In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Overseas Territories / Reunion Island
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5670 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The highlights
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The most comprehensive trip, taking your time to see all the island's must-sees.
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Optional ascents of the Pitons de La Fournaise and des Neiges at dawn
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A mix of comfortable hotels, often with swimming pools, and guesthouses with a friendly atmosphere.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average daily elevation gain: 475 m
- Average daily descent: 566 m
Management
Program
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Night flight to Saint Denis
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Paris in the evening.Day 1 -
Visit to Saint-Denis and relaxation
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival in Saint-Denis, you will be met and given a tour of the city. Located on the coast, Saint-Denis is the most populated French overseas city. Its historic center boasts superb Creole houses as well as colonial buildings in the "old manor" style. We have the rest of the day to enjoy our comfortable hotel and fully recover from our flight before our departure the following day. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 2 -
Cirque de Salazie - Col des Boeufs - La Nouvelle (Cirque de Mafate)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 610 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We pack our things for two nights in the Mafate cirque (we collect our luggage on day 5 in Cilaos). We are driven to the Col des Bœufs pass via the Haut Mafate forest road, which is accessed from Salazie. We reach the village of La Nouvelle by the easiest route, crossing through endemic vegetation known as the "Forêt de Bois de Couleurs" (Colorful Wood Forest).Day 3 -
Trois Roches - Marla (Cirque de Mafate)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We reach the Trois Roches viewpoint and enjoy a sublime view of the Rivière de Galets waterfalls, the result of a unique volcanic phenomenon. We then ascend towards Marla, perched at 1630 meters. The islet of Marla is one of the largest in the cirque (after Grand Place) and was for a long time one of the most populated. For the past 20 years, its population has been deserting it to settle in the larger village of Cilaos, which now enjoys the comforts of modern life.Day 4 -
Taibit Pass - Cilaos Cirque - Bois de Couleurs - Cilaos
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the Mafate cirque via the Taibit Pass (2083 meters), the obligatory crossing between the Cilaos and Mafate cirques. The Taibit Pass invites us to a short break. We find ourselves at the foot of Grand Bénare, and the view of the verdant cirques of Mafate and Cilaos on one side, and the south coast on the other, rewards our efforts. We continue with a long descent through the "Bois de Couleurs" (Colorful Woods). We arrive in Cilaos (1200 meters) and check into our hotel, where we find our luggage. We spend the afternoon free to explore this Creole town and/or enjoy our lovely hotel and its view of Piton des Neiges.Day 5 -
Cilaos (Le Bloc - 1400 m) - Piton des Neiges Refuge (2500 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We pack our things for the night (we collect our luggage the next day in Bélouve). Depending on the weather, the ascent to the refuge is planned for late morning or early afternoon. In either case, we take the time to visit the village of Cilaos. This small town, surrounded by high peaks, is full of life with its little white Creole houses surrounded by flower gardens and its smiling inhabitants, always ready to exchange a few words on a street corner. We set off from the hamlet of "Le Bloc," at 1400 meters. The climb to the high-altitude refuge allows us to better appreciate the scale of the Cirque de Cilaos with each step. During the ascent, we move from the humid canopy to a sparser, tropical mountain vegetation. The main species on the ground is the Branle vert, a tree heath from the Ericaceae family. After about 4 hours of effort, we arrive at the refuge situated in the middle of this superb setting, at the foot of the Piton des Neiges.Day 6 -
Ascent of Piton des Neiges - Cilaos
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For those who wish, we'll get up between 3 and 4 a.m. to admire the sunrise from Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the southern Indian Ocean, reaching 3,070 meters. This volcano, dormant for 12,000 years, occupies the center of the "ace of clubs" formed by the three cirques of Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate. From the promontory, we'll admire the three cirques, the south and east coasts, and Piton de la Fournaise. We'll return to the gîte to collect our bags and begin the beautiful descent to Cilaos. The afternoon is dedicated to some well-deserved relaxation. Overnight at the same hotel as two days prior for added comfort.Day 7 -
Hike to the village of Grand Bassin
- Transportation 00h40
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We pack our things for the night in Grand Bassin (we'll collect our luggage the next day at the volcano). We take a bus transfer and then hike to the isolated village of Grand Bassin. While the village has been deserted by many of its inhabitants in search of a more comfortable city life, a touch of Creole authenticity remains in this haven of peace, accessible only on foot and now one of the most beautiful hiking getaways on the island. We discover stunning landscapes and enjoy the surrounding tranquility of the rivers and the Bridal Veil waterfall at the bottom of the valley.Day 8 -
