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Mountain road to Cilaos, Réunion

Natural sites to see by car in Réunion

Updated on 15 December 2024

MultiAuto, specialist in car hire in Réunion, benefits from the island’s popularity with tourists. Our branches on the island are mainly used by Réunionese, residents of mainland France and visitors from abroad.

Many of you use our services to hire your car before arriving in Réunion, for various reasons, but above all to explore the most spectacular natural sites.

Here are 4 to discover. They’re not the most famous, but in our view they are unmissable!

Grand Étang, a natural site to discover by car in Réunion

Grand Étang, an extraordinary natural site

This lake is a natural site at the heart of the Takamaka state forest, called Grand Étang. It was formed by a lava flow that dammed the Bras d’Annette. This lush setting is home to several bird species, including the papangue (Réunion harrier).

It takes about twenty minutes by car to get there. You can bring your picnic in a city car, an SUV or a van to enjoy in this magical spot!

The richness of natural sites listed as World Heritage

The natural sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage bear witness to the extraordinary diversity of the landscapes. We must act for the pbooking of these unique landscapes of Réunion. These exceptional places, such as the Réunion National Park, offer spectacular panoramas and the chance for total immersion in a sensitive natural area.

This international recognition underlines the importance of protecting these gems for future generations, and makes them must-see destinations for nature lovers. You can admire other remarkable viewpoints in Réunion, reachable by rental car.

The Cap Noir natural site

It’s not the most iconic tourist attraction among the natural sites, we admit! But it is a breathtaking one, offering an extraordinary view over the Cirque de Mafate.

If you decide to go out to this promontory, your camera will be clicking non-stop, and you’ll also enjoy a lovely walk to the viewpoint.

From Saint-Paul, where you can easily hire a car, allow just over half an hour’s drive. You can park in the village of Dos d’Âne, the starting point of this unforgettable outing.

Reachable by car, Cap Noir lets you discover the Mafate natural site

Wildlife to discover at the natural sites

Exploring Réunion’s natural sites also means encountering exceptional wildlife. These areas are home to a host of animal species, some endemic and found nowhere else, from rare birds soaring over the mountains to discreet insects hidden in the vegetation. Every visit is a unique chance to observe and better understand the richness of the local ecosystem.

Parc du Colosse

In Saint-André, there’s a place where Réunionese families love to mingle with visitors to our ancient island: the Parc du Colosse, a well-equipped natural site. It regularly hosts festive events, including the Tropica’Dingue, a race known for its wacky atmosphere. But you don’t need to wait for a big star to have a good time there: you can enjoy water sports on the lake next to the Indian Ocean, among other things.

The Sainte-Suzanne natural site: the Niagara waterfall

Finally, here’s the natural site everyone loves! Children never tire of marvelling at these legendary falls, and couples couldn’t dream of a more romantic, idyllic spot. It’s the Niagara waterfall, which plunges into a pool where you can relax.

From Sainte-Suzanne via Chemin Marancourt, you’ll take one bend after another, then drive just 5 to 10 minutes to admire this natural gem. It’s the ideal first stop for a road trip in Réunion!

Sensitive natural areas to preserve

Réunion’s sensitive natural areas play a crucial role in preserving the environment. These protected zones are often open to the public, with respect for their ecosystem, helping to raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of conservation.

Every walk or hike in these natural sites is an opportunity to discover unspoilt landscapes. By behaving responsibly, you help, in your own way, to protect them.

Natural sites and sustainable tourism

Réunion’s natural sites fit perfectly with sustainable tourism. Their richness, from spectacular landscapes to the diversity of animal species, attracts visitors from all over the world. But visitor numbers must be balanced to preserve these sensitive natural areas.

Often it’s enough to follow the rules and support local initiatives. That way, every traveller helps protect World Heritage sites while enjoying their exceptional beauty.

MultiAuto Réunion
MultiAuto, an independent Réunion-based rental company since 2003

4 branches including Roland Garros airport, unlimited mileage included, clear rates and a real person who knows the island. We do more than hand you the keys: we advise you to suit your plans, from the coast to the cirques.

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