Réunion unfolds its natural and cultural wonders within easy reach from each establishment of the Exsel Hotels Group. This intense island reveals landscapes of striking diversity, from lush cirques to fine sandy beaches, from active volcanoes to preserved primary forests.
Each hotel in our collection serves as a strategic starting point for unforgettable discoveries, allowing travelers to explore the many facets of this exceptional territory.
Whether you stay on the west coast or in the highlands, the Exsel teams guide you toward the excursions best suited to your desires and skill level, transforming your stay into a true Réunionese odyssey.
Volcanic and Geological Excursions: At the Source of the Island
Réunion offers a unique geological spectacle with its two major volcanoes that have shaped the island’s identity. These excursions reveal the creative power of nature and provide insight into the remarkable formation of this territory that emerged from the Indian Ocean.
The Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most monitored active volcanoes, offers hikes accessible to all levels. Access is via the Volcano Forest Road, which already provides stunning views of the Cafres and Palmistes plains.
The Commerson Crater Trail
This easy-level excursion offers a first introduction to Réunion’s volcanic world. The trail, approximately 1 kilometer long, winds around an ancient crater in the heart of the Plaine des Sables. The geological formations reveal the island’s eruptive history through petrified lava flows and scattered volcanic bombs.
Guests of Exsel hotels can organize this half-day outing, combined with a visit to the Maison du Volcan in Bourg-Murat. This educational approach enriches the field experience with scientific explanations about current volcanic activity.
The Ascent to Piton de la Fournaise
The excursion to the Dolomieu Crater represents the ultimate volcanic experience in Réunion. This moderately difficult hike requires about 5 hours round-trip from the parking lot. The trail crosses striking lunar landscapes, revealing recent lava flows and colorful mineral formations.
Reaching the edge of the main crater offers a direct view of ongoing geological activity. Fumaroles and sulfur deposits testify to the volcano’s vitality. This excursion requires decent physical condition and equipment suited to high-altitude climate variations.
Essential Precautions
Weather conditions change rapidly at high altitudes. Travelers should bring warm and waterproof clothing, even in mild coastal weather.
Piton des Neiges: The Roof of the Indian Ocean
Rising to 3,070 meters, the Piton des Neiges is the highest point in Réunion and the entire Indian Ocean. This demanding excursion is aimed at experienced hikers and typically requires two days with an overnight stay at the Caverne Dufour lodge.
The ascent reveals the diversity of Réunion’s vegetation zones, from humid tropical forests to high-altitude heathlands. The summit offers panoramic views of the entire island and, on clear days, glimpses of Mauritius on the horizon.
The Cirques: Preserved Natural Gems
Réunion’s three cirques—Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos—are breathtaking natural sanctuaries. These ancient calderas host unique ecosystems and preserved rural communities.
These excursion destinations offer total immersion in authentic Réunionese nature, far from the bustling coast. Each cirque reveals a distinct personality and activities tailored to different traveler profiles.
Cilaos: Thermal Springs and High-Altitude Vineyards
The Cilaos Cirque stands out for its natural thermal springs and unique viticultural tradition at these latitudes. The access road with its 400 bends is an adventure in itself, revealing spectacular mountain landscapes.
The thermal spa offers treatments using the therapeutic properties of natural hot springs. These wellness services perfectly complement a stay at our establishments, adding a relaxation and well-being dimension to the excursion.
Hikes and Waterfalls
The Sources Trail leads to natural hot spring resurgences in a preserved wild setting. This easy walk is suitable for families and reveals the cirque’s unique geology. The natural pools invite swimming in naturally heated water.
The Bras Rouge Waterfall offers a refreshing spectacle after the approach hike. This 30-meter waterfall plunges into an emerald pool, creating a postcard-perfect scene amidst rugged terrain.
Salazie: Tropical Garden and Creole Heritage
The Salazie Cirque captivates with its lush tropical scenery and preserved architectural heritage. Hell-Bourg, classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages, retains the atmosphere of 19th-century climatic resorts.
Restored Creole houses reflect the era’s lifestyle, with their ornate verandas and flower-filled gardens. A guided tour of the Maison Folio reveals the history of settler families and the evolution of local architecture.
