Saint-Denis (Reunion, France)
Saint-Denis is the capital of Réunion Island and the largest city in the French overseas departments. It is located on the northern tip of the island and is surrounded by mountains on three sides.
In the eastern part of Saint-Denis is the Baracho district. This is a great place for walking and relaxing – there are restaurants, bars and cafes, shops and markets. Not far from here is the Botanical Garden, where more than 50 species of trees from all over the world are collected, all kinds of plants that you can admire while walking along the footpaths. The Museum of Natural History operates in the Botanical Garden. It was opened in 1855 and became the first of its kind on the islands of the Indian Ocean. It has a collection of shells, corals, birds and animals.
Of the architectural attractions, one can single out the numerous Creole mansions that stand along the roads, the Prefecture building , the construction of which was started in 1735 and which was used as the headquarters of the Indian Company, the Monument au Morts monument , the City Hall and Saint Denis Cathedral. It is worth noting that in addition to the cathedral, the city has temples and mosques, which testify to the diverse cultural and religious affiliation of the local population. Galerie Léon-Dur-Art opens
in Saint-Denis with a collection of French Impressionist paintings. Be sure to visit the island’s largest market – Grand Marche, where you can buy souvenirs. Hiking trips depart from Saint-Denis to Mount Ecritus (2227 m), which descends to the circus Salazi.
Saint-Gilles-les-Banes (Reunion, France)
According to lawfaqs, Saint-Gilles-les-Banes is the most popular resort in Reunion. It stands on the banks of a picturesque lagoon, which stretches 20 km south of the city. The beaches here are composed of both white coral sand and black volcanic sand. Saint-Gilles-les-Banes is popular with tourists because it has a French atmosphere. All buildings here are built in European style, and the service is not inferior to European standards. Life in the resort is seething day and night, because along the coast there is a series of restaurants, bars and discos. In Saint-Gilles-les-Banes, Gardens of Eden are interesting, where about 700 species of tropical plants are represented, and to the east of the resort lies the area of lakes and waterfalls Bassin Kormoran, where you can swim.
South Saint-Gilles-les-Bagnes is home to such resorts as Boucan-Canot, Rocher-Noir, Saint-Leo, Etang-Sale-les-Bagnes, Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre .
Coral reefs stretch along the coast of the resort. They are located very close to the shore and are exposed during low tides. Coral reefs are under protection, but diving is allowed here. When diving, you can see underwater canyons, gorges, cliffs and caves. Diving depths within the resort can reach up to 30m. The waters here are home to a huge variety of large pelagic fish and small, colorful tropical fish.
Also in Saint-Gilles-les-Banes There are excellent opportunities for surfing.
Saint-Pierre (Reunion, France)
Saint-Pierre is the southernmost of the Réunion beach resorts. Surfers rest in its northern part, a wide sandy beach stretches in the central part, and basalt cliffs are located in the southern part, where bird colonies gather.
Silao (Reunion, France)
The city of Silao is located in the center of Reunion Island at an altitude of 1200 m. In 1815, thermal springs were discovered here, on the basis of which a resort was built. Nowadays, a new complex, Irreni Akkot, is operating in Silao, which uses water from old sources. This complex offers a lot of procedures for the treatment of various diseases and relaxation. From Silao you can go to the circus of the same name. Silao Circus is the southernmost of the island’s three circuses. Silao has the least rainfall, so the vegetation here is not as diverse as in other valleys. Due to the sparse vegetation of Silao more like an ordinary volcanic crater.