Plaine des Cafres - Cité du Volcan - Piton de la Fournaise
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From this secluded valley, we begin our return journey, accompanied by the sound of the surrounding waterfalls. The gardens overflow with flowers and fruits of all kinds: loquats, jackfruit, papayas, anthuriums, fangeans... We reach the Plaine des Cafres and then leave the Piton des Neiges volcanic massif to reach the more recent and still active Piton de la Fournaise. Along the way, we visit the Cité du Volcan (Volcano Museum) to learn more about volcanology before tomorrow's ascent.Day 9 -
Hiking to Piton de la Fournaise - Belouve
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day of hiking dedicated to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano. Subject to current regulations, it is possible to climb the main crater, Dolomieu. This crater has completely changed shape following the 2007 eruption, with a depression several hundred meters deep at its center. We will discover different types of rock resulting from successive lava flows. You will be taken to the Bélouve gîte in the afternoon and leave your main luggage to be retrieved the following day in Hell-Bourg. (Overnight without luggage) Note: In the event of a volcanic eruption, alternative hikes in the area are offered.Day 10 -
Bébour Forest - Bélouve - Trou de Fer - Hell Bourg - Sainte Rose
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early departure for the primary forest of Bébour-Bélouve, with the goal of seeing the largest waterfall in France: the Trou de Fer (Iron Hole). Crossing this forest is like stepping into a humid zone of mid-altitude island vegetation. Numerous tree ferns and endemic plants line our path. The density and vibrancy of the environment give free rein to our imagination. So many gnarled trees, so many secluded and secluded spaces—all these places seem straight out of a fairy tale. Return to Bélouve and descend to Hell-Bourg. A visit to this former spa town perched at 930 meters altitude; this charming village is famous for its pastel-colored houses, the renowned Creole houses. We stroll through the area and appreciate the tranquility that reigns in this timeless village where giant bamboo thrives amidst lush vegetation. At the end of the day, transfer to Sainte Rose and check-in at our 2* hotel in Sainte Rose on the lava road (or overnight stay in a Gite in Hell Bourg for some departures).Day 11 -
Discovering a vanilla producer - Visiting a lava tunnel - Saint Gilles
- Transportation 03h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We're heading to the east coast of the island. On the agenda for today: discovering a vanilla producer, sugarcane fields, and the lava flows of Piton de la Fournaise! The highlight: we'll visit a lava tunnel, guided by a volcanism specialist (depending on weather conditions and seismic activity, access may be restricted). Afterwards, we'll arrive in Saint-Gilles, a small resort town with a crystal-clear beach. Free time to enjoy the pool or the lagoon. Dinner is on your own in Saint-Gilles.Day 12 -
Saint Gilles - Free day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A free day to enjoy a pristine white sand beach. Once an isolated fishing village, the construction of the coastal road from Saint Paul in 1863 transformed Saint Gilles into a seaside resort, now the most popular on the island. We can take advantage of the many optional activities, or simply opt for relaxation by the hotel pool or on the beach and its lagoon. Meals are not included.Day 13 -
Saint Gilles - Saint Denis - Return flight
- Transportation 00h45
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Enjoy some free time by the lagoon to take advantage of Réunion's beaches and a swim in the Indian Ocean. Numerous optional activities are available departing from Saint-Gilles: a boat trip with the possibility of observing humpback whales (from June to September) and dolphins, mountain biking down Piton Maïdo to Saint-Gilles, paragliding, canyoning, and more. Then, at the end of the day, we depart for Saint-Denis airport for our return flight to France. Meals are not included in Saint-Gilles. Note: If night flights are full, a daytime flight may be offered on Day 14, arriving in France the same day (private transfer to be arranged at an additional cost).Day 14 -
Paris
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in France and end of the trip. Note: We designed this trip to be 15 days long to allow ample time to enjoy Saint-Gilles and its lagoon at the end of your stay. However, if night flights are full, a daytime flight may still be offered on day 14, arriving in France the same day. This is to avoid or minimize any potential airfare surcharges. In this case, the trip will be 14 days instead of 15.Day 15
Note
Accommodation
Charming hotels with a swimming pool for 2 nights, to ensure comfort and rest after hiking:
- Night in Saint-Gilles
- Night in Saint-Denis
Holiday cottages :
- The News: The Tamareo
- Marla: At Fanélie Caesar's
- Grand Basin: The Hiker's Lodge
- Sainte Rose: Hotel La Fournaise (or Hell-Bourg: Gîte La Mandoze for certain departures)
Mountain huts (10 to 15 people):
- Bélouve, Pitons des Neiges, Fournaise: the only type of accommodation in these areas
- Traditional dormitories (4 to 6 people)
During peak season (October-November), you have the option of sleeping in group tents near the Piton des Neiges refuge.
