Self-drive tour with guaranteed thrills in Reunion Island 2027

Breakfast. Take your time strolling through the village to discover its main street lined with pretty Creole houses, walk down to the old thermal baths (short walk of about 1 hour 15 minutes round trip) vestiges of the circus's golden age, or visit the Maison Folio, between botany and history (not included, to be paid on site).

You will then depart for Saint-André. Suggested visits include: the Roulof plantation, a family-run vanilla estate, the black gold of Réunion (visits only in the morning at 11:00 am and in the afternoon at 2:00 pm), and the Temple of the Colossus, in the Champ Borne district, dedicated to the goddess Pandialé. It was built by Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century. Several ceremonies dedicated to the goddess Karli in July and Mariamen in May are celebrated there each year.

The first ceremony of the year, on January 1st, is dedicated to the goddess Pandialé. This ceremony involves walking on a bonfire after a 20-day vegan fast. An insight into Tamil culture.

Continue towards Sainte-Rose via the suspension bridge over the Rivière de l'Est. This suspension bridge was built in the 19th century. Measuring 152 meters, it was the longest bridge in the world when it was completed in 1894. Classified as a historical monument, it is no longer in use.

Continue towards Plaine des Palmistes

Breakfast and departure towards the river of Marsouins (Saint-Benoit) to begin your Rafting activity.

This activity takes place year-round on the magnificent Rivière des Marsouins using various watercraft: rafting, airboating, and canorafting. You will be accompanied by your state-certified and passionate guide who will be delighted to help you discover this exceptional environment.

The Rivière des Marsouins passes through the Takamaka Valley, famous for its fabulous waterfalls and record rainfall, before arriving at Ilet Coco, the site of our adventures.

We'll be navigating the upper section where the best rapids are located, such as "Megarisse" or the famous "Déchirator". We'll make a short stop at Bethléem for a Tarzan swing from a mango tree and at Bassin Noir for a splash in the currents.

This activity is accessible to everyone, from age 6. The only requirement: knowing how to swim!

Heading towards Saint-Pierre with stops planned on the East coast: 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.

You will finally arrive in Saint-Pierre where your hotel is located.

Start your day by discovering one of the island's most beautiful waterfalls, the Langevin Waterfall, also known as Grand Galet. You'll travel alongside the Langevin River and past numerous orchards of lychee, mango, and banana trees. The road is winding, but it's well worth the effort.

You'll catch a glimpse of this magnificent waterfall as you round a bend; it's truly majestic. After taking a few photos, head back down towards Trou Noir, where you can swim and enjoy the surroundings.

On the way back, there are several small restaurants and picnic kiosks for lunch.

In the afternoon, you can take the short walk along the trail to Cap Jaune, a geological curiosity. You'll walk along the coast to the ochre-colored Cap Jaune, from which it takes its name. The walk is easy and takes about 1.5 hours round trip.

Departure at the first light of day to reach the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Discover the volcano from a different perspective, by riding on trails that will lead you to places you haven't yet discovered.

An exceptional mountain bike ride, the Plaine des Sables offers a lunar landscape, its volcano and surrounding craters will offer you a breathtaking spectacle.

Session outline: Meet at 8:00 AM and transfer by minibus to the volcano. We'll cycle up to Piton de Bert, then head towards Piton de l'Eau and finally Pas de Bellecombe. We'll descend and return to the minibus, which will take us back to the meeting point.

A morning filled with fun, meeting new people, sharing experiences, and discoveries.

The activity ends with a friendly get-together over drinks and snacks.

Breakfast, take the time to explore Saint-Pierre before heading to Cilaos.

Take advantage of this day to visit the city with its Tamil temples, the port, the fishermen's quarter, Terre Sainte...

Visit the Rum Saga (optional), a museum located on the oldest estate, the Isautier estate. Between the museum and the distillery, you can discover all the secrets of sugar cane and rum, ending with a small tasting, in moderation of course.

A few kilometers from Saint-Pierre you will find Grande Anse and Manapany, natural pools where you can swim.

In the afternoon, it will be time to discover the island's last cirque, accessible by a single road from Saint Louis. It remains a preserved and authentic place. From the coast, you can reach it in 1 hour and 30 minutes, via a narrow, winding road clinging to the cliffside. Nicknamed the "road of 400 bends," it's a somewhat legendary access point to the island, running alongside an impressive ravine. The drive itself is breathtaking!

Cilaos is a true paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking cultural discoveries. With its peaks, waterfalls, and trails, this cirque offers a complete immersion in the island's wild and natural beauty.

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, head towards the west coast, with several possible stops along the way depending on your schedule: Le Gouffre à l'Étang-Salé, a natural corridor carved into the lava.

Étang-Salé-les-Bains, for a swim on its black sand beach. Le Souffleur, 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 late in the day on the west coast.

Take advantage of this day to discover the lagoon, a true paradise with turquoise waters protected by the coral reef.

The West coast, especially the protected lagoons , is ideal for paddleboarding because the water is calm and safe , perfect for all levels, even beginners.

Enjoy sports with breathtaking views of the coastline and the lagoon's seabed.

The width of the equipment allows you to quickly master your balance and enjoy gliding on the water.

Don't forget! --> Sunscreen, swimsuit, water and a towel.

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 to the airport, check in and fly to Paris, with unforgettable images filling your head.