100% customisable travel idea
A Family Réunion With the kids, from mountain cirques to the Indian Ocean
Réunion
An island of nature and adventure
At the kids’ pace
A land of volcanoes, cirques, forests and beaches, Réunion is a natural choice for family adventures. This incredible playground is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to a wide range of colourful activities. A paradise for walkers, the island also caters to budding hikers, with well-marked trails of all levels that are easily accessible to families. And when it’s time to rest, Réunion’s coastline offers beaches where swimming is safe and relaxed. For this itinerary, we have focused on smooth logistics: overnight flights with minimal time difference, a relaxed pace, short distances and family-friendly accommodation You will also have the assistance of our on-site concierge and a selection of the island’s must-see experiences already included in your itinerary: a special encounter with a local, canyoning at the Langevin waterfall, and an underwater drawing workshop. And if you'd like to enhance this already joyful programme with a day in a 4x4 on the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise or a private catamaran cruise, just let us know.On the island, they're sure to love…
Venturing into the heart of the Piton de la Fournaise through tunnels formed by solidified lava, torch in hand and helmet on your head; launching into canyoning at Fleur Jaune, Bras Rouge or Trou Blanc, with giant natural slides, zip lines and abseils; getting an adrenaline boost rafting on the white waters of the Rivière des Marsouins or at Îlet Coco; or taking to the skies on a first paragliding flight for unforgettable views over the cirques or the lagoon… not just anyone can claim the title of “the intense island”!
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Overnight flight, arrival the next day.
Welcome at the airport and pick-up the rental car. Fast route to the Salazie cirque and the Creole village of Hell-Bourg. Stay for two nights at a charming guesthouse, in a lovely bungalow surrounded by tropical plants bearing their finest fruits.
Nestled 900 metres above sea level, the capital of the Salazie cirque is a magnificent Creole gem - the only “most beautiful village in France” overseas - and the perfect base for hiking in the cirque.
On your itinerary - Like a local: meet and enjoy a Creole picnic with Véronique. Originally from Réunion, she is unmatched at sharing the passion she has for her island. A lover of good living, fond of homemade food and long conversations, she will accompany you to a beautiful waterfall for a simple Creole picnic by the river. A relaxed get-together to talk about anything in a friendly atmosphere and a natural, uplifting setting.
Things to do and experience: Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Hell-Bourg, past its Creole houses with lace-like fretwork, adorned with azaleas and anthuriums climbing up to the rooftops; stop by the “Case Tonton”, the home of an old village resident who shares the beliefs and traditions of the “petits blancs des Hauts”; visit the Folio House for its exuberant garden; explore the ruins of the old thermal baths. For budding hikers, set out on one of the many marked trails departing from Hell-Bourg - the valley of the Rivière du Mât and the old thermal baths are two examples of easy walks suitable for the whole family.
Head to Saint-Pierre, in the south-west of the island. This journey is an opportunity to discover the many sides of Réunion: sugarcane fields, forest, hills, pastures and coastline. Stay for three nights at the entrance to Saint-Pierre and its lagoon. Your hotel not only enjoys a privileged setting, but also offers direct and private access to the lagoon - a real treat.
Things to do and experience: Visit the artisans of the Highlands to see true artists at work and bring back 100% Réunionese souvenirs; set out to discover the island’s typical, peaceful villages, surrounded by sugarcane fields, geranium plantations and views of the ocean or the volcano; for parents, try a Saint-Leu salt scrub or a flower bath; or enjoy another picnic in the forest, in one of the specially designed family areas.
Optional extra: Your tickets to the Cité du Volcan.
In your itinerary - Canyoning at Langevin waterfalls. Of all the waterfalls on Réunion Island, the Langevin waterfalls are undeniably among the most beautiful. They are cherished by the people of Réunion, who come here on Sundays for the traditional family picnic - a slice of local life and a joyful cacophony that is a pleasure to share. Another way to enjoy the area with your family is to take part in an aquatic hike, which starts with a swim in the large pool, then continues through the heart of the countryside - jumps, passing under waterfalls, big slides, zip lines, abseiling, and more. A playful family adventure full of thrills and ideal for beginners.
À la carte A day in a 4x4 on the slopes of Piton de la Fournaise.
Head back up towards the west coast and Saint-Leu.
Not to be missed along the way - a stroll around the fishing port of Saint-Pierre, then a wander among the shops on Rue des Bons Enfants, a lively shopping district in town; the Gol sugar refinery in Saint-Louis during the production season; and Étang-Salé with its vast black volcanic sand beach.
Settle in again for three nights in the hills above Saint-Leu, in a village of bungalows set in a large garden with ocean views. The highlight: two swimming pools for children and an organic wellness centre for parents.
Optional extra: Your tickets to Kélonia, the sea turtle observatory.
Saint-Leu, a Creole village, is a paradise for swimmers and sports lovers - especially surfers! Coffee is grown there, and people enjoy extreme sports. The beach has black sand and the crowds are elsewhere.
Things to see and experience - the village’s small heritage: the buildings of the French East India Company, the town hall, the basalt church and the Domaine de Chateauvieux. You can try a beach break under the coconut trees and an on-the-go lunch in the shade of the casuarinas; an introduction to scuba diving in the lagoon, or tandem paragliding for the more adventurous; or visit the Mascarin National Botanical Conservatory in the hills above Saint-Leu.
Optional extra: Private catamaran cruise.
In your itinerary: Draw and understand the marine world. Today, you’re in for a workshop unlike any other. Accompanied by an illustrator and biologist passionate about the treasures of tropical waters, you learn to draw underwater in the lagoon at Hermitage Beach. Combining drawing with raising awareness of underwater conservation, the idea is to colour a specially designed board while wearing a mask and snorkel. An original and fun way to observe the teeming life beneath the surface, in shallow water and just a few steps from the beach. Regular breaks are also scheduled to review the drawings and offer practical safety advice to help protect underwater flora and fauna.
Drive to Saint-Denis, return the rental vehicle and take a direct flight back. Overnight flight, arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Tickets for the Cité du Volcan or Kélonia
One of the most active volcanoes on the planet, the Piton de la Fournaise is among the rare places on Earth where you can feel the planet’s heartbeat and admire the beauty of flowing lava. Through its 17,200 sq ft (1,600 m²) dedicated to volcanology, Volcano City offers a modern, family-friendly and engaging discovery space. Kélonia, meanwhile, is a major centre devoted to the research and protection of sea turtles. Its care facility welcomes injured or sick turtles, with the aim of releasing them back into the ocean once healed.4x4 day trip to Piton de la Fournaise
Discover the volcanic massif and the mineral world of lava flows in the Grand Brûlé, before heading along a forest track for a simple, shared lunch on the slopes of the volcano. A day filled with memorable moments around the island’s most spectacular site.Private catamaran cruise
A few hours on the waters of Réunion discovering a rich and diverse marine environment. Depending on conditions, this cruise aboard a small catamaran takes place either in Saint-Paul Bay or southwards towards Saint-Leu Bay. Relaxing on the sundeck, dolphin spotting, trolling for fish or an introduction to sailing all feature on this wonderful ocean adventure.
Why visit Réunion with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Réunion
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
