Itinerary Réunion

Réunion in July is a fantastic choice: it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing dry, mild weather ideal for hiking, exploring the island’s volcanoes, and relaxing at the beaches. This is peak hiking season with lush scenery and generally clear skies.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	2600 USD
🏨 Accommodations	1150 USD
🧳 Gear	200 USD
🗺️ On-site	500 USD
Total	4450 USD

🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇷🇪 Saint-Denis & North - 1 day

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Saint-Denis City Centre ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Explore colonial architecture, colorful markets, and Rue de Paris mansions.

• [ ] 🎨 Musée Léon Dierx ⭐ (~1h)

  • Fine art museum in a Creole mansion—works by Pissarro and local artists.

• [ ] 🏛️ Jardin de l’État & Natural History Museum ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Tropical garden, native flora, fascinating exhibits on island’s ecosystems.

• [ ] 🛕 Hindu Temple Kalikambal ⭐ (~1h)

  • Vibrant temple reflecting Réunion’s diverse heritage.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Le Barachois Promenade ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Waterfront walk, sunset views, pop-up food stalls.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Le Reflet des Îles ⭐⭐⭐
  • Creole specialties—rougail saucisse, curry; ~18 USD per person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🌳 La Montagne Panoramic Viewpoint (~1.5h)
  • Panoramic views over Saint-Denis and the Indian Ocean.

---

🇷🇪 Salazie & Hell-Bourg - 1 day

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Hell-Bourg Village ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • One of France’s most beautiful villages; Creole houses, vibrant gardens.

• [ ] 🌳 Maison Folio ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Gorgeous Creole villa/museum with botanic gardens.

• [ ] 🏛️ Mare à Poule d’Eau ⭐ (~1h)

  • Picturesque crater lake, easy walks, photogenic scenery.

• [ ] 🧗 Trou de Fer Waterfall Viewpoint (Short Hike) ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lush rainforest and majestic waterfall overlook. Moderate trail.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Chez Alice ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Local bar/restaurant—quiet, mountain views.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Ti Chouchou ⭐⭐⭐
  • Chayote-based dishes in a friendly setting, ~20 USD per person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🛕 Church of Hell-Bourg (~0.5h)
  • Tiny, colorful church full of character.

---

🇷🇪 Cilaos & Mafate (Central) - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Cilaos Town ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Mountain spa town, famous for lentils and embroidery.

• [ ] 🧗 La Roche Merveilleuse Viewpoint ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Short hike, breathtaking views of the Cilaos cirque.

• [ ] 🚶 Col du Taïbit Hike ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)

  • One of Réunion’s legendary hikes—views into Mafate, cirque panoramas. Challenging.

• [ ] ⛰️ Bras Rouge Waterfalls ⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Scenic hike to striking red rocks, clear pools for a dip.

• [ ] 🏛️ Maison de la Broderie ⭐ (~1h)

  • Discover Cilaos’ art of embroidery.

• [ ] 🏙️ Îlet à Cordes ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Tiny upland village surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Quiet, local life.

• [ ] 🌳 Thermal Baths of Cilaos ⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Relax after hikes in soothing hot springs.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Le Petit Randonneur ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Cozy mountain lodge bar—perfect for post-hike drinks.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Restaurant Chez Noé ⭐⭐⭐
  • Authentic mountain cuisine—lentil dishes and stews, ~22 USD per person.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🚶 Short hike around La Mare à Joncs (~1h)
  • Gentle lakeside stroll.

---

🇷🇪 Saint-Gilles, Hermitage & West - 2 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏖️ Plage de l’Hermitage ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Top swimming beach, beautiful lagoon, calm waters.

• [ ] 🐢 Kelonia Turtle Observatory ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Rescue center for sea turtles—education & close encounters.

• [ ] 🏙️ Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lively resort town—cafés, boutiques, open-air market.

• [ ] 🚤 Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour (seasonal) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Respected operators; July is perfect for humpback sightings.

• [ ] 🏝️ Lagon de la Saline-les-Bains ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Snorkeling—safe, colorful corals and fish.

• [ ] 🌳 Jardin d’Eden ⭐ (~1h)

  • Lush botanical gardens; picnics welcome.

• [ ] 🏄 Surfing at Boucan Canot ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Lessons/rentals (note: occasionally strong currents).

• [ ] 🏍️ Maïdo Viewpoint ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Road trip to panoramic overlook above Cirque de Mafate. Arrive early for clear skies.

• [ ] ⛲ Marché de Saint-Paul ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Food & craft market—Thurs & Fri, try samoussas, fresh fruit.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Le QG ⭐⭐ (~2h)
  • Popular beachside cocktail lounge—chill music, sunset views.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 La Bobine ⭐⭐⭐
  • Boucan Canot beachfront spot; fresh fish and Creole tapas, ~25 USD pp.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🚴 Cycling along the coast (~1.5h)
  • Scenic, easy rental options, safe for most ages.

