Must-see attractions in The East

This sugar refinery is on the coast 3km north of St-André. During the cane harvest (July to early December) visitors are shown around the huge, high-tech…

Temple of Colosse is, by far, the most striking Tamil temple in Réunion. With its brightly painted decor, it's very photogenic. Since it's not open to the…

If you need to cool off, the Bassin Boeuf waterfall beckons with its enticing natural pools fringed with stone slabs, ideal for picnicking and sunbathing…

A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly…

Very few visitors have heard about Îlet Bethléem, a magical spot by the Rivière des Marsouins that locals would like to keep for themselves. Reached after…

A fabulous place to chill out is this aptly named viewpoint, in upcountry Bras-Panon. From Bras-Panon, take the road to St-André, then turn left onto the…

Around 12km southwest of St-Benoît along the road towards Plaine-des-Palmistes is the 3km road to Grand Étang (Big Pond). This pretty picnic spot lies at…

North of St-Benoît the D53 strikes southwest, following the Rivière des Marsouins 15km upstream to end beside the Takamaka viewpoint. Be prepared to fall…

The lava flow from a 1977 eruption went through Piton Ste-Rose, split when it came to the church and reformed again on the other side. Many people see the…

At Domaine du Grand Hazier, a superb 18th-century sugar-planter's residence about 3km southwest of Ste-Suzanne, you'll find La Vanilleraie, where you can…

You can't help but be dazzled by this surprisingly extravagant church that was erected in 1857. The facade of the building is covered in stucco depictions…

This scenic anse (bay) is beside the sea about 3km south of Piton Ste-Rose. The water from the hills drops dramatically into the sea near a traditional…

This working vanilla-processing plant offers an introduction to the process of producing Réunion's famous Vanille Bourbon via a 45-minute guided tour and…

Between Ste-Anne and Ste-Rose is the graceful Pont des Anglais suspension bridge over the Rivière de l'Est, now bypassed by the main highway but open to…

If you're after Réunion's Vanille Bourbon, head to this small family-run operation where you can buy vanilla pods at reasonable prices (40g for €30). You…

Just beyond the church towards the southern end of town is a road signposted inland to Cascade Niagara, a 30m waterfall on the Rivière Ste-Suzanne. At the…

In the Quartier-Français district, Cascade Délices is an easily accessed waterfall. It's only 4m high, but the junglelike setting will appeal to nature…

This handsome colonial villa dates from 1925 and is worth a look. It's northeast of the centre. Guided tours in French are available on the hour from 10am…

Next to the tourist office, the small lighthouse – the only one on the island – is worth a gander. It was built in 1845 and is still in operation.

For a complete change of pace and atmosphere, consider spending some time in the protected 159-hectare Forêt Ste-Marguerite, way up in the hills. Fans of…