Land of challenges in a 3-star hotel: lava tunnels and kayaking
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions181.83 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Treat yourself to a comfortable stay on the west coast of Réunion Island , with no need to change accommodations, right on the beach. From your seaside hotel , located between Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and La Saline , enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and adventure . With your included rental car , set off to discover the island: spectacular lava tunnels , white sand beaches , the lunar landscapes of the volcano , and a guided hike in the Cirque de Mafate , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back on the coast, be amazed by a ride in a transparent kayak , gliding above the coral reefs and tropical fish of the turquoise lagoon. The journey is also savored through its cuisine and moments of pure bliss: Creole curry overlooking the ocean , infused rum at sunset , and relaxation under the casuarina trees will punctuate your evenings. A stay without constraints , where freedom and disconnection come together by the water.
The highlights
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Discovery of the lava tunnels created during the eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise
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Guided hike in the Mafate cirque, accessible only on foot
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Morning ride in a transparent kayak in the Trou d'Eau lagoon
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 550 m
- Average daily descent: 550 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 1h30
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. Discover Reunion Island at your own pace and according to your desires. 🗺️
Regarding activities, the discovery of lava tunnels, the hike in Mafate and the transparent kayak trip are guided.
Program
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Arrival on Reunion Island
- Transportation Car - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis where you will be greeted by our team. You will be given your travel kit and picked up your rental car at the airport.
Take the time to explore downtown Saint-Denis, the island's capital, which hides true architectural gems with its charming circuit of colonial Creole houses. On Rue de Paris, you'll discover the Déramond-Barre house, a family home where illustrious figures such as Evariste de Parny, Léon Dierx, and Prime Minister Raymond Barre stayed.
On the way, stop at the Léon Dierx Museum, the island's first colonial museum and only fine arts museum. Then, take a stroll through the heart of the State Garden.
Enjoy the beautiful weather, and eat at Barachois with a view of the mountain to the left and the Indian Ocean in front.
In the afternoon, set off to explore La Montagne where you can take a break at the viewpoint of La Vigie or Trois Bancs where you will enjoy an exceptional view of the city of Saint-Denis.
After exploring the capital, head towards your accommodation in the West via the coastal road viaduct.
Day 1 -
Exploring the lava tunnels
- Transportation Car - 01h - 45km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest lava tunnels on the island. Formed by an eruption of Piton des Neiges, this tunnel was created more than 300,000 years ago.
The lava tunnel at Bassin Bleu offers the chance to observe white magnesite concretions, which are quite rare in lava tunnels. A true adventure awaits you, as you'll have to climb 7 meters on a via ferrata to enter the tunnel, then walk on your knees for a few meters, and finally exit with a 30-meter zipline to reach the banks of Bassin Bleu. (If this lava tunnel isn't possible, we suggest the ones at Sainte-Rose.)
Saint-Leu is characterized by its diversity, whether on land, in the water, or in the air, particularly its coastline: the blowholes and Pointe au Sel. You can enjoy the beach, gardens, and museums, or even try paragliding (a world-renowned spot with 300 possible flying days out of 365).
You can continue along the "surprise trail!" There you'll discover the Aromatic Fountain and a magnificent view of the West Coast! The distillery is open year-round. Johan, a distiller passionate about flora and perfumes, welcomes you and begins the guided tour through his fields of aromatic, perfume, and medicinal plants. We also suggest a visit to discover sea turtles: the Kélonia Sea Turtle Research and Discovery Center in Pont-Leu.
Day 2 -
A trip to the small village of Entre-Deux or to the "2nd capital", Saint-Pierre
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 110km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful villages in France, Entre-Deux.
Inheriting a rich past, the architecture of this charming little village reconnects with Réunion tradition. In its streets and countryside, a whole way of life is expressed around the beautiful Creole houses. Along the family footpaths, you'll discover the many artisans working with choka, coconut, or coffee, the village's emblem!
Alternatively, explore Saint-Pierre. The city, very cosmopolitan, is a pleasant place to live for locals.
The town center of Saint Pierre is a must-see, always bustling with activity! The Saint Pierre marina is a lovely spot, especially at sunset. You can stroll along the breakwater for a beautiful view of the beach on one side and the ocean on the other. Right next to the marina is the superb Saint Pierre beach. Although the lagoon isn't very large, it offers a safe environment for swimmers, who can admire some truly remarkable underwater scenery. Take the opportunity to visit the Domaine du Café Grillé, a 4-hectare garden that takes you back in time to the first plant to colonize the island. The visit begins with the discovery of exotic plants whose many fragrances will enchant visitors.
Day 3 -
Hike to the Cirque de Mafate, accessible only on foot
- Transportation Car - 01h20 - 54km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today, you set off to conquer the Mafate cirque and more specifically towards the Cayenne islet.