---

🇷🇪 Southern Region & Volcano - 1 day

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] ⛰️ Piton de la Fournaise Volcano ⭐⭐⭐ (~5h)

  • Guided hike on world’s most accessible active volcano; lunar landscapes (early start, 4WD or organized tour recommended).

• [ ] 🌳 Plaine des Sables ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Mars-like plain on route to volcano; stunning photo stops.

• [ ] 🌊 Anse des Cascades ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Lush picnic area near waterfalls, see traditional fishing boats.

• [ ] 🏛️ Commune de Sainte-Rose ⭐ (~1h)

  • Volcanic coast, stark lava fields and church spared by eruption.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 La Case Volcan Bar ⭐ (~1.5h)
  • Local rum punch, crater vibe.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍜 Le QG Chez Loulou (Le Tampon) ⭐⭐
  • Hearty mountain food—civet zourite (octopus stew), ~24 USD.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏙️ Petite-Ile Market (~1h)
  • Saturday only—spices, vanilla, local snacks.

---

🎬 Films & series to watch

🇷🇪 Saint-Denis & North

• [ ] 🎬 La Rivière des Galets (2014) — ⭐ 7.0 — Drama set on Réunion, local life & Creole culture — TV5MONDE
• [ ] 📺 Les Enfants du Volcan (2017) — ⭐ 7.4 — Docuseries on Réunion geology & life by the volcano — YouTube

🇷🇪 Cirques & Volcano

• [ ] 🎬 Zarafa (2012, animated) — ⭐ 7.0 — Kids/family film, some Réunion settings — Netflix
• [ ] 📺 Échappées Belles: La Réunion (2023) — ⭐ 7.2 — French TV travel documentary — YouTube

🇷🇪 West Coast

• [ ] 🎬 Larguées (Dumped) (2018) — ⭐ 6.0 — Comedy, adventure on Réunion’s beaches — Amazon Prime

---

🍜 Local specialties

🇷🇪 Saint-Denis & North

• [ ] Rougail saucisse (spicy sausage stew)
• [ ] Bouchons (steamed dumplings)
• [ ] Samoussas (crispy filled pastries)

🇷🇪 Salazie & Hell-Bourg

• [ ] Chouchou (chayote) gratin
• [ ] Cari poulet (chicken curry)
• [ ] Bonbons piments (split pea fritters)

🇷🇪 Cilaos & Central

• [ ] Lentilles de Cilaos (tiny mountain lentils)
• [ ] Civet zourite (octopus stew)
• [ ] Rhum arrangé (infused local rum)

🇷🇪 West Coast

• [ ] Fresh seafood (capitaine, swordfish)
• [ ] Carri poisson (fish curry)
• [ ] Punch coco (coconut punch)

🇷🇪 Southern Region & Volcano

• [ ] Chai de coco (coconut bread)
• [ ] Vanilla-infused desserts
• [ ] Bredes (sautéed edible greens)

---

📍 Maps - places to pin

🇷🇪 Saint-Denis & North

1. 🌤️ Saint-Denis City Centre
2. 🌙 Le Barachois Promenade
3. 🛍️ Petit Marché Saint-Denis
4. 🏨 Hotel Bellepiere
5. 🍽️ Le Reflet des Îles

🇷🇪 Salazie & Hell-Bourg

1. 🌤️ Hell-Bourg Village
2. 🌙 Chez Alice
3. 🛍️ Maison Folio
4. 🏨 Relais des Cimes
5. 🍽️ Ti Chouchou

🇷🇪 Cilaos & Central

1. 🌤️ La Roche Merveilleuse
2. 🌙 Le Petit Randonneur
3. 🛍️ Maison de la Broderie
4. 🏨 Hotel Tsilaosa
5. 🍽️ Restaurant Chez Noé

🇷🇪 West Coast

1. 🌤️ Plage de l’Hermitage
2. 🌙 Le QG
3. 🛍️ Marché de Saint-Paul
4. 🏨 Hotel LUX* Saint Gilles
5. 🍽️ La Bobine

🇷🇪 Southern Region & Volcano

1. 🌤️ Piton de la Fournaise Volcano
2. 🌙 La Case Volcan Bar
3. 🛍️ Anse des Cascades
4. 🏨 Diana Déa Lodge
5. 🍽️ Le QG Chez Loulou

---

✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → Saint-Denis (RUN)
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Saint-Denis → Salazie (Hell-Bourg)
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Salazie → Cilaos
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Cilaos → Saint-Gilles
• [ ] 🚅/🚌 Saint-Gilles → Southern (Volcano area)
• [ ] ✈️ Saint-Denis (RUN) → London

---

🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
Saint-Denis	1	Hotel Bellepiere	180 USD
Salazie (Hell-Bourg)	1	Relais des Cimes	150 USD
Cilaos	2	Hotel Tsilaosa	320 USD
Saint-Gilles	2	Hotel LUX*	400 USD
Volcano/South (Tampon)	1	Diana Déa Lodge	100 USD
Total	7		1150 USD

---