Reunion Discovery Self-Drive – 6 Days of Volcano, Cirques & Beaches
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Réunion Island (France – Indian Ocean) |
| Price From | $508 USD per person (~$85/day, self-drive) |
| Tour Style | Self-Drive, Road Trip, Independent Travel |
| Operator | DERTOUR (TourRadar) |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Saint-Gilles les Bains — Welcome to the West Coast
Pick up your rental car at Roland Garros Airport and drive to Saint-Gilles les Bains. Check into Hotel Le Nautile on the beachfront. Spend the afternoon exploring the 27km coastline — swim at Boucan Canot beach, snorkel in the lagoon at L’Hermitage, or simply relax with a Dodo beer (the local brew). Evening stroll along the Saint-Gilles waterfront with its restaurants and bars.
Day 2: Cirque de Cilaos — The 400-Bend Road
Early departure for Cilaos, driving one of the world’s most dramatic roads with 400+ hairpin bends climbing from sea level to 1,200m. In Cilaos, park and explore on foot: the embroidery museum, the thermal springs, and the Sunday market (if your timing is right). Afternoon hike to La Roche Merveilleuse for the best panoramic view of the cirque. Overnight at Hotel Le Vieux Cep — a charming hotel with a pool overlooking the mountains.
Day 3: Piton de la Fournaise — The Active Volcano
Drive across the high plateau of Plaine des Cafres to the volcano region. Stop at La Cité du Volcan museum to understand the geological forces at work. Continue across the Plaine des Sables — a surreal, Mars-like landscape of red and black volcanic sand. Park at Pas de Bellecombe, then hike across the Enclos Fouqué caldera to the Dolomieu Crater rim of one of Earth’s most active volcanoes. The walk takes 5-6 hours round trip. Overnight in the village of Bourg-Murat or Hell-Bourg.
Day 4: Hell-Bourg & Cirque de Salazie — Creole Heritage
Drive to the Cirque de Salazie, the greenest of the three cirques. The road winds past countless waterfalls, including the famous Voile de la Mariée. Explore Hell-Bourg, with its exquisite Creole mansions (cases créoles), blooming gardens, and the well-preserved Villa Folio estate. Visit the peaceful cemetery with panoramic views. Afternoon visit to a vanilla plantation in Saint-André on the east coast. Overnight in Hell-Bourg at Relais des Cimes.
Day 5: Saint-Pierre & Wild South Coast
Drive the wild south coast. Stop at the lava flows of Grand Brûlé — where Piton de la Fournaise’s lava has repeatedly reached the sea, creating a dramatic black coastline. Visit the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices in Saint-Philippe to learn about vanilla, turmeric, and other island spices. Continue to Saint-Pierre, the island’s second city, with its lively waterfront, Creole market, and excellent seafood restaurants. Optional whale-watching trip (July-October). Overnight in Saint-Pierre.
Day 6: Saint-Denis & Departure
Morning drive along the coast road to Saint-Denis, the capital. Explore the historic Barachois waterfront, the Grand Marché (covered market) for last-minute souvenirs — vanilla, essential oils, local rum. Visit the Léon Dierx Museum for Réunion’s best art collection, housed in a colonial mansion. Return your rental car at the airport and depart with memories of an island that combines French sophistication with tropical adventure.
What’s Included
• 5 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels
• Daily breakfast
• 6-day car rental (compact, manual) with insurance
• Detailed road book and GPS coordinates
• Volcano museum entrance
• Vanilla plantation visit
• 24/7 local support line
What’s Excluded
• International flights to Réunion
• Fuel (~€1.60/liter)
• Meals other than breakfast
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees not mentioned
