Multi-activity trip to Intense Island

After breakfast, departure towards Grand Îlet, then ascent to the Col des Bœufs, where there is a supervised and paid parking lot (approximately €13 per night, payable on site). From there, the hike begins towards La Nouvelle, in the heart of the Mafate cirque.

Allow approximately 3 hours for the hike to reach your destination (6km, +535m elevation gain). The route is accessible, although some uneven sections require a bit of care. Remember to pack a picnic lunch, which you can buy the day before in Hell-Bourg. A stop at Plaine des Tamarins, a peaceful spot surrounded by tamarind trees, is ideal for a lunch break.

In the afternoon, continue to La Nouvelle, the largest village in Mafate. Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse and enjoy free time to appreciate the unique setting, in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, a traditional Creole dinner, often prepared over a wood fire, awaits you.

Overnight stay in a gîte in La Nouvelle.

Early in the morning, depart from La Nouvelle for the ascent to the Col des Bœufs. The hike will take approximately 3 hours, with a significant elevation gain. Once at the summit, retrieve your vehicle and drive towards the Wild South, passing through Takamaka. The Takamaka Valley is probably the wettest place on Earth. However, this humid climate gives it lush tropical flora and magnificent waterfalls cascading through breathtaking peaks.

This valley has retained its authentic and wild charm, as it is only accessible by air, on foot, or by canyoning along the Rivière des Marsouins. Enjoy this exceptional site by visiting the Takamaka viewpoint, an impressive observation platform located at an altitude of over 800 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of this steep-sided valley.

Several hikes are possible depending on your level.

Continue towards Saint-Joseph (Wild South) with stops at Notre Dame des Laves in Piton Ste Rose, a church miraculously spared by the 1977 lava flow, Anse des Cascades and its small fishing port lined with coconut trees and waterfalls, the lava road and the flows that have shaped the landscape over the years and the most impressive one of 2007, Cap Méchant and its jagged coast.

Night at the Tree of Life or similar.

After breakfast, embark on an unusual adventure: exploring the lava tunnels. Equipped with your caving gear, you'll descend underground for a 1.5 to 2-hour immersion, traversing galleries carved by the ancient lava flows of Piton de la Fournaise. The entire activity lasts approximately 4 hours, offering a unique experience at the heart of the volcano.

In the afternoon, head to Mare Longue (Saint-Philippe) to visit the Garden of Perfumes and Spices. Located on an 800-year-old volcanic flow, this lush garden boasts an incredible diversity of tropical and endemic plants. A perfect sensory immersion to discover the island's botanical treasures.

Night at the Tree of Life or similar.

After breakfast, head to the Langevin River for a morning of canyoning at Grand Galet. This iconic site on Réunion Island offers a fun and accessible route, starting at the foot of the Grand Galet waterfall. On the agenda: zip-lining, jumps and slides in crystal-clear waters, all in an exceptional natural setting.

Continue to Saint-Pierre where you can visit the Saga du Rhum, a museum located on the oldest estate, the Isautier estate. Between the museum and the distillery, you can discover all the secrets of sugarcane and rum, ending with a small tasting, in moderation of course.

Arrival in Bourg-Murat (Plaine des Cafres) where your hotel is located.

Overnight stay at the Hotel L'Ecrin 2* or similar.

Depart at first light to reach the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Depending on your preference and physical condition, two hikes are available:

Hike to the Dolomieu crater (approximately 5 hours round trip), a demanding but spectacular route, modified by recent lava flows.

A shorter hike to the Formica Leo crater (1h30 round trip), ideal for a first approach to the volcano.

On the way back, a stop at Nez de Bœuf, offering a stunning panorama of the Rivière des Remparts.

After this adventure, we head towards Cilaos, the last of the island's three cirques. The ascent is via the famous 400-bend road, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape. Once in the village, you'll have free time to explore its covered market, its embroidery museum (optional), the Mare à Joncs (Pond of Rushes), or simply stroll through its narrow streets lined with colorful Creole houses.

Overnight stay at Case Nyala or similar.

After breakfast, enjoy the morning exploring Cilaos.

A beautiful hiking option awaits you: the Bras Rouge waterfall. This trail, accessible from the Îlet à Cordes road, descends through endemic vegetation typical of the highlands. After 2km, you'll get your first glimpse of the Ferrière waterfall, before reaching, 500m lower, the spectacular Bras Rouge waterfall and its canyon carved by the river. Watch out for slippery rocks! A picnic break by the water is ideal before returning via the same path (5km, +300m elevation gain, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours round trip).

In the afternoon, departure for the west coast, with several possible stops along the way depending on your timing:

The Gouffre at Étang-Salé, a natural corridor carved into the lava.

Étang-Salé-les-Bains, for a swim on its black sand beach.

The Blowhole, a spectacular marine geyser.

In Saint-Leu, an optional visit to Kélonia, the sea turtle conservatory, a center dedicated to their protection and awareness.

Arrived at the end of the day in Hermitage-les-Bains.

Overnight stay at the Exsel Ermitage 3* hotel or similar.

Take advantage of this day to discover the Hermitage lagoon, a true paradise with turquoise waters protected by the coral reef. Several activities are available: snorkeling among tropical fish, transparent kayaking to observe marine life without getting wet, scuba diving to explore the seabed, or a boat trip, a must between June and September to observe humpback whales.

For a more aerial experience, treat yourself to a helicopter or microlight flight, offering spectacular views of the cirques, lagoons and the Piton de la Fournaise.

A free day to fully enjoy the seaside setting before a final evening in the tropics.

Overnight stay at the Exsel Ermitage 3* hotel or similar.

Depending on your flight time, enjoy one last visit to the Hermitage lagoon or a stroll along the beach. You can also do some souvenir shopping before heading to the airport.

Return your rental vehicle, check in and fly to Paris, with unforgettable images filling your head.