The Wild South

Introducing The Wild South

Aaaah, the Sud Sauvage (Wild South), where the unhurried life is complemented by the splendid scenery of fecund volcanic slopes, occasional beaches, waves crashing on the rocky shoreline and country roads that twist like snakes into the Hauts. In both landscape and character, the south coast is where the real wilderness of Réunion begins to unfold. Once you’ve left St-Pierre, a gentle splendour and a sense of escapism become tangible. The change of scenery climaxes with the Grand Brûlé, where black lava fields slice through the forest and even reach the ocean at several points.

The Wild South has charming treasures and enough elbow room to make it special. A car is the ideal way to cover the region, but it’s possible (if not expedient) to get from town to town by bus. It’s a great area to sidle down for a few days, ditch your guidebook (but not your map) and poke around, but don’t tell others where you’ll be!

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009