The Voile de la Mariée Waterfall is the cirque’s iconic natural attraction. This over 300-meter waterfall cascades in multiple tiers along a vertiginous rocky wall. Easy access from the road makes it a family-friendly discovery of this natural spectacle.
The Bélouve Botanical Trail
This educational walk crosses the Bélouve forest, a sanctuary of Réunion’s endemic flora. Interpretive signs present rare plant species and the island’s conservation efforts.
The primary forest hosts plant species unique in the world, testifying to the isolated evolution of Réunion’s biodiversity. This discovery raises awareness of contemporary environmental issues while offering immersion in an exceptional ecosystem.
Mafate: The Last Wild Territory
The Mafate Cirque, inaccessible by road, preserves an authentic rural lifestyle. Access is only by foot or helicopter, ensuring the preservation of this unique environment.
Isolated hamlets maintain ancestral traditions and a way of life in harmony with nature. Inhabitants still practice subsistence agriculture and traditional craftsmanship, perpetuating a precious cultural heritage.
Hikes in Mafate require good physical condition but reward efforts with unforgettable discoveries. Trails connect the various hamlets through grandiose landscapes, revealing the cirque’s geological and botanical diversity.
Coastal and Lagoon Excursions
Réunion’s coastline reveals a variety of marine landscapes, from the protected lagoons of the west coast to the basaltic cliffs of the wild south. These maritime excursions perfectly complement land-based discoveries and showcase the richness of tropical marine ecosystems.
The strategic location of Exsel Group establishments facilitates access to these coastal areas, allowing guests to explore all facets of Réunion’s shoreline.
Marine Mammal Observation
Dolphin and whale watching trips offer unforgettable experiences from the west coast. From June to October, humpback whales frequent Réunionese waters for breeding, providing striking natural spectacles.
Morning trips from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains optimize observation chances under the best weather conditions. Experienced skippers know the preferred areas and follow approach protocols to avoid disturbing the animals.
Dolphins, present year-round, often accompany boats in spectacular aquatic ballets. These encounters create lasting memories and raise awareness of local marine biodiversity.
Respect for the Marine Environment
Observation excursions adhere to a strict environmental charter to protect these species. Regulated approach distances and limited observation times ensure the well-being of marine mammals while allowing an authentic discovery.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Réunion’s underwater world reveals exceptional biodiversity in the protected lagoon areas. The marine reserve offers diving sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers.
The Exsel Alamanda Hotel and the Exsel Ermitage Hotel benefit from privileged access to Hermitage Lagoon snorkeling spots. The clear, shallow waters allow easy observation of tropical fish and coral formations.
Dive centers offer training and introductory dives for safe underwater exploration. Professional supervision ensures a gradual introduction to the joys of scuba diving.
Sea Kayaking Excursions
Sea kayaking offers a gentle and respectful approach to Réunion’s coastline. These outings provide access to isolated coves and allow observation of marine life from the surface in preserved silence.
Guided routes are tailored to participants’ levels and weather conditions. Local guides share their knowledge of the marine ecosystem and the island’s maritime history.
Cultural and Heritage Discoveries
Réunionese cultural heritage reflects the richness of the island’s unique cultural blend. These cultural excursions reveal the complex history of this territory and the contemporary creativity born from this diversity.
The group’s establishments serve as ideal bases for exploring the various aspects of this vibrant culture, from ancestral traditions to contemporary artistic expressions.
Saint-Denis: Cultural Capital
Saint-Denis, accessible from the Exsel Créolia Hotel and the Exsel Austral Hotel, concentrates the island’s main heritage sites. The historic center showcases preserved colonial architecture and multiple architectural influences.
A visit to the Jardin de l’État and the Natural History Museum introduces Réunionese biodiversity and the history of its scientific discovery. These institutions present naturalist collections gathered since the first explorers.
The Barachois, the historic waterfront, offers a maritime stroll punctuated by commemorative monuments and ocean views. This urban walk reveals the city’s evolution and its relationship with the sea.
Creole and Colonial Architecture
The historic residences in the city center reflect different colonial eras and successive architectural influences. Creole houses coexist with neoclassical buildings in a unique architectural patchwork.
