From one viewpoint to the next, Réunion reveals its many facets! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate and the ramparts and mountains are symbols and showcases of the island’s beautiful landscapes. Whether in the Highlands with their wild mountain scenery, at breathtaking waterfalls or along the coastal beaches, many spots can be reached by car to amaze you. If you are looking for superb viewpoints on Réunion Island that you can enjoy by car, here are a few suggestions.
The Maïdo viewpoint: a spectacle over the Cirque de Mafate
Located in the heights of Saint-Paul, the Piton Maïdo offers an exceptional view over the island’s west coast and, above all, the hamlets of the Cirque de Mafate. Among the many places to discover in Réunion, this one is not to be missed. Being one of the only viewpoints reachable by car, and overlooking the Cirque de Mafate, makes it one of the most popular with tourists. Many picnic areas line the road up to the viewpoint, giving visitors the chance to enjoy time with family or friends in the heights of Saint-Paul.
Access:
From the west coast, allow at least an hour to reach the viewpoint. Here’s how to get there easily by car:
- Follow signs for Le Guillaume in the heights of Saint-Paul;
- Then take the Maïdo forest road (RF8) up to the viewpoint.
Tips:
- To see the Cirque de Mafate clearly, come very early, ideally first thing in the morning before sunrise. You’ll enjoy a magnificent spectacle without the weather getting in the way;
- Taking this road also lets you continue your trip on foot: the Grand Bénare hike starts from this spot. Bring your walking shoes if you love outdoor sport;
- This viewpoint is over 2,000 metres above sea level, and at this height the temperature can drop very quickly compared with the lowlands of the west coast. Bring warm clothing.
Pas de Bellecombe, a window on the Piton de la Fournaise
Ahead of the Maïdo, Pas de Bellecombe is Réunion’s most visited natural site, popular above all for its panoramic view of the volcano. Known as THE favourite viewpoint for watching the Piton de la Fournaise, Pas de Bellecombe has a car park, making it easy to reach and offering visitors a much better experience.
Access:
- To get to Pas de Bellecombe, go via the Plaine des Cafres if you’re coming from the west of the island, or via the Plaine des Palmistes if you’re coming from the north or east;
- From either side of the island, you’ll have to take the forest road, a very pleasant route and one of the island’s most beautiful, passing many admirable viewpoints in the interior such as the Nez de Bœuf (with a panoramic view of the Rivière des Remparts) or the Commerson Crater.
Tips:
- For a clear view of the Piton de la Fournaise, visit Pas de Bellecombe early in the morning or late in the day, when there are fewer clouds and visibility is better;
- The ideal time to visit Réunion Island is between May and November, when temperatures are cooler and rain is less frequent;
- Note, however, that the weather can be unpredictable on Réunion Island, especially rain and clouds, so it’s always wise to check the forecast before planning your visit.
The Plaine des Sables, an out-of-this-world view!
Among the island’s many natural sites, the Plaine des Sables, at the heart of Réunion, is a true natural gem! Imagine a mysterious lunar landscape, with volcanic earth stretching as far as the eye can see, scattered with rocks of every shape and size. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage in Réunion, this expanse of over 2,000 hectares, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a unique spectacle. Both wild and unreal, the Plaine des Sables is the gateway to the Piton de la Fournaise. If you’re looking for thrills and intense emotions, the Plaine des Sables is a must on your trip to Réunion.
Access:
- To reach the Plaine des Sables, take one of the island’s beautiful roads, the Route des Plaines. Once in the village of Bourg-Murat, follow the road to the volcano. From the top of the road, you can see it winding below with the cars far beneath;
- You must take the forest road, whichever way you come (Plaine des Cafres or Plaine des Palmistes).
Tips:
- Because the weather is unpredictable, remember to check it before you go. It would be a shame to visit such a viewpoint only to be met by cloudy, overcast or even rainy weather.
- The winter season is the best time to enjoy this view in the best conditions: the weather is much drier and milder, rain is less frequent, and you can make the most of your visit.
- As a very popular site, it can attract many tourists, especially during the holidays. To avoid the crowds and enjoy the view in peace, plan to arrive early in the morning. You’ll also see a magnificent sunrise lighting up a landscape worthy of the greatest science-fiction films.
Réunion Island is full of viewpoints to visit: the Maïdo, Pas de Bellecombe and the Plaine des Sables, as mentioned above. But they aren’t the only ones: the Trou de Fer in the north-east, the Voile de la Mariée waterfall near the Cirque de Salazie, or the Fenêtre des Makes in Saint-Louis. These sites offer spectacular views of the island’s natural landscapes: volcanoes, mountains, plains and ocean. To reach them more easily, having a car will make your travels much smoother. MultiAuto offers a wide selection of vehicles to suit your needs. Book your vehicle here.
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