Access
Go to the starting point
Flights Paris - Saint Denis - Paris are included.
Price details
The price includes
- Round-trip flight Paris / Saint Denis and airport taxes
- Local transfers
- Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses
- Full board except for meals indicated as free
- Team of drivers (including luggage transfer)
- Guided by a Mountain Guide who is either native to the island or has lived there for many years
- Visit to a vanilla farm
- Guided tour of the lava tunnels
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Dinners on days 2 and 12 and meals on days 13 and 14 (approximately €15 per meal)
- Personal expenses
- Meals marked as "free"
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Extra night before your stay - Single room - 3-star hotel : CHF141.79 / unit
- Extra night before your stay - Double room - 3* hotel : CHF182.96 / unit
- Extra night after your stay - Single room - 3* hotel : CHF164.66 / unit
- Extra night after your stay - Double room - 3* hotel : CHF192.11 / unit
- Extra night after your stay - Single room - 2-star hotel : CHF102.46 / unit
- Extra night after your stay - Double room - 2* hotel : CHF128.07 / unit
- Delayed arrival: transfers from the airport to the hotel : CHF41.17 / unit
- Delayed departure: transfers from the hotel to the airport : CHF96.05 / unit
- 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 to bring
- During the Covid period and until further notice: 0°/5° comfort sleeping bag required: some guesthouses no longer provide blankets.
- Sleeping bag liner.
- A Tupperware container (or lunchbox) that closes and cutlery for picnics and lunchtime salads.
- Toiletries (wipes to replace water, etc.). Whenever possible, choose biodegradable products (Marseille soap and shampoo).
- Swimsuit.
- Quick-drying towel.
- Change of clothes for the evening.
- 1 1.5 litre water bottle or 2 equivalent (camel bag or rigid water bottles).
- 1 pair of sunglasses, high protection rating.
- Headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs.
- 1 Swiss Army knife or equivalent (in checked baggage!!).
- 1 pair of telescopic hiking poles (recommended).
- Toilet paper.
Don't forget to pack warmer clothes for the period from June to September.
Clothing to bring
This list is indicative and aims to be as complete as possible. Remember that we are in the Southern Hemisphere and that summer corresponds to winter for us.
Pack light clothing, but also warm clothing, because in the evening, in the highlands of the island, temperatures are low.
Between July and November, the temperature in the highlands can drop to 10°C during the day and even 0°C at night.
- A cap or hat for sun protection.
- 1 scarf to protect the neck.
- 1 or 2 thermal undergarments (short or long sleeve T-shirts).
- T-shirts (short and long sleeves), preferably made of quick-drying technical material.
- 1 lightweight fleece or equivalent (warm for the southern winter months).
- 1 anorak or down jacket/vest
- 1 breathable waterproof windproof jacket with hood of Gore-Tex type, especially for the southern winter months.
- 1 long short.
- 1 pair of comfortable walking trousers (ideally with detachable legs).
- One pair of comfortable, waterproof trekking shoes with a high-cut upper and a grippy sole (Vibram type). They must provide good traction on the terrain. The trails on Réunion Island vary in condition (muddy, rocky).
- 1 pair of sneakers or equivalent light shoes for the evening.
- Pairs of walking socks.
- From June to September, gloves and a hat are recommended for days spent in the Cirques and on "the highlands".
They traveled with us