Detailed itineraries
Day-by-day island tours, 5-7-10 day trips depending on profile and season. Routes, stops, gîtes, distances and overall budget.
Examples: A 7-day campervan itinerary, a relaxed island tour, a 2-day Piton des Neiges ascent.
Travel tips blog · Reunion Island
Reunion Island travel tips: guides, itineraries and insider advice
Heading to Reunion Island, France's volcanic island in the Indian Ocean? Here is everything you need to plan the trip: detailed hikes, day-by-day itineraries, verified places to stay, activities, a month-by-month calendar and logistics tips. Articles written by someone passionate about Reunion Island, kept up to date.
8 topics coveredItineraries day by dayGuides + newsMauritius and the Indian Ocean
Updated in November 2026
Before you dive in
Every article is written by hand, with no automated or copied content. Every guide combines research, on-the-ground feedback and official data. For recent news, see the news section; for specific questions, see the practical FAQ.
You're on Sous Les Étoiles 974
The independent guide to planning your trip to Reunion Island
Sous Les Étoiles 974 aggregates more than 470 partner activities and publishes a travel blog written entirely on the island. Detailed itineraries, verified accommodation picks, an events calendar. An independent site run by someone passionate about Reunion Island.
Flagship guides
A great place to start planning your trip
Four essential guides that shape your trip. Read these first before booking flights, hotels and activities.
Most read
Reunion Island Itinerary: 10 Days
Two detailed itineraries (lagoon relaxation and hiking adventure), day by day, with hotels and partner activities.
Read the guide →
Essential
Best Time to Visit Reunion Island
The best windows depending on your type of trip, a detailed annual calendar, weather by area and season.
Read the guide →
Reference
Reunion Island Weather
2 contrasting seasons, 4 climate zones, a 12-month calendar, cyclones and reliable sources.
Read the guide →
Road trip
7-Day Campervan Itinerary
A dry-season roadmap with overnight parking spots, Agoda hotels, stops by area, and van life tips for Reunion Island.
Read the guide →
Latest
The latest published articles
Hand-written editorial articles, updated with verified data and angles.
Piton de la Fournaise: Eruption and Volcano History
Current status of the volcano, timeline of the 2026 eruption, every eruption since 1998, and how to see it safely.
Stargazing in Reunion Island: 6 Spots and the Southern Sky
Where to go stargazing: Maïdo, Plaine des Sables, Piton des Neiges, Observatoire des Makes. Southern constellations, meteor showers, astrophotography.
Wheelchair-Accessible Walks in Reunion Island: 5 Trails
5 walks for reduced-mobility visitors: Pointe du Diable, Parc des Palmiers, Grande-Anse, Anse des Cascades, Parc du Colosse, plus Bélouve and Nez de Bœuf bonus spots.
Best Gourmet Restaurants in Reunion Island
Gourmet, Creole and top-rated tables in Reunion Island. A map of the best restaurants by area, price ranges, booking and practical tips.
Kids' Outings in Reunion Island: 8 Family Activity Ideas
Lagoon snorkelling, tree-top adventure courses, horse riding, maloya, botanical gardens, family hikes: 8 tested outings, by age, free or paid.
The Postman of Mafate: 253,000 km on Foot, the Incredible Story of Ivrin Pausé
The story of Ivrin Pausé, postman of the Mafate cirque from 1951 to 1991: 40 years of rounds on foot, 253,000 km covered, 30 tonnes of mail.
Niagara Waterfall in Sainte-Suzanne: Access, Swimming and Tips
Niagara Waterfall in Sainte-Suzanne: 25 m high, easy access, swimming allowed in the dry season. Everything you need to know before visiting.
Mafate 2-Day Hike: 5 Routes From Easy to Challenging
5 two-day hiking routes into the Mafate cirque, from easy to demanding, with gîtes, bivouac spots and access details.
Where to Take a Van Road Trip in France: 12 Destinations
12 destinations for a van road trip in France: the Verdon Gorges, Brittany, Corsica, Provence, the Basque Country, Auvergne, Alsace. Itineraries, spots and practical tips.
