The North — Saint-Denis, the capital
Saint-Denis is the most populous city in France's overseas territories: Creole architecture, shops, urban life. It's also your arrival point, 15 min from Roland Garros airport. Handy as a first or last stop, but you won't linger: the beaches and nature are elsewhere.
The West — beaches, lagoon and sun
This is the dry and sunny side, and the holidaymakers' haunt. Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and its lagoon (Ermitage, Boucan Canot) for swimming, Saint-Paul for its market and history, Le Port for practicalities. It's also from here that you climb to the Maïdo. The ideal base for a beach + nature stay.
The South — volcano and wild South
Saint-Pierre is the southern capital, lively and more authentic than the touristy West. It's the gateway to the Piton de la Fournaise (via Le Tampon and the Plaine des Cafres) and to the wild South (Saint-Joseph, Saint-Philippe). If you arrive via the South, Pierrefonds airport is right next door.
The East — green and wild Réunion
Wetter, therefore greener and quieter. Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Anne and its famous church, the waterfall road towards Takamaka, Saint-André and its strong Tamil culture. Fewer beaches, but lush nature and genuine Creole and Indian authenticity.
The highlands — the three cirques
The mountainous, UNESCO-listed heart: Cilaos (the road of 400 bends, from the South), Salazie and the village of Hell-Bourg (from the East), and Mafate, reachable only on foot. For these climbing, winding roads, an SUV or 4x4 brings real comfort — and you drive carefully (see Driving in Réunion stress-free).
Where to base yourself?
- Beach + relaxing → the West (Saint-Gilles)
- Volcano, hikes, authenticity → the South (Saint-Pierre)
- Nature and quiet → the East (Saint-Benoît)
- Short stay / city → the North (Saint-Denis)
Many combine two bases (West + South) to cut down on driving. Either way, the car is the key: compare available vehicles →