Réunion

The east coast is everything the west coast is not: low-key, unpretentious and luxuriant (yes, it does get much more rain). While this coast lacks the beaches of the west, the region makes up for it with spectacular waterfalls and fantastic picnic spots. The main produce of the area is sugar cane, but the region is also known for its vanilla plantations and fruit orchards.

This coastal stretch is also the bastion of Tamil culture in Réunion. Here you'll find a distinctive atmosphere, with numerous temples and colourful religious festivals. For visitors it's an opportunity to discover a Réunion you never imagined.

Tourism in this area remains on a humble scale, with no star attractions. However, it's worth taking a few days to explore the quiet recesses of this less-visited part of the island where you can experience Réunion from a different perspective.

The East

Réunion's only cross-island road passes through the Plaine-des-Cafres and the Plaine-des-Palmistes, collectively known as Les Hautes Plaines. At an altitude of about 1000m, the air is refreshingly crisp and often swathed in misty fog – a blessing if you're coming from the scorching coastal cities.

These relatively large open areas actually form the saddle that separates the massif (comprising the three Cirques) from the volcano, Piton de la Fournaise. And what a volcano! It ranks as one of the most active volcanoes on earth, playing in the same league as Hawaii. It's also one of the most accessible ones – you can trek up the caldera.

Because there's a road from the Hautes Plaines that approaches within a few kilometres of the summit of the volcano, nearly all visitors approach it from this side.

Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano

A world away from the hurly-burly of the coast, the verdant Hauts de St-Paul is wonderful country for exploring off the beaten track. From St-Paul, use the D5 as a launch pad, then follow your nose (but bring a good map). You'll come across hamlets with such charming names as Sans Soucis les Hauts, Bois-de-Nèfles, Bellemène-les-Hauts, Le Guillaume, Le Bernica… It's as cute as it sounds! Start early morning to get the best views of the coast.