Piton de la Fournaise: Complete Guide
Hikes, guided activities and places to stay around Piton de la Fournaise: Dolomieu ascent, Plaine des Sables, helicopter flights, lava tunnel.
Where to Swim With Turtles on Reunion Island
6 spots to swim with green and hawksbill turtles on Reunion Island, plus the observation code and guided excursions.
Waterfalls and Swimming Holes on Reunion Island
12 of the best waterfalls and natural pools to swim in on Reunion Island, with access, difficulty and safety advice for each.
Piton des Neiges: Ascent, Gîte and Camping
The Indian Ocean's highest point at 3,070 m: 2 ascent routes, the Caverne Dufour gîte, gear and 5 Agoda hotels.
Things to Do in Cilaos: Hikes, Canyoning, Climbing, Wine
10 activities in the Cilaos cirque: Fleur Jaune and Bras Rouge canyoning, the Piton des Neiges ascent, climbing, quad biking and wine.
Things to Do in Salazie: Hell-Bourg, Trou de Fer, Bélouve
8 must-sees in the Salazie cirque: Trou de Fer, Hell-Bourg, the Bélouve primary forest, Voile de la Mariée and Maison Folio, plus hikes and places to stay.
Car Rental in Reunion Island: Compare Prices & Guide
Compare 146 car rental deals in Reunion Island: Discover Cars, real 8-day prices, local rental companies, airports, driving tips, FAQ.
Scuba Diving in Reunion Island: Clubs, Spots and Levels
1,200 fish species, a 3,500-hectare marine reserve, introductory dives from €75. Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu dive clubs, spots, PE20 to PA40 levels.
Reunion Island with Kids: 12 Easy Family Hikes
12 easy family hikes in Reunion Island: volcano, cirques, lagoon, waterfalls, with distance, duration and recommended age for each.
12 Unusual Activities in Reunion Island
Swimming with whales, a lava tunnel, bungee jumping, paragliding: 12 unusual activities with prices, minimum ages and tips.
Unusual Activities in Mauritius: 7 Experiences to Try
Helicopter flight over the underwater waterfall, swimming with dolphins and whales, kitesurfing at Le Morne, canyoning, horse riding, seaplane, quad biking: 7 unusual Mauritius activities with prices and seasons.
Cheap Activities in Reunion Island: 12 Ideas from €5
12 cheap activities ranked by budget: paddleboarding €5, a distillery visit €15, dolphins €40, rafting €35, a lava tunnel €50.
Living in Reunion Island: Pros, Cons and Cost of Living
The hub guide to living in Reunion Island: pros, cons, cost of living, climate, where to settle, jobs, schooling, health, transport, outdoor life.
Cheap Accommodation in Reunion Island: 10 Solutions from €0
10 ways to find free or cheap accommodation: wild camping, couchsurfing, wwoofing, campsites, gîtes, hostels, budget hotels and rentals.
Free Reunion Island: 10 Essential Activities at €0
10 free activities: lagoon snorkelling, waterfalls, whale watching from the coast, hiking, wild camping, weekend markets, the lava road, Le Souffleur.
Reunion Island Without a Car: Is It Possible? The Complete Guide
Car Jaune, Citalis, taxis, hotel shuttles, guided excursions: 5 ways to explore the island without renting a car, and the destinations where it works best.
The 6 Best Beachfront Wild-Camping Spots in Reunion Island
From Trou d'Eau to Anse des Cascades: 5 west-coast spots and 1 east-coast spot, all free, with access, facilities and tips for each.
Langevin Waterfall (Grand-Galet): Complete Guide, Access and Swimming
Access, swimming, canyoning and nearby wild camping at Cascade Grand-Galet, one of the Wild South's most photogenic waterfalls.
Cilaos via the 400-Bend Road: Altitude, Access and Tips
Reunion Island's only high-altitude town, reached via the RN5's 420 bends: journey time, weather, activities and where to stay.
