The top 5 hidden gems of Saint-Gilles for travelers seeking to escape the crowds

There are a thousand ways to experience Saint-Gilles. Between the golden beaches, the lively markets, and the sparkling ocean, the place attracts travelers every year eager for postcard-perfect scenery. But some are looking for something else.

More secret places, preserved atmospheres, moments that almost belong to those who discover them.

Exploring an off-the-beaten-path Saint-Gilles completely changes how you perceive the destination. Here, the experience becomes more intimate, more sensory, and every step opens a door to an unexpected (and often unforgettable) setting.

Latitude 21, a hotel and tourist residence in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains in Reunion Island, reveals five addresses that restore the pleasure of strolling away from the crowds.

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The pools of Ravine Saint-Gilles

Discreet and surrounded by lush vegetation, the pools of Ravine Saint-Gilles form a series of natural pools where the water flows gently between the rocks. Bassin Malheur, Bassin des Aigrettes, Bassin des Cormorans … each has its own personality, its own light and its own atmosphere.

It’s accessed via shaded paths, and the feeling of disconnecting is immediate. Here, there’s no city noise, only the lapping of the water and birdsong. A perfect spot for an impromptu picnic or a refreshing swim (when conditions allow). This is a Saint-Gilles off the beaten track, where you experience life at nature’s pace.

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The craft village and the chimney of L’Éperon

High above the town, L’Éperon still bears the marks of its sugar-producing past. The old factory, with its iconic chimney, now houses a bustling artisan village run by local creators. Jewelry, pottery, textiles… each shop tells a story.

Strolling through its narrow streets, you can feel the soul of a neighborhood that has managed to preserve its character while reinventing itself. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where you can interact directly with artisans, far from standardized shop windows.

A true encounter with a Saint-Gilles off the beaten track , rooted in its history.

The Open Air Theatre

Suspended between sky and sea, the TÉAT Plein Air is much more than a theatre: it’s a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the ocean and mountains . You come for a show, but you leave with the feeling of having discovered a secret place.

The natural setting enhances even the simplest performance, and even without a show, the visit is well worthwhile. The site exudes tranquility and raw beauty, with that indescribable something extra that only truly unique places possess.

This off-the-beaten-path Saint-Gilles combines culture and landscape in a single gesture.

The beaches of L’Ermitage and Trou d’Eau

Just a few kilometers from the tourist center, these two beaches reveal themselves as havens of serenity. L’Ermitage stretches out beneath a row of casuarina trees, with a peaceful lagoon where the water retains its transparency even in the middle of the afternoon.

The even more secluded Trou d’Eau is perfect for snorkeling. Multicolored fish, coral, and sandy bottoms create a vibrant scene beneath your fins. These beaches offer an off-the-beaten-path side of Saint-Gilles , ideal for peaceful and rejuvenating days.

The Villèle trail and the Kader Mill

This discreet path connects the remains of the Kader Mill to the Roches Noires beach . Along the way, you’ll discover ruins, an old pumping station, and breathtaking panoramas.

The route tells the story of the island’s agricultural and industrial history in its own way.

This walk combines heritage discovery with the pleasure of strolling, ideal for those who like to give meaning to their steps. Walking here means immersing yourself in an off-the-beaten-path Saint-Gilles where every detail counts.

Why do these places make a difference?

→ They allow you to experience Saint-Gilles differently, away from the crowded spots.
→ They offer a diversity of atmospheres, from the coolness of a pool to the warmth of a lagoon.
→ They reveal a living local culture, between memory and contemporary creation.

Discovering an off-the-beaten-path Saint-Gilles doesn’t require vast resources, but rather a keen eye and a desire to venture beyond the usual tourist routes. These five locations offer a gateway to a more intimate Réunion, where every moment is savored intensely.

>>> I’m speaking with the team to organize my stay or event