escale – Vanilla Workshop Don’t leave the Island without 
visiting a vanilla farm. Vanilla is sold everywhere, but quality varies.
Blue Escale, founded in 1986, is one of the oldest vanilla workshops in the island’s Wild 
South and is the most experienced producer. At this family-run farm near Saint-Philippe, you 
will get a guided tour showing how vanilla is grown, dried, and processed—a nine-month 
process to bring out its rich aroma. They make Vanille Bleue, a special type 
you can use whole for a stronger flavor. Just a small piece is enough for a liter of milk.
You’ll also find vanilla in pods, powder, extracts, and even spa products.
Number 4: The Lava Road (Route des Laves) If you love scenic drives, take the Lava 
Road from Saint-Philippe to Sainte-Rose. This route runs through Grand Brûlé, a volcanic 
landscape shaped by Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
You’ll see hardened lava flows from past eruptions, including the massive 2007 eruption 
that created new beaches and a coastal platform. Some lava streams have tunnels 
you can enter with a guide. Near Sainte-Rose, you’ll find the Virgin 
with Parasol, believed to protect locals from the volcano.
If you enjoy walking, visit the volcanic garden at Pointe de la table.
The trail starts at Puits Arabe and leads to the Table headland, marked by the 1986 lava flow.
Number 3: Go Whale and Dolphin Watching Reunion Island has been a popular 
destination for whale and dolphin watching, with humpback whales visiting from July to 
October and dolphins present year-round. You can join a tour from 
Saint-Gilles to meet these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The island’s waters are home to species like pantropical spotted dolphins, blower dolphins, 
and the Risso’s dolphin, discovered in 2003. During the tours, you can observe 
dolphins and whales, and in ideal conditions, even snorkel with them.
Tours are conducted respectfully, following regulations to ensure the 
safety of both you and the animals. Number 2: Cirque de Mafate
The Cirque de Mafate is a unique and remote part of Reunion Island, 
accessible only by foot or helicopter. It’s a collection of small 
villages, surrounded by five hills, making it an isolated and fascinating place.
Hiking in the cirque offers an adventure, with trails like GR R1 and GR R2 
providing routes through this wild area. The hike can be challenging but 
rewarding, with great views and a chance to experience the Mafate way of life.
For a different perspective, you can take a helicopter ride to admire the cirque from above, 
a breathtaking sight for those willing to splurge. Number 1: Musée de Villèle
To learn more about Reunion Island’s colonial past, head to the Musée de Villèle in Saint-Paul.
This museum is set in the former home of Madame Panon-Desbassayns, a powerful sugar and 
coffee baroness who owned 300 slaves. The house, built in 1787, is 
filled with period furniture. On a guided tour, you’ll see a 
clock given to the Desbassayns by Napoleon and a china set depicting 
the love story of Paul et Virginie. Outside, you can wander through the 24.7-acre 
(10-ha) park and visit the outbuildings, including the old kitchen with large 
stoves and the former slave hospital. For a deeper understanding, signs are 
available in both French and English. Click here to watch this video.

This Trondheim travel guide shares the best things to do in Trondheim.

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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com

Recommended Tours in Jaco:

Guided tour of the 2004 lava tunnels: https://www.viator.com/tours/Reunion-Island/Guided-tour-of-the-2004-lava-tunnels/d4395-261991P2?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Reunion

Full Day Tour of Reunion Island with Breakfast: https://www.viator.com/tours/Reunion-Island/Private-Tour-Day-Tour-of-Reunion-Island-with-Lunch/d4395-371168P1?pid=P00104625&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector&campaign=yttj-Reunion

Réunion: Piton de la Fournaise Guided Volcano Hike: https://www.getyourguide.com/piton-de-la-fournaise-l122505/public-guided-hike-piton-de-la-fournaise-volcano-t363475/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Reunion

Group Hike at Mafate – Cayenne: https://www.getyourguide.com/reunion-l97455/group-hike-at-mafate-cayenne-t361375/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Reunion
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Welcome to Réunion Island, a French overseas region located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Known for its volcanic peaks, green landscapes, and mix of cultures, Réunion Island offers both adventure and relaxation.

Start your visit in Saint-Denis, the capital city of Réunion Island. Walk through the colonial-style buildings, visit the Jardin de l’État, and explore local markets filled with Creole food, spices, and crafts. The city gives a good introduction to the island’s diverse culture.

One of the top natural sights on Réunion Island is Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. You can hike along well-marked trails to see craters, lava fields, and views that look like another planet. It’s safe and often visited, especially when there’s no eruption.

Visit Cilaos, a mountain town in the center of Réunion Island surrounded by cliffs and forests. The drive to Cilaos is full of curves and views, and once there, you can enjoy hikes, hot springs, and local wine. The area is part of the Cirque de Cilaos, one of three natural amphitheaters formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Another scenic area is the Cirque de Mafate, which is only accessible by foot or helicopter. There are no roads, but many hiking paths lead through quiet villages and green valleys. It’s a favorite place for trekkers looking for nature and peace.

Spend time at the beaches on the west coast near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. L’Ermitage Beach has calm waters protected by a coral reef, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also take a boat tour to spot dolphins or, in season, whales.

Drive through the island’s interior to see waterfalls like Cascade de Grand Galet and Voile de la Mariée, or explore tropical forests in the Bébour-Bélouve area.

Réunion Island’s food reflects its cultural mix. Try dishes like cari (a local curry), rougail sausage, samosas, and fresh seafood. The mix of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences gives the island a unique flavor.

With its mountains, forests, beaches, and rich culture, Réunion Island is a place full of variety. Whether you’re hiking a volcano, walking through a mountain village, or relaxing on the beach, Réunion Island has something for every kind of traveler.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Reunion Island, top attractions in Reunion Island, places to visit in Reunion Island and Reunion Island travel guides.

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