Reunion Island's Coral Reef: Reef, Marine Reserve, Alert
Everything about Reunion Island's coral reef: 20km of reef, 3,500 hectares of Nature Marine Reserve, 5 sanctuary zones, 185 coral species, where to see it and how to protect it.
8 Gift Experiences to Give in Reunion Island: Ideas
Gift ideas 974: 8 experiences to give in Reunion Island, from a €45 canyoning descent to a €345 helicopter flight, with budget, profile and booking advice.
Solo Travel in Reunion Island: Safety, Itineraries
Travelling alone in Reunion Island: safety tips, solo-friendly places to stay, 3 tested itineraries, guided activities perfect for meeting people, useful apps.
Best Hikes in Cilaos: 8 Trails
Hiking in Cilaos: 8 trails from easy to demanding. Piton des Neiges, Roche Merveilleuse, Trois Salazes, Cap Noir, Bras Rouge. Distance, elevation gain, duration and difficulty.
Things to Do in La Saline-les-Bains: Lagoon, Snorkelling, Paddleboarding
What to do in La Saline-les-Bains: lagoon, snorkelling, paddleboarding, clear-bottom kayaking, Saint-Leu paragliding, microlight flights, Eden Garden, Le Maïdo. 8 activities, 5 hotels.
Canyoning in Reunion Island: The 7 Best Canyons
7 canyons from the Wild South to Salazie, beginner to expert levels, abseils up to 120m. Prices from €70, operators and practical tips.
Horse Riding in Reunion Island: Prices, Beginner to Advanced
Horse riding and trekking in Reunion Island: Le Maïdo, Grand-Étang, Piton de la Fournaise. 6 packages from €35 to €320, 2 partner riding centres.
Ramadan in Reunion Island: Dates, Traditions and Mosques
Dates of upcoming Ramadans, the Muslim community, the Noor-e-Islam mosque in Saint-Denis, iftar traditions, what changes for travellers.
Sharks in Reunion Island: The Crisis, Species, CapRequins and CHARC Programmes
Shark presence in Reunion Island: why the west coast, tiger and bull shark species, the CapRequins and CHARC programmes, where to swim safely.
Best Hiking and Wild-Camping Apps for Reunion Island
Hiking apps for Reunion Island: Randopitons, Visorando, Sous les Étoiles 974, IRT L'Île Intense. A comparison of the best apps for planning a hike and wild camping.
Reunion Island with a Dog: Walks, Hikes, Health Requirements, Accommodation
Travelling to Reunion Island with a dog: authorised beaches, dog-friendly hikes, gîtes that accept dogs, health entry requirements, air travel.
Best Hikes in Reunion Island: 10 Trails
The 10 best hikes in Reunion Island: Piton des Neiges, Trou de Fer, Mafate, Piton de la Fournaise, Hell-Bourg, Formica Léo. Distance, elevation gain, duration and tips.
Bras Rouge Waterfall in Cilaos: Access, Hike and Canyoning
Bras Rouge waterfall in Cilaos: reddish-tinted water (iron oxide), a 2-3 hour hike, swimming, canyoning from €70. Everything you need before visiting.
What to Do in Reunion Island When It Rains: 10 Indoor Ideas
Stella Matutina, Cité du Volcan, Kelonia, Saint-Gilles Aquarium, Saga du Rhum, Villèle, an escape game, a spa, Creole cooking, a vanilla farm. 10 indoor activities for rainy days.
Victoria Pineapple: Why the World's Best Pineapple Comes From Reunion Island
Everything about Reunion Island's Victoria pineapple: a miniature variety, an intense flavour, where to visit a plantation, and how to pick and enjoy one.
A Trip to Mauritius in August: Climate, Activities and Prices
August in Mauritius: peak humpback whale watching season, ideal climate, steady wind for kitesurfing, but the most expensive and busiest month of the year.
Where to See Whales in France: 4 Spots and My Tips
Where to see whales in France: Reunion Island (June-October, humpback whales), the Gulf of Gascony, the Mediterranean and Corsica. Seasons, species and responsible operators.
