12 walks, from the shortest (30 min, from age 3) to the longest (3h15, from age 8). Volcano, cirques, wild south, lagoon: there's something for every age group.
Hiking isn't just for adults. In Reunion Island, lots of walks are manageable for families, even with young children or parents who aren't particularly sporty. Volcano, cirques, beaches, primary forest: you can see every side of the island without any brutal climbs.
Here are 12 easy hikes to do with kids(“marmailles”, as they say here), ranked from shortest to most demanding, with the recommended minimum age for each.
Several of these walks start from a car park, such as Cap-Blanc for the Plaine des Sables or Langevin harbour for Cascade Jacqueline. With the volcano, the cirques and the wild south all on the list, your own car means you set off when the children are ready and save the nap for the drive back. Rentals are in high demand in July-August and December-January, so it's worth booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead: see rental cars for your dates.
Depending on age and duration. The tropical climate dehydrates you fast, especially at altitude where you don't notice it.
Southern winter: dry weather, mild temperatures. Avoid cyclone season (December-April).
UV is very intense in Reunion Island, even more so at the volcano (2,600 m) and on the lagoon. Reapply every 2 hours.
No need for technical footwear on these 12 trails. Comfort matters more than waterproofing.
“Lunar landscape, crater views”
The volcano's classic out-and-back hike. From the Cap-Blanc car park near Bourg-Murat, you cross the Plaine des Sables (orange ash, a Martian landscape) and climb gently to Piton Haüy, with a sweeping view over the Enclos Fouqué caldera at the top. There is no shade at all, so bring hats, sunscreen and 2 L of water per child.
“Easy loop, off-trail cave, photogenic”
An almost flat loop across the Plaine des Sables, suitable for children from age 6-7. Some sections leave the marked trail, so a little care is needed, but no technical skill. Halfway round there is a basalt cave, perfect for a snack in the shade. A great alternative to Piton Haüy if little legs are getting tired.
“Historic paved path, savannah, lagoon views”
A restored cobbled path, once an ox-cart route between the highlands and the west coast. It crosses the Saint-Paul savannah with the lagoon in the background. The even paving reassures young walkers, and the climb is gradual with no technical sections. Stop halfway to look out for tropicbirds and endemic butterflies.
“Urban greenery, playground nearby”
A short town walk in the heart of La Possession, suitable for little ones from age 4-5. A wide trail with a few steps runs through a shady ravine and past a playground for a well-earned break. No drops, no technical sections. A good way to wind down after a busier morning.
“Waterfall, pools, France's southernmost point”
One of the easiest walks in the wild south. Cascade Jacqueline and its pools are 15 minutes on foot from Langevin harbour (you can swim, the water is cool). You can carry on to Pointe de Langevin, presented as the southernmost point of French territory (mainland and overseas combined), with no technical difficulty.
“Creole houses, village feel, street art”
A gentle, educational stroll through Entre-Deux, one of the island's prettiest Creole villages. The route mixes country lanes and old painted houses, with information panels on the village's history, and fine views over the Bras de la Plaine and Le Dimitile. Finish with samoussas (samosas) and bouchons (steamed dumplings) on the main square.
“Urban walk, beach and culture”
A town walk in Saint-Pierre, from the picturesque Terre Sainte harbour to the colourful streets of the fishermen's quarter. Halfway round there is a small sheltered beach and a safe lagoon for a swim, with fishing boats coming back into port. A good fit for families who like to mix walking with a bit of culture.
“Mini-hike, guava trees, picnic area”
The shortest walk here, ideal for getting little legs moving from age 3-4 without wearing them out. It crosses a small guava orchard (fruit from May to June) and comes out at a picnic area. Thirty minutes exactly, perfect after lunch before the nap in the car.
“Pond, birdwatching, tilapia anglers”
A loop around a natural pond in the Salazie cirque, home to the moorhens (“poules d'eau”) that give the place its name. Local anglers fish for tilapia along the bank in a peaceful setting. A wide, well-marked path with several viewpoints, ideal for children who love animals.
“Sweeping views over Mafate, fun staircases”
Probably the best view of Mafate that kids can reach on foot. A trail of wooden and stone steps runs above the cirque, with a 270° panorama from Roche Verre Bouteille. There are a few handrails and no real risk of falling. The last stretch is hard on the legs, so plan a snack break halfway up.
“Primary forest, viewpoint over a 300 m chasm”
A walk through the Bélouve primary forest, one of the island's last untouched forests (tree ferns, moss, mountain tamarinds). The trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint over Trou de Fer, a 300 m deep chasm with several waterfalls tumbling into it. Easy underfoot but long, so best from age 8 with children used to walking.
“Volcanic lake, waterfalls, picnic spot”
Grand Étang is a lake formed when an old lava flow dammed the valley. The loop around it is flat and easy, and the first half works with an all-terrain pushchair. Bonus: the Bras d'Annette waterfall, 30 minutes further on foot. There are picnic areas with brick barbecues at the start, perfect for a family day out.
If the kids are too young, or you'd rather see Mafate without walking, a helicopter flight is the option the whole family will enjoy. A 25 to 45-minute flight from Pierrefonds, open to children from age 4.
See helicopter pricesArticle updated 28 September 2026.