📍 RE

A clockwise loop from Saint‑Denis across Salazie, Cilaos and the volcano plains, mixing UNESCO‑listed landscapes, Creole heritage and the west‑coast lagoon.

≈ 8
Days
245
Km
7
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Saint Denis

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6 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Saint‑Denis — Barachois waterfront cannons and Creole townhouses on Rue de Paris (19th c.).
2
Jardin de l’État — Botanical collections and natural‑history museum in a colonial garden.
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Activities

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Evening cari and rhum arrangé tasting; book a table on Rue Maréchal Leclerc.
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Short seaside jog on the Barachois promenade at sunrise.
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Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
2
Day

Saint Gilles Les Bains

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10 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
Saint‑Paul market (Fri–Sat) — Spices, fruits and Creole street food.
2
Saint‑Gilles‑les‑Bains — Aquarium and marina promenade.
3
Maïdo road — Belvedere over the Mafate cirque; panoramas at 2190 m (arrive at sunrise).
4
Savanna distillery — Rum tasting and botanical garden (check hours).
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Activities

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Lagoon snorkeling at l’Ermitage (inside reef only; heed lifeguard flags).
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Sunset on Boucan Canot boardwalk.
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Paragliding over the lagoon (weather‑dependent; certified operator only).
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Next stop
Distance: 39 km
Travel time: 47min
3
Day

Hell Bourg

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4 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
Salazie — Voile de la Mariée waterfalls and fern canyons; viewpoints along RD48.
2
Hell‑Bourg — Restored Creole villas (Maison Folio) and village museum.
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Activities

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Easy loop hike around Hell‑Bourg (2–3 h, early start to avoid clouds).
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Cassava cake and bonbon piment tasting in a village snack.
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Next stop
Distance: 17 km
Travel time: 20min
4
Day

Cilaos

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9 photos
Day 4
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Discover

1
RN5 to Cilaos — Road of 400 bends, basalt cliffs and tunnels; scenic stops at Îlet à Cordes viewpoint.
2
Cilaos — Thermal heritage, embroidery workshop and Cirque panoramas.
3
Cirque de Cilaos — Day hike on the Bras Rouge sector; basalt pools and cascades.
4
Village craft center — Lace and lentil products from the plateau.
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Activities

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Short hike to La Roche Merveilleuse belvedere (late afternoon light).
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Spa soak or wine tasting (local chenin/viognier micro‑production).
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Optional summit attempt to Piton des Neiges (very early start; experienced hikers).
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Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 36min
5
Day

Saint Pierre

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9 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
Étang‑Salé — Black‑sand beach and petrified lava cliffs.
2
Saint‑Pierre — Waterfront market and Creole temple façades on Rue des Bons‑Enfants.
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Activities

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Snorkel the protected lagoon (when sea is calm; never swim outside marked area).
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Next stop
Distance: 21 km
Travel time: 25min
6
Day

Bourg Murat

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6 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
Plaine des Cafres — Volcano Museum (Cité du Volcan) introducing Piton de la Fournaise.
2
Plaine des Sables — Lunar ash plains on the access road to the volcano.
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Activities

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Star‑gazing session (clear nights) on the high plateau; bring warm layers.
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Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 42min
7
Day

Saint Rose

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10 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Piton de la Fournaise — Hike from Pas de Bellecombe to the caldera rim with views of Dolomieu crater.
2
Grand Brûlé — Coastal lava flows and N2 road segments rebuilt over recent eruptions.
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Activities

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Stop at Notre‑Dame des Laves chapel near Piton‑Sainte‑Rose.
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Next stop
Distance: 78 km
Travel time: 1h33
8
Day

Saint Denis

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6 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Back to Saint‑Denis — Street art lanes and last Creole boutiques.
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Activities

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Final seaside walk at Barachois; airport drop‑off.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

MARTINIQUE: MOUNT PELÉE, RUM HERITAGE AND WHITE‑SAND COVES

📅 10 days 🛣️ 131.2 Km

SAINT‑PIERRE & MIQUELON: NORTH ATLANTIC CAPES, SEABIRDS AND COLORFUL TOWNS

📅 2 days 🛣️ 100 Km

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Winter/Dry Season (May-November): Perfect weather conditions (18-26°C) with minimal rainfall, excellent hiking conditions, and ideal temperatures for outdoor activities. Peak tourist season with highest prices but most comfortable climate for exploring volcanic landscapes.

Summer/Wet Season (December-April): Hot, humid conditions (23-30°C) with heavy rainfall, cyclone risk, and challenging hiking conditions. Lower prices but weather limitations, lush green landscapes, and authentic tropical experience.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, October-November): Excellent transition periods with moderate temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and good value pricing. Ideal for outdoor activities with fewer crowds and stable weather patterns.

Year-Round Diving: Consistent water temperatures (24-27°C) make diving and water activities possible throughout year. Marine life varies seasonally with whale watching optimal June through September.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in RE?

Indian Ocean paradise with volcanic landscapes, French culture, and tropical beauty. Experience Creole cuisine, adventure activities, and beautiful natural environments. The territory offers cultural diversity with natural beauty and French sophistication. Réunion provides French experiences with tropical paradise and cultural authenticity.