Things to Do in Saint-Denis: Cathedral, Museums, the Barachois
Saint-Denis 974, Reunion Island's cultural capital: Rue de Paris, Maison Carrère, the Cathedral, the Noor-e-Islam mosque (1905), the Jardin de l'État, the Léon Dierx museum, Roche Écrite.
Things to Do in Le Tampon: The Volcano, Plaine des Cafres
What to do in Le Tampon: the volcano road, the Cité du Volcan in Bourg-Murat, the Plaine des Sables, hiking Piton de la Fournaise, the Parc des Palmiers, open-air markets and farm restaurants.
Whale and Dolphin Watching in Reunion Island: Everything You Need to Know
Humpback whale season (June-October), dolphin season (year-round), species, boat trips departing from Saint-Gilles, the approach charter and prices.
Reunion Island Excursions: 5 Guided Day Trips
5 guided day excursions in Reunion Island: the Wild South, Cilaos, Salazie, Piton de la Fournaise, Le Maïdo. From €35, west coast departures, lunch included on most.
Birthday Activities in Reunion Island: 7 Ideas by Age, Prices, Season
Seven ideas for celebrating a birthday in Reunion Island: whales, helicopter, paragliding, tree-top adventure courses, escape games, villas, sunset drinks. Prices, ages, season.
Planning a Trip to Reunion Island: the Complete Guide
Everything to plan a trip to Reunion Island: when to go, flights, budget, accommodation, getting around, activities, gear. A complete planning guide for 2 to 3 weeks.
Mauritius in October: Weather, Things to Do, Prices
October in Mauritius: the spring inter-season, warming weather, the last whale-watching window, Divali. Climate, activities and hotel prices.
Day Trips from Saint-Denis by Car
10 day trips to take by car around Saint-Denis: Roche Écrite (2,276m), La Possession, Cap Bernard, Sainte-Marie, the Niagara waterfall, Vallée Heureuse.
Best Tent for Wild Camping in Reunion Island
Choosing a bivouac tent for Reunion Island: tunnel, dome, ultralight MID, 3-person family, 4-season. Wind and tropical rain criteria, altitude, where to buy on the island.
Mauritius in November: Weather, Things to Do, Prices
November in Mauritius: the start of the austral summer, rising temperatures, little rain, a cautious start to cyclone season. Climate, activities and hotel prices.
Boucan-Canot Beach in Reunion Island: The Complete Guide
Boucan-Canot, a golden-sand beach on the west coast: a natural tide pool, safe swimming, upscale hotels, snorkelling, restaurants. Everything to plan your visit.
Mistakes to Avoid in Reunion Island
Seven concrete mistakes that ruin a stay in Reunion Island: no rental car, underestimated travel times, too short a trip, the wrong packing list, poorly anticipated weather.
Things to Do in Sainte-Suzanne
What to do in Sainte-Suzanne: Niagara Waterfall (25m, swimming), Bassin Bœuf (canyon, horse riding), Bel Air lighthouse (1846), the Chien tunnel, Grand Hazier vanilla, Savanna distillery.
Creole Cooking Class in Reunion Island
A Creole cooking class in Sainte-Suzanne or Saint-Paul, from €62.50 per person. A morning market, curry, rougail, samosas and chilli fritters cooked with locals.
Reunion Island Train: The Reunion Express Project
The Reunion Express train project plans 140 kilometres of track, a €3 billion investment, a train every 15 minutes at 110 km/h. Construction from 2030, entry into service in 2035.
Mauritius in December: Weather, Christmas, Prices
December in Mauritius: the festive season peak, a summery climate, the year's highest hotel prices, cyclone season starting to stir. Climate, activities and hotel prices.
Hiking Gear for Reunion Island: What to Pack
Hiking gear list for Reunion Island by type of trip: day hike, 1-night camp, multi-day trek, trail running. Tropical climate specifics, where to buy on the island.
