Introducing The West
Welcome to Réunion's Sunshine Coast, or Réunion's Riviera, or the leeward coast. However you label it, say hello to this 45km-long string of seaside resorts and suburbs running from St-Paul to St-Louis. It does have a wealth of developed tourist facilities and attractions, including the best of the island's beaches (which is not saying a lot).
Sea, sand and sun are not the only raison d'être on the west coast. There's also a superfluity of activities on land and sea. Big surf breaks issue a siren's call to surfers, steep drop-offs tempt divers, spectacular slopes beckon mountain bikers, while paragliders soar over the lagoon.
Despite the fact that tourist development has got a little out of hand to the south of St-Paul, there remain hidden corners of untouched wonder in this most populous, most visited region. It's easy to leave the new Route des Tamarins that zips along the flanks of the mountains and explore the glorious hinterland and its bucolic offerings – think sugar-cane fields, lush orchards, geranium plantations and cryptomeria forests swathing the slopes of the mountains, studded with character-filled villages that retain a palpable rural air. Oh, and charming chambres d'hôtes where you can retreat in homely comfort.
With the exception of St-Louis and the Hauts (Hills), this region is predominantly Zoreilles territory and feels closer to mainland France than South Africa. Brush up on your French!
Activities in The West
St-Gilles-les-Bains & l'Hermitage-les-Bains
Robinson Crusoe–style beaches and pristine wilderness, oh no no! The tourism machine shifts into overdrive in the large resort complex of St-Gilles and L'Hermitage (as they are usually known), with white sands, restaurants, nightclubs and a...
St-Leu
Since the good old days of the sugar industry ended, forward-looking St-Leu has transformed itself into a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
The West destination guides
Le Maïdo & Around
Be prepared to fall on your knees in awe: far above St-Paul and St-Gilles-les-Bains on the rim of the Cirque de Mafate, Le Maïdo is one of the most impressive viewpoints in Réunion.
Hotels in The West
Budget Hotels & Hostels in The West
Entre-Deux
This sweet little village high in the hills 18km north of St-Pierre got its name (which means 'between two') because it is situated on a ridge between two valleys – the Bras de Cilaos and the Bras de la Plaine.
Entertainment in The West
Boucan Canot
In this attitude-fuelled little resort town dubbed the Réunionnais St-Tropez, the obvious focus is the beach.
Shopping in The West