Exploring and staying in Réunion: a holiday accessible to all, including people with disabilities
Réunion is a unique island where nature, culture and social interaction come together perfectly. It offers a captivating blend of majestic landscapes, cultural riches and traditions. The good news is that this exceptional destination is also committed to welcoming people with disabilities or reduced mobility (PRM), by providing adapted infrastructures and services. Find out here about accessible activities and accommodation designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for all.
Accessible activities to discover Réunion in a different way
Adapted nature and landscapes
Réunion is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and its many walks. A number of routes have been designed to offer experiences accessible to people with reduced mobility. Here are just a few examples:
- The Bélouve trail: 45 minutes | Distance: 0.3 km
The trail is accessible from Plaine des Palmistes. This short trail has a number of information panels explaining the local flora, making it the perfect place for an informative and accessible walk.
- Pointe du Diable walk: 1h30 | Distance: 3.6 km
Discover a wild site with a breathtaking view of the waves hitting the rock faces, in a totally accessible natural setting.
- Parc du Colosse : 1h30 | Distance : 2.5 km
This green space in Saint-André has specially adapted concrete paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Leisure and discovery
There are several options available to you:
- Adapted scuba diving: explore the reefs and marine life with clubs such as Handisub Réunion, which are equipped to accommodate PRMs.
- Safe swimming: make the most of supervised beaches such as L’Hermitage, which is equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility, so you can swim in complete peace of mind.
- Helicopter flights: admire the island’s unique landscapes from the air thanks to Corail hélicoptère, which also welcomes wheelchair users.
Accessible culture and heritage
The island is full of museums and historic sites that have chosen to be inclusive:
- Musée Stella Matutina: This former sugar factory offers an adapted tour and modern facilities to ensure a pleasant visit for all.
- Musée Léon Dierx: Discover the fine arts with specially adapted guided tours.
- Creole markets: The large market in Saint-Denis and the fairground market in Saint-Paul are ideal places to immerse yourself in the local culture. With their specially-designed areas, they are the perfect place to immerse yourself in local traditions.
Ideas for going out
- Festivals and events: Many local events include facilities to cater for all ages.
- Accessible restaurants: Creole flavours are within everyone’s reach thanks to a range of restaurants equipped to cater for people with reduced mobility. For example: Le Grand Bleu, La Marmite, Au Vieux Quimper, etc.
Exsel Hôtels: accommodation designed with you in mind
Accessibility is crucial to making the most of your stay, and all Exsel Hôtels group hotels have facilities and rooms adapted for PRMs and equipped for optimum comfort: walk-in showers, easy access and adapted communal areas.
Accessible hotels in the Exsel group
- Exsel Créolia (Saint-Denis) : Enjoy a luxurious setting and a panoramic view of Reunion’s capital.
- Exsel Ermitage (L’Hermitage) : A cocoon of softness by the lagoon.
- Exsel Victoria (Saint-Pierre) : A friendly atmosphere in the south of the island.
- Exsel Alamanda (L’Hermitage) : A tropical style and an ideal location just a few steps from the beach.
- Exsel Floralys (Étang-salé) : A natural getaway in a peaceful setting.
- Hôtel Austral (Saint-Denis) : Perfectly located for exploring the town centre and surrounding area.
- Le Terre Sainte (Saint-Pierre) : An artistic style close to the beaches and entertainment.
Exsel Hôtels strives to offer inclusive and comfortable accommodation for all.
Practical advice for a stress-free stay
- Plan ahead: Contact the venues or service providers in advance to confirm the facilities available.
- Apply for assistance (if you are entitled to it): Some organisations (CPAM, MSA, ANCV) may be able to contribute towards the cost of accessibility.
- Call on local associations: Organisations such as Handi Réunion can help you plan your sports outings.
Welcome to Réunion for an accessible holiday!
Réunion has reinvented itself to ensure a warm and inclusive welcome for all its visitors. For an uncompromising stay, opt for one of Exsel Hôtels‘ accessible hotels. Pack your bags and come and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the Intense Island!
Source : Sous les étoiles 974 & La Réunion pour tous