Best Time to Visit Reunion Island
The best window runs from May to November. Month-by-month weather, whales, prices, crowds and cyclone season, plus an interactive tool to find your ideal month.
Campervan or Car Hire in Reunion Island?
An honest comparison of camper van vs. rental car in Reunion Island: budget, freedom, comfort, driving. Van rates from €50/day, cars from €25/day, plus a 10-day itinerary.
Buying a Car in Reunion Island: New or Used?
A detailed comparison of buying new vs. used in Reunion Island: 6 criteria, 2026 prices by category, octroi de mer explained, pitfalls to avoid.
Trail Running in Reunion Island
Trail running in Reunion Island: the Grand Raid's 4 races (Diagonale des Fous 165km), the annual race calendar, where to train, and how to prepare for an ultra.
Things to Do in Saint-Joseph (Wild South)
Saint-Joseph, gateway to the wild south: Grand-Galet waterfall, Manapany natural pool, Cap Jaune, canyoning and tubing on the Langevin river, local produce.
7-Day Reunion Island Itinerary by Campervan
A full loop of the island in 7 days by camper van: day-by-day roadmap, authorised overnight parking spots, activities, distances, and 5 alternative hotels.
Long-Term Car Rental in Reunion Island
LLD in Reunion Island: the difference with LOA and buying used, prices by category, who it suits, local operators. The complete 2026 guide.
Things to Do in Étang-Salé
The island's largest black sand beach, Bassin Pirogue lagoon, Le Gouffre, the state forest and Croc Parc. The complete guide to Étang-Salé.
Trou d'Eau Beach
Trou d'Eau lagoon between La Saline and Saint-Leu, shallow crystal-clear water, the historic clear-kayak spot. 4 flagship activities, safe swimming and 5 nearby Agoda hotels.
Cilaos Wine
Cilaos wine in Reunion Island: France's only high-altitude tropical vineyard, Malbec, Chenin and Pinot Noir grape varieties, 1,200m terroir, tasting, where to buy, food pairings.
Things to Do in Plaine des Palmistes
What to do at Plaine des Palmistes: Trou de Fer (725m, France's highest waterfall), Bébour-Bélouve primary forest, Cascade Biberon, Maison Folio, Sunday market.
Inflatable Kayaking in Reunion Island
Inflatable kayak guide for Reunion Island: comparison vs rigid, 3 types (sit-on-top, clear, drop-stitch), 5 lagoon and river spots, rental from €15, 4 Agoda hotels.
Things to Do in Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre 974, capital of the South: street market (2nd largest in France), town-centre lagoon beach, Terre-Sainte, Pointe du Diable, Domaine du Café Grillé, Saga du Rhum.
Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Reunion Island
Six outdoor activities that respect the national park: a lava tunnel, paragliding, surfing, hiking, horse riding, canyoning. Prices, certified operators and eco-responsible rules.
Trekking Food in Reunion Island
Eating well on a trek or hike in Reunion Island: meal planning, freeze-dried food, hydration, waste and cooking gear. Mafate, Bélouve and bivouac specifics, guided packages that handle the food supply.
Saint-Paul Market
Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm, 300 stallholders on Saint-Paul's seafront. Exotic fruit, spices, Creole crafts, food. Full details on hours, parking and 5 nearby Agoda hotels.
Piton Maïdo: Sunrise over Mafate
Piton Maïdo at 2,190m, an iconic viewpoint over the Mafate cirque. Sunrise, bivouacking tolerated at the summit, the Grand Bénare hike at 2,898m, paragliding, mountain biking and 5 west-coast Agoda hotels to plan your night.
Best Beaches in Mauritius
The complete guide to Mauritius's beaches: 6 iconic beaches (Belle Mare, Flic-en-Flac, Trou-aux-Biches, Le Morne, Île aux Cerfs, Pointe d'Esny) and 5 secret beaches (La Cambuse, Pomponette, Anse Jonchée, Trou d'Eau Douce, Grand Gaube). Access, atmosphere and tips.