The Prefecture, the former City Hall, and the grand residences illustrate the adaptation of European styles to the tropical climate. These adaptations reveal the ingenuity of builders in response to environmental constraints.
Saint-Pierre: Art and Traditions
Saint-Pierre, accessible from the Exsel Le Terre Sainte Hotel and the Exsel Victoria Hotel, stands out for its vibrant art scene and enduring cultural traditions. The Ravine Blanche district concentrates artists’ studios and contemporary art galleries.
Weekly markets showcase the colors and flavors of local produce. These popular gatherings perpetuate Creole commercial traditions in a festive and authentic atmosphere.
Temples and Places of Worship
Réunion’s religious diversity is expressed through remarkable cultural architectures. Colorful Tamil temples coexist with Catholic churches and mosques in exemplary harmony.
These visits reveal the island’s blended spirituality and local adaptations of various religious traditions. The architecture of these buildings reflects this creolization of cultural practices.
Gastronomic and Terroir Excursions
Réunionese gastronomy is a living heritage that deserves specific discoveries. These gourmet excursions reveal the secrets of Creole flavors and preserved traditional know-how.
The La Marmite restaurant of the group perpetuates this authentic culinary tradition, offering guests an introduction to true Creole flavors in a friendly setting.
Markets and Local Producers
The Saint-Paul market, held on Friday and Saturday mornings, displays its colorful stalls in the festive atmosphere of tropical markets. This morning excursion reveals the richness of local production and allows authentic encounters with producers.
Fresh spices, tropical fruits, and local vegetables create a palette of flavors to discover. On-site tastings introduce authentic Creole tastes and traditional preparation methods.
Distilleries and Rum Producers
Artisanal distilleries perpetuate Réunion’s rum-making tradition with ancestral methods. These visits reveal the secrets of making flavored rum and local spirits.
Guided tastings allow appreciation of the aromatic subtleties of different productions. These discoveries enrich the understanding of Creole culture through its traditions of conviviality.
Adventure and Outdoor Sports Excursions
Réunion’s rugged topography offers an exceptional playground for outdoor activities. These sports excursions reveal landscapes inaccessible otherwise and provide intense sensations in a preserved natural setting.
The various levels offered allow everyone to find an activity suited to their abilities and thirst for adventure.
Canyoning in the Ravines
Réunion’s ravines carve spectacular gorges ideal for canyoning. This activity combines hiking, climbing, and rappelling in grandiose natural settings.
Guided routes are tailored to different levels, from family-friendly introductions to technical descents for experts. Professional equipment and qualified supervision ensure the safety of these aquatic adventures.
Paragliding and Free Flight
Constant trade winds and rugged terrain create ideal conditions for free flight. Takeoff sites offer exceptional views of the island and ocean, transforming the flight into an unforgettable aerial discovery.
Tandem flights with experienced pilots allow beginners to experience these unique sensations safely. These aerial excursions reveal a new perspective on Réunionese landscapes.
Practical Information and Tips
The Exsel Group teams share their intimate knowledge of the territory to optimize each outing. These practical tips facilitate preparation and ensure successful experiences.
The island’s climatic diversity requires preparation tailored to the chosen destinations and activities. Altitude and exposure variations create microclimates that must be anticipated.
Equipment and Preparation
Each type of excursion requires specific equipment suited to the conditions encountered. High-altitude activities require warm clothing and enhanced sun protection, while coastal excursions prioritize aquatic protection.
Our reception teams inform guests about essential equipment and recommended providers for each activity. This local expertise optimizes preparation and avoids inconveniences.
Respect for the Environment
The fragility of Réunionese ecosystems requires a respectful approach during excursions. Sticking to marked trails, avoiding picking protected species, and managing waste contribute to preserving this exceptional natural heritage.
Guides raise participants’ awareness of these environmental issues, turning each excursion into an opportunity for conservation education.
Book your stay and prepare to explore this intense island where each excursion reveals new treasures, from active volcanoes to crystal-clear lagoons, through the vibrant Creole traditions that make up the unique soul of Réunion.
