100% nature itinerary in Reunion without leaving the west of the island

Looking for some fresh air without crossing the entire island? The west of Réunion Island boasts a mosaic of natural landscapes, accessible from a single starting point. By choosing a nature trail in western Réunion Island, you can alternate between the coolness of the highlands and the gentleness of the lagoon, at a pace that suits you.

Swimming under a waterfall, watching the sun rise over the ocean, or strolling among the fragrant geraniums… Here, every turn takes you far away, without ever straying too far. Just a few minutes from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the west becomes a flexible adventure playground.

A 100% nature trail, designed by Latitude 21, a luxury hotel in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains !

>>> I book my room with a sea view in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains to enjoy a 100% nature stay

The ravines and waterfalls of the Saint-Gilles hinterland

You leave the beach road, but without going far. Just a few kilometers further, the scenery changes: the flamboyant trees give way to filaos, then to longoses and guava trees. This is where the first stage of your nature itinerary in western Reunion begins.

The Saint-Gilles ravine winds between sleepy houses and wooded canyons. Follow a discreet path and you’ll arrive at the Bassin des Aigrettes , a crystal-clear waterfall nestled in a green cirque. The water is cool, the setting intimate.

Continuing towards Sans-Souci, other pools await you: secret corners, in the shade of the tamarinds , where only the local birds break the silence. No need for equipment or experience. Here, the hike is done at your own pace .

(Remember to leave early in the morning: the light is softer and the peace and quiet are total.)

The lagoon at dawn: gentle immersion and living coral

Back to the coast. A few minutes from the hotel, the Hermitage lagoon stretches out in silence. At this time of day, everything seems suspended. The water is a calm blue, and beneath the surface, life is bustling.

With a mask and snorkel, let yourself be carried by the current. Snorkeling in Reunion Island is as much a sensory experience as it is a natural experience: turtles move slowly, schools of fish shimmer around you. No need to go out to sea—everything happens at sand level.

To enhance the experience, you can join an educational outing organized by local associations. They tell the story of the reef, the role of coral, and simple actions to protect it .

The best part? A morning swim here recharges you for the whole day.

Maïdo differently: altitude without the effort

It’s often thought that the Maïdo is earned through calf muscle. And yet, this giant above Saint-Paul also knows how to make itself accessible. By car, you can easily reach the lookout perched at 2,200 meters , and from there, another Reunion Island is revealed.

An ocean of greenery opens up before your eyes, all the way to the steep reliefs of the Mafate cirque. For those who wish to linger, several flat paths run along the ramparts . No steep climbs here, just striking panoramas.

Along the way, a stop is a must at the Maïdo geranium producers. Distillation, bottles, natural perfumes… we enter a world apart, between know-how and tradition.

A word of advice: bring a jacket, even in the middle of summer. The thermal contrast with the coastline is striking.

>>> Learn more about a historic Maïdo distiller

Land, sea and light: a finale at Boucan Canot

To conclude this nature break, head to Boucan Canot . The seaside village offers much more than its lively beaches. Just behind the restaurants, a western coastal path leads towards the cliffs of Cap la Houssaye. Little frequented, it runs alongside coves, groves, and birdwatching points.

Take time to stroll, watch the gulls and shearwaters, and breathe in the salt air.

Then, as the afternoon fades, return to the beach. The sky changes color, the horizon ignites. The sunset at Boucan Canot is a spectacle in itself: the light catches the waves, the silhouettes stand out against the glowing backdrop.

This is the final break on your nature itinerary in western Reunion . A sensory loop, without constraints, but full of wonders .

>>> I discover all the activities around the lagoon to enrich my nature itinerary in western Reunion