Summary
In Saint-Pierre on Reunion’s southern coastline, remarkable destinations await that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
You can embark on journeys to a volcanic caldera, natural amphitheaters consisting of massive basalt cliffs, cascading waterfalls, deep ravines, lava tubes, and an extraordinary plain resembling Martian landscapes.
The region’s captivating scenery makes helicopter tours an excellent option for experiencing the magnificence from above.
Nearby, you will find a charming and prosperous town featuring colonial architecture and a vibrant market held every Saturday.
Locally, opportunities abound to explore coffee plantations, understand the rum distillation process, and swim alongside dolphins.
Let us examine the top attractions in Saint-Pierre:
1. Domaine du Café Grillé
To appreciate Reunion’s rich botanical heritage, visit this coffee plantation, home to a variety of exotic and native plants found across the island.
The distinction between these categories is significant, and horticultural enthusiasts will find interest in learning which plants were introduced by humans.
This knowledge provides a new understanding of colonization and the introduction of crops like coffee that were cultivated on the island.
Notable plant varieties include vanilla, sugar cane, pineapple, guava, over 200 types of palm, and a diverse collection of orchids.
Conclude your visit by sampling the many coffees harvested on-site.
2. Saga du Rhum
Situated within the oldest family distillery on the island, Saga du Rhum is a museum dedicated exclusively to the rum produced in Reunion.
Visitors can opt for either guided or self-directed tours; the guided option allows for inquiries from rum enthusiasts.
Alternatively, self-guided visitors can gather substantial information from informative panels detailing the processes of sugar cane cultivation and distillation.
As with any distillery, a bar is available where you can sample the range of rums produced in Reunion at no charge.
Surprise awaits as you discover the variety, which includes “agricultural,” “traditional,” and infused rums, as well as selections aged for varying durations.
3. Piton de la Fournaise
It is essential to visit Piton de la Fournaise when you arrive on Reunion, as it is one of the most active volcanoes globally.
This experience will undoubtedly remain etched in your memory.
A significant amount of time should be allocated for the visit, and while the trek can be strenuous, the well-marked trail offers estimated times to reach various landmarks.
Early risers will find the most reward here, as many adventurers choose to ascend to the top of the crater at dawn to witness the sunrise.
This unforgettable experience is one to share for years to come.
4. Cité du Volcan
Prior to or following your transformative experience at Piton de la Fournaise, you may seek insight into the geology of this monumental site, as well as the other grand volcano, Piton des Neiges.
The museum is a short drive north of Saint-Pierre, filled with child-friendly interactive exhibitions and high-tech multimedia: it features a “4D” cinema, a 270° panoramic screen, augmented reality, and holographic visualizations unveiled during its 2014 restoration. Interactive maps are also available to illustrate the impact of volcanic activity on the landscape of Reunion.
5. Terre Sainte
On the opposite bank of the D’Abord River from the heart of Saint-Pierre lies the city’s fishing district.
This area is characterized by narrow alleys lined with vibrantly-painted weatherboard houses, while behind the beach, you will find terraces shaded by ancient banyan trees.
In the afternoons, locals gather on benches to engage in lively games of cards and dominoes, overlooking the harbor and reef.
If you arrive a bit earlier in the day, you will witness fishing boats returning and unloading their catch at the quays.
6. Marché Forain
If you seek authentic Reunionese souvenirs or wish to sample the island’s exquisite street food, the market at “Ravine Blanche” on Saturdays is a must-visit.
Self-caterers can stock up on local fruits, fresh seafood, meats, and cheeses.
You will also find an abundance of gift-worthy delicacies such as honey, jams, vanilla, spice packets, and kits for infused rum, as well as various handicrafts.
As you explore, the enticing aromas from food stalls grilling chicken and preparing samosas or stuffed peppers may tempt you even more.
7. Local Beaches
The coastline of Reunion is subject to the considerable forces of the Indian Ocean, which can result in a scarcity of safe bathing beaches.
Risks of shark attacks are also a concern; however, Saint-Pierre remains one of the few locations where swimming is considered safe.
The reason is that waves break on a reef approximately one hundred meters from the shore, creating crystal-clear lagoons beside gently sloping beaches.
Plage de Saint-Pierre is the most prominent of these, featuring a unique mixture of sand and rocks in the shallow areas, perfect for children to play safely.
8. La Fenêtre des Makes
An early morning trek to this elevated viewpoint known as La Fenêtre des Makes should be on your itinerary.
