Summary
Situated on a plateau between Reunion’s southern coastline and the ancient highlands of Piton des Neiges, Le Tampon is a tranquil rural community characterized by palm plantations and pineapple farms. Although the local landscape is relatively mild, it is surrounded by impressive geological formations that invite exploration through hiking, driving, and horseback riding.
Dramatic vistas await in the east, where Piton de la Fournaise, recognized as one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continually rumbles. The Route du Volcan road takes you towards this formidable site through a surreal landscape shaped by millennia of volcanic activity, the latest eruption occurring in January 2017.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Le Tampon:
1. Cité du Volcan
Located on the Plaine des Cafres between Piton de la Fournaise and the Piton des Neiges mountain range, this museum offers an engaging exploration into the world of volcanoes.
The Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion’s own active shield volcano, is prominently featured in this modern and interactive attraction that reopened in 2014 after undergoing extensive renovations.
With sophisticated multimedia presentations, visitors are transported to some of the most extreme environments on Earth.
The 4D cinema experience further expands horizons by showcasing extraterrestrial volcanoes within our Solar System.
Additionally, adults and teens who have a keen interest in the details of volcanic activity will find substantial scientific data about the geology and physics of these natural phenomena.
2. Piton de la Fournaise
Le Tampon is ideally situated for visits to Reunion’s active volcano, offering a dramatic scene that is unforgettable.
To truly appreciate the grandeur of the caldera, an early morning start is essential, as clouds tend to roll in later in the day, obscuring the breathtaking views.
Travel east by road to Pas de Belecombe, where you can park and begin your hike.
Be prepared with a flashlight and waterproof gear, along with a camera to capture extraordinary images more commonly associated with cinematic experiences: a colossal crater, freshly lava fields with intriguing patterns, steam-venting formations, and an arid, desolate landscape reminiscent of another world.
3. Route du Volcan
Just east of Le Tampon begins one of the most unforgettable drives you will ever experience.
The rugged terrain in Reunion has posed challenges for road construction, resulting in a route that took over three decades to complete.
Finished in the 1990s, the Route du Volcan showcases a sequence of volcanic marvels that will astonish you.
Starting in elevated meadows, it soon leads you to a captivating plateau.
This plateau, known as the Plaine des Sables, resembles a barren lunar landscape, providing minimal evidence of vegetation or human existence.
4. Parc des Palmiers
Established as an ongoing botanical project, Parc des Palmiers opened in 2010, although its initial planting occurred back in 1998. This verdant, 20-hectare palm plantation aims to eventually host 1,000 of the 2,800 known palm species worldwide.
Perched on a high plateau, as you stroll along the palm-lined paths, you will be treated to distant views over Saint-Pierre and Saint-Louis.
The melodies of native birds provide a constant background, and you may spot the rare Reunion harrier soaring overhead.
5. Belvédère de Bois Court
Just beyond the northwestern edge of Tampon lies a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the village of Grand Bassin.
Situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters, this viewpoint juts over the cliff, providing stunning vistas of a massive amphitheater of sheer rock faces descending dramatically into the valley below.
From the valley floor, you can spot small white structures, and as you gaze upwards, the Voile de la Mariée (Veil of the Bride) waterfall cascades into a vivid blue pool.
6. Walk to Grand Bassin
The Belvédère de Bois Court serves as the starting point for a trail that leads into the rocky terrain towards Grand Bassin.
This loop measures only 10 kilometers, but you will descend 700 meters to the valley floor and then ascend again, requiring approximately half a day.
Initially, the decline is gradual, but soon becomes steep; however, the towering volcanic rock walls that rise 1,000 meters above the village will inspire you as you proceed.
Once in the valley, take a moment to appreciate the banana plantations and get close to the waterfall and its delightful pool.
7. Maison de l’Ananas
Since 1668, pineapple cultivation has flourished on Reunion, with the Queen Victoria variety being the most prevalent, producing 16,000 tons annually.
For enthusiasts of this nutritious fruit or for those curious about its botanical aspects, Le Tampon features a plantation open to the public.
Covering four hectares, Maison de l’Ananas has been welcoming visitors since 2013. Guided tours of the farm are conducted, showcasing when a Victoria pineapple reaches harvest readiness and how it is picked.
A film presentation about the fruit is also available, concluding with a refreshing glass of pineapple juice, freshly pressed on location.