Meet at the river des Galets car park at the time indicated by your guide the day before.
After going up the riverbed of the Galets in a 4x4, you will start the hike at the place called "Deux-Bras".
The islet is accessible via the GR R2 or by a path winding along the bottom of the river, which you will have the opportunity to cross several times.
A refreshing break awaits you at the Bras d'Oussy basin before you resume your journey towards the islet and enjoy numerous viewpoints.
After discovering the islet of Cayenne, considered the "lower district" of Grand Place, you will begin the return journey to find the 4x4 that will take you back to the initial parking lot.
Day 4 -
Viewpoint overlooking Piton Maïdo and the Mafate cirque
- Transportation Car - 02h30 - 95km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
An early start will give you the opportunity to witness an exceptional sunrise at Piton Maïdo. From the viewpoint, you'll have a unique perspective on the Mafate cirque and its many hamlets. This will be a chance to try and identify the places you explored the day before.
On your way back down, you can visit the Villèle museum and its Pointue Chapel, in the former colonial estate of Mme Desbassyns where wealthy owners and unfortunate slaves wrote a part of Réunion's history.
Continue by exploring the town of Saint-Paul; the settlement cave, the marine cemetery renowned for its tombs of Pirates or famous figures (La Buse, Leconte Delisle, Eugène Dayot…).
Then, near the pond, the Tour des Roches (Rocky Tower) boasts a multitude of plant species: bamboo, coconut palms, palm trees, papyrus... This place is peaceful and steeped in history. The site includes a watermill that was once a cassava mill dating back to 1820.
Stroll through the Saint-Paul market (all day Friday and Saturday morning), and let yourself be carried away by the colors of the spices and local crafts, or the aromas of the fruits at this open-air market by the sea. Take the opportunity to do your shopping before your next trip.
Day 5 -
Transparent kayak trip on the Trou d'Eau lagoon
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 5km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Enjoy this last day on the west coast by sunbathing on the white sand beach of Saint-Gilles Les Bains or La Saline Les Bains, and swim safely in the beautiful lagoon.
Today, a 2-hour guided tour in a transparent kayak awaits you. Departing from Trou d'Eau beach, you will navigate the lagoon, carefully following your guide who will lead you to the most beautiful spots to admire the flora and fauna of this beautiful marine nature reserve.
Other water sports activities are available such as scuba diving, deep-sea fishing (depending on the day), a boat trip to discover cetaceans (dolphins, whales depending on the season...), a catamaran trip departing from the port of Saint-Gilles Les Bains and many others...
You can visit the Aquarium on the port, which includes 16 tanks housing a total of 250 fish native to the island as well as multiple varieties of coral. Don't miss the opportunity to take a helicopter tour, an essential activity to discover the many facets of Reunion Island in depth, flying over waterfalls, lagoons, volcanoes, etc... Guaranteed to amaze!
Day 6 -
Last moments on Intense Island
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free morning depending on flight schedule.
Before leaving Reunion Island, enjoy the hotel pool, the beach or take a stroll in the town centre of Saint Gilles Les Bains to shop and buy small souvenirs to take with you.
Departure to Roland Garros airport in Saint Denis depending on your flight schedule.
Returning the vehicle and checking in at the airport counter
Day 7
Accommodation
Ideally located on the Ermitage lagoon, the hotel is 2 km from Saint-Gilles. It sits in the heart of a 3-hectare tropical garden with direct beach access and is situated within a protected marine area. The hotel offers 160 air-conditioned rooms on three levels, each with a balcony or terrace, hairdryer, safe, minibar (on request), telephone, satellite TV, and free internet access. Two swimming pools, a children's pool, a tennis court, two restaurants, a bar, and two private parking areas are also available. Five rooms are designed for guests with reduced mobility. Free sports activities are offered. In the evenings, there is entertainment, various shows, and a folklore evening. A free kids' club is open during school holidays in mainland France.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Airport reception and assistance during your stay
- One gourmet basket per person
- Car rental (Dacia Duster or similar) with TPC, CDW and PAI insurance
- Overnight stays at the Hotel Le Relais de l'Hermitage*** with breakfast included
- Activities listed as included: exploring lava tunnels, guided hike in Mafate, transparent kayak tour
The price does not include
- Flights
- Airport tax of €35, security deposit starting from €1,200 and optional insurance
- Optional dinners
- Activities not listed as included in the program
- Hotel tourist taxes to be paid on site
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Lava tunnels: helmet, headlamp, knee/elbow pads
- Transparent kayak: kayak, oars
Equipment to bring
Fins, mask, snorkel, swim shoes, flip-flops, swimsuit, SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, hat, hiking equipment (poles, backpack, etc.), hiking boots
Clothing to bring
Mosquito repellent, lightweight clothing, rain gear, and warm clothing
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