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French national park in Réunion
Photo: © Geolina, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Réunion National Park (French: Parc national de La Réunion) is a French national park on the overseas department of Réunion. The "inner zone" of the national park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. This park takes up 40% of the area of Réunion and one of three French national parks outside metropolitan France; the other two are in Guadeloupe and French Guiana.
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A forest west of the Cirque de Salazie with numerous tamarinds, giant tree ferns and many other plants of the rainforest such as tree lichens, shrubs, orchids and other flowers. A log path as a circular route that starts near the Gîte de Bélouve hut makes the otherwise impenetrable undergrowth accessible and leads to the most important places and sights of nature, including a viewing platform with a view of the "Trou de Fer" waterfalls.
These waterfalls inside a canyon are among the most spectacular on the island, with numerous individual cascades plunge into an almost circular basin that is only open on the north side, around 200 metres in diameter and several hundred metres deep. The boiler is not accessible for "normal tourists" but there is a lookout point at the top of the Kessel and with access from the hiking trail in Forêt de Bélouve that shows part of the waterfalls. During the helicopter tours, the narrow basin is flown through spectacularly from bottom to top as a spiral. A robust stomach is required, the helicopter pilots show all their skills.
With an elevation 2,631 metres above sea level, it is the only active volcano on Réunion Island, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
This entirely mineral plateau has a singular lunar aspect. The road first overlooks the plateau before winding down and crossing it; it is therefore a good idea to stop on the descent to enjoy the view. Once down, the road turns into a very dusty track full of potholes. You can stop again to take a few steps. The plateau is not very large but it is very easy to get lost in the event of fog, do not go far from the road without suitable equipment (torch, warm clothes…). Not to be confused with the "Plaine aux Sables", located in Mafate and is much more greener.
A very remote cirque enclosed by mountains, tall cliffs and rugged wilderness.
A mountain higher than 3000 metres and a popular spot for hikers wanting a challenge. It contains the highest peak of Réunion.
Langevin Falls
Its natural pool is a popular swimming and picnic place on weekends and holidays.
Serves French cuisine with a slight adjustment to fit local Réunion specialties.
A typical French bakery with many local tropical Réunionese specialties.
Includes sanitary facilities (showers, toilets) with running water available, as well as an open space for camping. There is also a small natural history museum and the hut is located directly on the upper edge of the eastern edge of the crater Cirque de Salazie, and in a clearing of the primary forest Forêt de Bélouve, see the sights above. The Gîte de Bélouve is the only place to stay in the immediate vicinity of the protected primary forest and the starting point for hikes.
Reservation office for the mountain huts
The park can be accessed via taking the RN 3 north from Saint-Pierre, which takes about just less than an hour to do, or a half an hour drive southwest from Saint-André.
Read in the guideThe only proper way to get around the major points of interest in Réunion National Park is by your own car.
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Saint-Pierre · International · ZSE
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