Located in the Saint-Louis commune by the village of Les Makes, it stands at an elevation of 1,587 meters above sea level.
The breathtaking panoramas showcase the remarkable Cirque de Cilaos and the Piton des Neiges volcano.
For those willing to hike, you can approach it via a trail from the Chemin Dépot just off the RN5, or alternatively, drive up the D20, which winds up the mountainside.
Regardless of your mode of travel, make sure to leave early to enjoy the view before midday clouds set in.
9. Plaine des Sables
The Route Forestière du Volcan is an unparalleled roadway that traverses a landscape unlike any other.
One of the most surreal locations is the Plaine des Sables: This flat expanse was formed through a series of cataclysmic collapses thousands of years ago, resulting in a barren area characterized by reddish-bronze soil that lacks any distinguishing features aside from the towering peaks and cliffs that encircle it.
When fog envelops the area, it is easy to lose your bearings on this vast plain, so it is advisable to adhere to the roadway and appreciate the scenery from your vehicle.
10. Air Adventures
Reunion represents a unique destination in which air travel is a practical method to experience the island’s stunning landscapes.
While not everyone may be inclined towards exhausting hikes, navigating winding mountain roads by car can render many natural sites several hours away.
The good news is that Saint-Pierre is adjacent to an aerodrome offering a selection of companies ready to provide aerial views of the volcanoes and cirques.
Choose from a wide array of flight options, with pilots consistently monitoring weather conditions to ensure your excursion is not hindered by cloud cover.
11. Canyoning Trips
This activity combines climbing, abseiling, and diving, presenting the safest way to appreciate the breathtaking waterfalls and river gorges located just minutes from Saint-Pierre.
Companies like Alpanes, situated just outside Saint-Pierre, will equip you with a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and neoprene socks.
You will be prepared for either all-day or half-day adventures that include sliding down waterfalls, jumping into crystal-clear pools, and exploring caves, all while ensuring total safety.
The variety of trips available may be overwhelming, and your guide will capture these unforgettable moments on a Go-Pro camera throughout your journey.
12. Lava Tubes
On Reunion’s southern coastline, you find yourself ideally situated to discover the lava tubes, which are extensive, subterranean channels regarded as the “veins of the island.” The prime location for these tubes is known as Le Grand Brûlé, located on the southeastern slope of Piton de la Fournaise, which is periodically scorched by lava flows that descend to the ocean.
These excursions are conducted by qualified guides, ensuring that safety is a priority.
However, it is thrilling to realize that you are traversing caves formed by eruptions as recent as 2004. Along the journey, the guide will highlight instances of perimorphosis in the cave walls, where organic materials, such as trees, have formed hollow spaces within the solidified lava.
13. Whale and Dolphin-Watching
The waters surrounding Reunion host no fewer than 22 different species of cetaceans at various times throughout the year.
From June to September, it is sperm whale season, when these majestic creatures migrate from the Atlantic to the warmer Indian Ocean to mate and bear young.
The western coast, particularly around the Bay of Saint-Leu, is often the best vantage point for observing them.
While boat excursions are available, it is frequent to observe them from the shore along the Barachois coastal road.
Blower dolphins and pantropical spotted dolphins can be found in these waters year-round, and diving schools are available to facilitate thrilling experiences swimming alongside them.
14. Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
The abundant plant life of Reunion is showcased in another impressive attraction that is easily accessible from Saint-Pierre.
This garden will delight the senses with its vast plantations of perfumes and spices such as vetiver, ylang-ylang, clove, vanilla, and cardamom.
Various ferns, orchids, palms, and numerous tropical fruit trees populate the garden as well.
Although a self-guided visit is possible, joining a tour provides enhanced insights, and, during the right seasons, the guide will pick fruit directly from the trees for you to enjoy.
15. Cuisine
Reunion’s diverse population draws from influences including Chinese, Indian, East African, Madagascan, and French cultures, thus ensuring that Reunionese cuisine presents an enticing fusion of flavors.
Given the abundance of spices cultivated here, Creole dishes tend to be quite spicy, often featuring curries and stews adapted from Indian cuisine accompanied by Indian-style pickles.
Chop suey highlights the Chinese influence, while classic appetizers like samosas and chicken croquettes are also popular snacks found in local markets.
Complementing these dishes is the introduction of rum punches, made using tropical fruits such as lychees, mangoes, pineapples, and a myriad of other delicious flavors.