Guided Hikes in Reunion Island
Hiking in Reunion Island with a local guide: 5 tested hikes at the volcano, in Cilaos, Mafate, Bélouve and off-trail. Prices, durations, elevation gain, level, partner listings.
Things to Do in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, a 974 seaside resort: L'Hermitage lagoon, whale watching, diving, catamaran, the Aquarium, Jardin d'Eden, the Maïdo, restaurants and hotels.
Mauritius on a Budget
Travelling to Mauritius on a tight budget: guesthouses from €25, public buses at 30 MUR, street food €2-5, free activities. The complete, costed 2026 guide.
Where to Swim with Dolphins in France
6 spots to swim with or watch dolphins in France: Reunion Island, the Mediterranean and Corsica, Brittany, the Basque Country, Mont-Saint-Michel bay, the overseas territories. Species and operators.
Getting Married in Reunion Island
6 venues (beach, Creole estate, lagoon, cirque), legal steps, a realistic budget of €5k-80k, a 12-month countdown, wedding dresses and ceremony, where to find vendors.
Stray Dogs and Animal Welfare in Reunion Island
Stray dogs and animal abuse in Reunion Island: a factual overview, how to report it, active charities, free neutering, the legal framework, responsible adoption.
Things to Do in Saint-André
Saint-André 974, the island's Tamil heart: Colosse Temple, Vanilla Estate, Friday street market, Cavadee, Bras des Lianes, Mafate access via Col des Bœufs.
Mafate Distance Calculator: Walking Time Between Hamlets
Calculate the distance, walking time and elevation gain between the access points and hamlets of the Mafate cirque. Interactive tool and trail map.
Where to Go in Reunion Island: 24 Towns and Places to Visit
A complete guide to the towns and places to visit: 5 geographic zones, 3 cirques, 2 summits, the west coast lagoon and the Wild South. How to choose based on your trip.
Outdoor tips
Hiking, diving, paragliding: all things outdoor in one blog
8 topics
All the blog's categories
The blog covers eight broad themes for planning your trip. Every article belongs to at least one of these categories.
Hikes and trails
The GR R1 and GR R2 trails, cirque crossings, summit ascents, family-friendly trails, level and duration for every route.
Examples: Mafate in 2 days, Cilaos to Piton des Neiges, waterfalls of the wild south, easy walks with kids.
Activities and experiences
Diving, paragliding, helicopter flights, canyoning, kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, microlight flights.
Examples: Everything you need to choose and book a partner activity, comparing operators and areas.
Lagoon, beach and ocean
Snorkelling and diving spots, family-friendly and wild beaches, swimming safety, boat trips and marine wildlife watching.
Examples: The best beaches on the west coast lagoon, snorkelling spots in Saint-Pierre, white sandbanks, whales from June to October.
Places to stay and areas
Hotels by town, rural gîtes, unique stays, campervan road trips, regulated wild camping, holiday rentals.
Examples: Hotel picks for Saint-Pierre and Saint-Denis, Cilaos gîtes, Ermitage camping, top wild camping spots.
When to go and what to do
A month-by-month calendar, weather by area, Creole events, the best windows depending on your type of trip.
Examples: Guides for months 1 to 12, detailed weather, whales, Indo-Tamil religious festivals, the Grand Raid trail race.
Practical info and logistics
Car hire, packing by season, admin procedures, safety, budget, booking platforms.
Examples: How to book, what to pack, campervan rental, paperwork for moving to the island, understanding its overseas department status.
Mauritius and the Indian Ocean
Combined trips with Mauritius, comparisons, inter-island flights, Rodrigues, Seychelles, other nearby destinations.
Examples: Mauritius or Reunion Island, a combined 10-15 day trip, 45-minute inter-island flights, wild Rodrigues.
Go further
Round out your trip planning
Practical FAQ
Weather, packing, overseas department status, time difference, moving to the island.
News
Surf conditions, crowd levels, Creole events, openings and nature alerts.
Places to stay
Hotels, gîtes, camping, wild camping, unique stays, campervan rental.
Activities catalogue
More than 470 verified partner activities with online booking.