Things to do in Réunion
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A
Le Safari
A local place that pulls in just about everybody on the island on weekends, when a DJ cranks up the salsa, R&B and other soundtracks.
reviewed
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B
Les 3 Muses
At this seething place on the main drag, the menu runs the gamut of métro and Creole standards.
reviewed
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Le Reposoir
Across the road from Gîte d'étape et Chambre d'hôtes de l'Îlet, this modest café-bar serves snacks and sandwiches, and has a limited selection of goods if you're fixing your own food.
reviewed
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C
Le P'tit Zinc
This venue has a tantalising menu showcasing all the classics of Creole cuisine, served in snug surrounds complete with wood beams, elegant furnishings and tropical plants. Feeling adventurous? Go for the carri pat' cochon (pig's trotter carri). The spiffing balcony on the 1st floor (two tables only) is a good place to linger over a meal.
reviewed
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D
Le Privé
St-Gilles' sole club (all others are in L'Hermitage) has been around for a while but it still draws a big crowd. Young, old, gay and straight pack into Le Privé for a wild night of fun. Famous for it's ladies night on Thursday.
reviewed
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E
Le Platane
Here you can wrap your mandibles around omelettes, salads and carris, but skip the unexceptional pizzas. There's a shady terrace at the back.
reviewed
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F
Le Petit Randonneur
A favourite haunt of hungry walkers, this family-run restaurant serves up hearty local dishes such as smoked sausages and chicken in a vanilla sauce, as well as moderately priced plats du jour (daily specials) and crêpes, best enjoyed on the terrace, with plastic tables.
reviewed
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G
Le Marla
The restaurant at the Hôtel des Neiges offers homely Creole meals.
reviewed
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H
Le Manta
Concealed in a wonderfully overgrown garden, this well-respected restaurant has a great selection of fish and meat dishes, as well as a few Creole classics and salads. Toothsome specialities include salade manta, comprising smoked marlin and tuna, and lasagne d'espadon (lasagne with swordfish). No, it's not right on the beach – it's just across the road.
reviewed
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Le Loft
Another hot spot that's cookin' after 2am, with scantily clad clubbers posturing on podiums.
reviewed
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Le Living Room
Ground zero for sexy young things shaking it up all weekend. Catch local DJs spinning a smorgasbord of deep house, dance, techno and funk.
reviewed
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K
Le Jardin d'Eden
Appealing to a wider audience than just plant lovers and gardeners, Le Jardin d'Eden, across the main road from L'Hermitage, is definitely worth an hour or so for anyone interested in tropical flora. Sections of the gardens are dedicated to interesting concepts such as the sacred plants of the Hindus, medicinal plants, edible tropical plants, spices and aphrodisiac plants.
reviewed
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L
Le Grand Bleu
Has the largest range of tours.
reviewed
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M
Le Cottage
The all-wood surrounds boast a kind of rustic charm and the dining room overlooks the Mare à Joncs (reserve a table near the windows). Has a good repertory of palate-pleasing Creole dishes.
reviewed
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La Vague Gourmande
Since the '80s Claude Jaminet has been satisfying ice-cream devotees in his refreshingly attitude-free den and we know why. There are lots of original flavours, such as litchis (lychee) and cœur de boeuf (custard apple).
reviewed
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O
L'Amnesia
Another crowd-puller in L'Hermitage. Latin and dance music dominate the play list.
reviewed
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P
La Gueule de Bois
The name of this cheerful den is a French expression meaning 'hangover', which is pretty appropriate given the incendiary rums on offer. It hosts live bands certain evenings. Food is also served.
reviewed
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Q
La Case à Pain
Hmm! We can still smell the scent of freshly baked pain frotté à la vanille (a variety of bread flavoured with vanilla) wafting from the door (available on certain days only). Its other offerings, including brioches, are worth the dental bills, too.
reviewed
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R
La Bobine
This sprightly restaurant with an exotic feel – the wood and thatch are imported from Madagascar – enjoys a perfect location, slap bang on the beach. The wide-ranging menu features delicious fish or meat dishes, such as assiette de poissons fumés (a combo platter of smoked fish). There's also a snack section (until 5pm), with a choice of sandwiches, salads and light meals.
reviewed
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S
Kaz Bar
On the seafront, this pleasant, open-air bar with lively tropical décor was the happening scene when we visited. It usually gets going around 21:00 as casually fashionable young things gather for a pre-disco warm-up. Don't miss the apéro-concert (live band and an apéritif) on Thursday evening. You can also eat here.
reviewed
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T
École de Surf et de Bodyboard des Roches Noires
École de Surf et de Bodyboard des Roches Noires is a 'travelling' surfing school that runs lessons (€30 for two hours) and courses (€122 for 10 hours). Children are welcome.
reviewed
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U
DCP
Fish lovers, you'll find nirvana here: the DCP has a wide assortment of fish delivered daily from the harbour. Order it grilled, à la vapeur (steamed) or raw, accompanied with a curcuma, pineapple or Roquefort sauce.
reviewed
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Daniel Ducrot
Daniel Ducrot can organise canyoning tours. Of the stellar spots for canyoning in Réunion, the Cilaos area tops the list, with three major canyons that draw action-seekers like bees to a honey pot: Canyon de Gobert, Fleurs Jaunes and Bras Rouge. All are very atmospheric; you can expect various jumps, leaps in to natural pools and jaw-dropping rappelling. Access to the canyons involves a preliminary 15-minute hike. The time spent in the canyon is about three hours.
The most suitable canyons for beginners and families are Canyon de Gobert and Mini Fleurs Jaunes (which is a section of Fleurs Jaunes). Plan on around €45 to around €70 per person. All canyoning outings are…
reviewed
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V
Corail Plongée
A reputable dive operator.
reviewed
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W
Coco Beach
This eatery overlooking the beach has garnered high praise for its grills and ultra-fresh fish, salads and tapas. It's also a good place to hang out and just enjoy the tropical atmosphere and fashionable buzz with a fresh Dodo beer in hand.
reviewed