Things to Do in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

Sheltered by the coral reef, the Ermitage lagoon offers calm, shallow waters, perfect for family snorkeling. It is part of the Réunion Marine Nature Reserve, established in 2007: do not touch the coral, do not take sand or shells, and the sanctuary areas—marked by tall orange stakes—are off-limits to everyone. Guided tours of the Ermitage trail are offered year-round.

• L’Ermitage and La Saline · long white-sand beaches lined with casuarina trees and sheltered by the lagoon.
• Les Roches Noires · the beach in downtown Saint-Gilles, just a stone's throw from the harbor, shops, and restaurants.
• Boucan Canot · a cove at the foot of the cliffs, opening out onto the ocean.

Outside the lagoon, swimming is regulated in Réunion: please follow the guidelines and stay within the designated areas posted at each beach.

The Saint-Gilles marina is the starting point for boat trips: scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, catamaran cruises, or glass-bottom boat tours. The renovated waterfront is perfect for a stroll at the end of the day, with its shops, bars, and restaurants.

During the southern hemisphere winter, humpback whales come to breed off the coast of Réunion. The first ones often arrive as early as May; the best time to see them is from June through September. Whale-watching tours mainly depart from Saint-Gilles: choose a tour operator that has signed the cetacean encounter charter, which protects mothers and their calves.

North of Saint-Gilles, the Saint-Paul Market is held on the waterfront on Fridays from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon: fruit, vanilla, honey, chili peppers, handicrafts, and Creole snacks such as bouchons and samosas.

From the heights of Saint-Paul, the Maïdo forest road climbs to the lookout point overlooking the Mafate cirque, accessible only on foot or by helicopter. Piton Maïdo rises to 2,205 m: set out early in the morning, before the clouds roll in over the Hauts, and be sure to bring a jacket.

At Mont Roquefeuil, in the hills above Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (1 rue de Kerval), our accommodations are available in three rental options:

• Grand Badamier Blanc · up to 17 guests · private heated pool · starting at €480 per night.
• Villa Badamier Blanc · up to 13 guests · private pool · starting at €390 per night.
• Tiny Badamier Blanc · up to 4 guests · private pool · starting at €115 per night.

Are you traveling with several families? Check out our villa rentals for groups. Looking for a refreshing getaway? Discover things to do in Plaine des Cafres, or check out our vacation guide to Réunion: where to stay.