Family itinerary in Saint-Gilles: 3 days of activities for young and old

Planning a family itinerary in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains means mapping out three days of shared wonder.

Between the turquoise lagoon, the vanilla-scented markets and the tropical gardens, every moment becomes a memory to tell.

Children gently discover the sea, parents enjoy a peaceful break, and everyone savors the beauty of an island that loves curious travelers.

Three days are enough to feel the heartbeat of western Réunion, between marine adventures, natural discoveries and simple pleasures to share.

Eyes open wide, laughter erupts, and footsteps slowly settle in the white sand.

A stay designed for breathing, observing and living together.

Hotel Latitude 21 , your hotel in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains , guides you through this inspiring journey for young and old, at the pace of the most beautiful experiences of Reunion Island .

>>> I’m discovering the family rooms at the Latitude 21 hotel

Day 1: Turquoise lagoon and marine adventures

Starting this family route in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains means feeling the light play on the water from the morning.

The Hermitage lagoon unfolds its shades of turquoise, and the children are already equipping themselves with masks and snorkels .

Fish venture beneath the surface, turtles allow themselves to be approached, and the coral reef reassures everyone.

The water remains shallow, allowing children to observe with ease. It’s the perfect outing for a first morning of snorkeling for children in Reunion Island , in the heart of an ecosystem that is both calm and vibrant.

→ Family activities in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains : paddleboarding, transparent kayaking , or simply strolling on the beach .

Late morning, return to the Latitude 21 hotel for a refreshing break by the pool . Lunch is at the La Parenthèse restaurant, where the sea view reminds you that the holiday has truly begun.

In the afternoon, we headed out for a boat trip to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains .

The open sea reveals other colors, other rhythms. Dolphins sometimes play just a few meters away, and in season, whales pass offshore. Every glance becomes a shared memory (you can feel this moment suspended on the deck).

In the evening, back to the hotel , salty skin, a serene smile.

This relaxing stay at the Hotel Latitude 21 lays the first imprint of a trip to be experienced gently.

>>> I’m booking a table facing the ocean at La Parenthèse restaurant.

Day 2: Tropical nature and gentle walks

Day two, heading into nature and its soothing paths.

The Garden of Eden invites you to stroll among the bamboo and endemic plants. Children spot butterflies, while parents are enveloped by tropical scents.

A little further on, the Saint-Paul Pond Nature Reserve unfolds its 447 hectares of lush vegetation.

You can walk at the pace of the birds, or embark on a kayak to follow the green reflections on the water. This nature excursion in Reunion Island reveals another side of the West, combining observation and relaxation.

At midday, picnic under the casuarina trees, or lunch in a small local restaurant before hitting the road again.

The afternoon stretches to Piton Maïdo : the climb reveals a striking panorama of the Mafate cirque .

The air gets fresher, the view wider (the contrast is surprising at every turn).

Back in Saint-Gilles at the end of the day, golden light on the beaches . The children dive into the pool , the parents linger at the bar.

The island’s rhythm settles in, slow and luminous.

Day 3: Kid-friendly and shared emotions

Last day of this family trip to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains .

With eyes still full of light, the morning begins with a visit to Kélonia , the sea turtle observatory in Saint-Leu . We follow their journey between tanks, we understand their life cycle, we find ourselves whispering in front of these peaceful giants.

Then it’s off to the center of Saint-Gilles , where the Aquarium of Reunion fascinates the youngest visitors.

Hundreds of species live in these translucent pools.

The visit lasts an hour, just enough to satisfy curiosity without tiring the little ones.

Lunch overlooking the sea, a relaxed atmosphere, before a fun activity: a boat trip in a glass-bottom boat or snorkeling in the lagoon to see the clownfish again. The lagoon transforms into a playground, and the vacation takes on the feel of a living map.

→ To prolong the magic: a visit to the Saint-Paul open-air market . The stalls are overflowing with tropical fruits, spices, vanilla and local produce .

In the late afternoon, we returned to Latitude 21 for one last swim.

The restaurant comes alive, conversations linger over the colorful dishes. Laughter mingles with the sound of the sea (it’s always the moment when you say you’ll come back).

Excursions around and simple pleasures

For those who like to vary their discoveries, a trip to the Stella Matutina museum tells the story of sugar, cane and work in Reunion.

It’s a family visit that is educational and sensory.

The children touch, experiment, and are amazed by the power of the old machines.

Back in Saint-Gilles , the open-air market is in full swing: over 300 vendors , colours as far as the eye can see, and the scents of ylang-ylang, vanilla , and turmeric. One last stroll, a few purchases, and the promise to return.

Three days to live together

This family-friendly itinerary in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains offers a perfect balance between sea , nature , culture and relaxation .

Each day offers a different respite: a salty morning, a green stroll, a marine encounter.

Hotel Latitude 21 , a family-run hotel in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains , combines these experiences with its sea view , swimming pool , and proximity to the most beautiful sites of Reunion Island . A place designed for sharing, reconnecting, and savoring.

Here, holidays take on the taste of clear horizons, warm air, and suspended moments.

A journey that leaves gentle traces, like salt on the skin after the last swim.

>>> I am requesting a quote to organize my family stay