Day-1 Arrival at St Denis and Transfer to St Gilles Arrive at Roland Garros airport (St Denis), Transfer to the West coast the hotel located in Saint Gilles Les Bains. Afternoon transfer in tuk tuk to the port of Saint Gilles for a sunset cruise with aperitif on board (1h 30min).
Day-2 Volcano Experience and Visit to St Pierre Take the coastal route characterised by abrupt cliffs and spectacular views until one reaches Saint Pierre. Here begin the ascent to Plaine des Cafres plateaus and to la Grande Ferme. At this place it stretches a puzzling valley: 22 km of geological surprises! The gaping hole of Commerson crater has as many rocks as question marks. This amphitheatre loved by geologists, announced the amazing discoveries first fruits. Le Pas de Bellecombe, at 2311 m, is a place which overlooks from a cliff of 150 m, a large enclosure over 22 km on 10, in which there are not less than 60 craters. The highest is Le Bory at 2631 m. After a hearty mountain lunch, you will go from basaltic natural structures to the futuristic architecture of the City of Volcano. Volcano is a very reason why the Island came into existence and its an experience to just take a short walk around it and witness the red hot lava.
Back to the coast and the city of Saint Pierre to visit “La saga du Rhum”, oldest family distillery, still in activity today. The only museum dedicated to rum on the island, the Saga du Rhum will take you through a historical, cultural and sensory adventure, mingling the history of the island with that of its people and the manufacture of this traditional local product. Back to the hotel around 5.00 pm.
Day-3 Travel to Maido's Peak and return to St Denis Take a drive of 27 kms and rise from sea level to 2200 m altitude. The landscape changes as one goes along the ascent: villages, acacias forest, geranium fields, typical forest of tamarinds and finally the edge of Mafate Cirque. This views here are spectacular and breathtaking. A cirque over more than 9000 hectares is at your feet; about fifteen villages and thousand kilometres of trekking paths are hidden in the bustling meanders of an appealing mountain. On the way back, stopover in a geranium essence oil producer for a discovery of Creole customs linked at free living besides the essence oil’s typical aroma. On Friday only, Saint Paul’s local market offers a rich summary of Indian Ocean products. Continuation to Saint Denis to discover the sea front “Barachois” and the main street with all the historic creole houses “La rue de Paris”. Lunch time in Saint Denis. Shopping time in the main shopping street of Saint Denis and the craft market. Back to the hotel around 5.00 pm.
Day-4 Departure from St Denis Departure from St Denis to Onward destination.
Saint-Gilles - St Gilles is a coastal highland area that lies at about 50 kms from St Denis and is popularly the base point to visit hinterland areas (Rainforests / Active Volcano / Walking - Trekking trails) of Reunion Islands. St Gilles is a hub for local and french holiday makers and home to many hotels and restaurants.
Saint-Denis - St Denis is sometimes called "Paris of the Indian Ocean" is the capital of Reunion Island and arrival point for International Travellers (Only International Airport). St Denis offers charming streets to walk with Creole homes, waterfront and cafes serving local and French cuisine.