8. Col de Bellevue
This peak, at 1,606 meters, is located to the north of Le Tampon.
This landmark is perfect for those unprepared for long day hikes, as the winding N3 road runs adjacent to it.
A rest area with picnic tables is available at the hilltop for visitors.
In addition, kiosks nestled among the vegetation provide invigorating vistas.
You may also venture into the lush mossy forest, where ferns, arums, and other high-altitude flora flourish.
Your journey will lead to an orientation table, offering expansive views toward Piton des Neiges on clear mornings.
9. Sentier Botanique Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix
The tourism website of Le Tampon provides access to downloadable material for this one-hour loop, leading you past some remarkable viewpoints.
This trail meanders through woodlands that have been cleared of invasive plant species, offering a glimpse into the state of Reunion before western colonization.
You will be continuously rewarded with breathtaking views over the Grand Sud coastal plain or the impressive Riviére des Remparts canyon.
Although only two kilometers in length, the trail’s 300-meter elevation change necessitates at least an hour for completion.
10. Horseback Rides
Another way to immerse yourself in Reunion’s stunning landscapes is through horseback riding.
While trotting along forest paths, you will have ample opportunity to admire the grand slabs of volcanic rock, expansive valleys, rich endemic birdlife, and vibrant plant life.
Furthermore, you will gain insight into how early European settlers navigated this challenging terrain from the 16th century onward.
Horseback riding is a significant activity in the region, with a considerable number of stables available around Le Tampon—eight in total, most of which cater to young riders who can take control on ponies.
For adventurous individuals, there are options for day-long expeditions or even multi-day excursions, setting up camp in new locations each evening.
11. Canyoning
The wild basalt geography of Reunion is marked by rivers that plunge several hundred meters over short distances, cascading through stunning waterfalls and deep gorges.
Many of the most breathtaking locations are only accessible through canyoning, allowing you to engage directly with these magnificent rivers.
Canyoning companies, such as Alpanes, Aquavertige, and Alazard Romain, located in Saint-Pierre, offer guided adventures led by trained professionals.
Equipped with neoprene suits, harnesses, and helmets, you will be prepared for abseiling from cliffs, leaping into crystal-clear pools, and sliding down waterfalls.
12. Domaine du Café Grillé
Another rich botanical destination is located a short drive away in Saint-Pierre.
Domaine du Café Grillé is an historic plantation that chronicles the history of coffee cultivation while also providing insights into the island’s botanical legacy.
Here, you can see, smell, and taste various crops introduced since the 17th century, including sugar cane, vanilla, vetiver, geranium, and lemongrass.
These plants coexist with botanical curiosities such as orchids, ornamental plants, and a peaceful bamboo forest.
Complete your visit with a tasting of the estate’s coffee, along with fresh juices, jams, sorbets, and an assortment of local sweets prepared on-site.
13. Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre, the second-largest city in Reunion, is located a brief drive to the south and offers a vibrant atmosphere with a rich variety of dining and recreational options, such as a marina, casino, and nightclubs.
Visitors can enjoy the lively market atmosphere while strolling along the picturesque waterfront.
The city features beautiful colonial architecture, further illustrating Reunion’s cosmopolitan nature as you encounter churches, a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, and a mosque all within a few blocks of one another.
Moreover, Saint-Pierre is one of the few locations in Reunion where you can swim in the ocean, as an offshore reef protects against strong currents.
14. Saga du Rhum
At bars, restaurants, and market stalls throughout Reunion, the island’s passion for rum is evident.
With three significant distilleries operational on the island, one can visit the Établissements Isautier estate located in Saint-Pierre.
You may explore the facility independently or participate in a guided tour, gaining fascinating insights into the history of rum production on Reunion and the underlying processes involved.
At the conclusion, you can enjoy a complimentary tasting of white rum, aged rum, or spiced rum at the distillery’s bar.
15. Reunionnais Delicacies
The culinary landscape of Reunion is rich with diversity, influenced by various cultures.
In the rural area surrounding Le Tampon, visitors can personally experience this culinary fusion by visiting farms that produce Creole pâté made from curried pork, as well as cheese from Plaine des Cafres which is infused with garlic and ginger.
At Creole restaurants, you will discover a blend of French, Indian, East African, and Chinese culinary traditions manifesting in tomato-based curries such as Rougail and Civet with spices and ginger.
While exploring the island, you can indulge in delectable tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and guavas, featured in cakes, desserts, and sorbets.
