The Grand Raid 2024 in Réunion: where to stay?

Grand Raid 2024 : Prepare for the ultimate dedication with Exsel Hôtels and Run Passion Trail 

The Grand Raid is the main ultra-trail race organised on the island of La Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. Held in October, the event involves crossing the island and is one of the most difficult events of its kind in the world. The start is in the south of the island, in Saint-Pierre. Competitors begin the race by climbing the Piton de la Fournaise massif, continuing their efforts in the island’s natural cirques, including Cilaos and Mafate. The finish is at La Redoute stadium in Saint-Denis. Participants cross the island from south-east to north-west, passing through the Hauts. Because of its difficulty, both in terms of distance and elevation gain, this race is nicknamed La Diagonale des Fous.

The Grand Raid de La Réunion is much more than just a race: it’s a myth, a challenge to surpass your limits in breathtaking scenery. Every year, runners from all over the world come together to take on this daring challenge, making it an emblematic event.

The Grand Raid comprises 5 emblematic races:

• The Diagonale des Fous 175 km
• The Trail de Bourbon which this year offers a 100km format and 6100m of D+ between Cilaos and St Denis, with the famous Maïdo climb as a new feature.
• The Mascareignes, with its fast race format (70km, 4000m D+ and 4900m D-), offers runners a demanding course.
• The Métis Trail, he latest addition to the Grand Raid de La Réunion, is a new race format with a 50km course and 2,500m of D+.
• The Zembrocal, an original race format offering a course of 151km and 9100m of D+ in relays of four runners.

To take on these challenges, preparation doesn’t stop with training. Good accommodation, a place to rest and recharge your batteries, is just as essential.

Why choosing the right accommodation is crucial? 

Taking part in the Grand Raid requires not only a steely mind and unfailing endurance, but also quality rest before and after the race. Runners need peace and comfort to prepare in the best possible conditions. After crossing the finish line, the body needs rest, proper care and a good night’s sleep to recover. Stay in one of our Exsel hotels!

Exsel Hôtels: Your ally for a successful stay

Exsel Hôtels, anchored in the heart of La Réunion, offers you the ideal setting to prepare for your Grand Raid and recover after the race. With authentic hotels and restaurants combining conviviality, sharing and quality, for your departure, arrival or simply for a peaceful stay, we provide you with all the comfort you need to optimise your stay according to your wishes.

Why choose Exsel Hôtels?

• Authentic, responsible hotels with their own identity on the west coast, from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre.
• Comfortable rooms designed for relaxation before and after strenuous exercise.
• Services designed with athletes in mind: early breakfast, dedicated areas for storing your equipment. At Créolia, take advantage of the Créolia Well-Being area to relax and recover from your efforts.
• Relaxation areas such as the spa and swimming pool, perfect for releasing muscular tension after a run.
• A warm welcome and a local atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

The Exsel Créolia hotel boasts breathtaking views over the heights of Saint-Denis and the Indian Ocean, as well as a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for runners looking to recharge their batteries before taking on the challenge of the Grand Raid. After the effort, the Créolia Bien-être invites you to relax in a cocooning setting while enjoying services such as massages and facials.

The Hotel Austral, in the heart of Saint-Denis and close to the airport, offers an urban setting that is also close to nature. It boasts a central location, ideal for exploring Réunion’s capital while enjoying comfortable rooms for a well-earned rest before or after the race. A practical and relaxing choice for Grand Raid participants looking for comfort and proximity.

The Exsel Alamanda hotel, in the heart of Saint-Gilles, stands out for its proximity to the western beaches and its tropical setting. Ideal for runners who want to enjoy the beach and local entertainment. It’s a perfect choice for relaxing before or after the Grand Raid, with easy access to the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Exsel Ermitage hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Saint-Gilles lagoon and a shopping area, offers a unique and relaxing setting. With its immediate proximity to the beach, it’s the ideal location for runners wishing to combine relaxation and comfort before or after the Grand Raid. The perfect place for a gentle recovery.

The Exsel Floralys hotel in L’Étang-Salé boasts extensive tropical gardens and close proximity to the beach and the Étang-Salé forest, perfect for training in the great outdoors. With its green spaces and soothing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before or after a run. You’ll love its relaxing atmosphere and close proximity.

The Exsel Roseaux des Sables residence, adjacent to Floralys in L’Étang-Salé, offers a unique experience in the heart of Réunion’s east coast. Its natural setting, surrounded by greenery, is perfect for nature lovers. Runners will appreciate the calm surroundings and the facilities for relaxing after the effort, such as the swimming pool at the Exsel Floralys hotel.

The Terre Sainte hotel, located in the heart of the fishermen’s and street artists‘ district of Terre Sainte in Saint-Pierre, stands out for its vast living spaces, offering places for exchanges and discoveries where generations and cultures mingle at the mercy of events and artists’ exhibitions: The human journey. It’s the perfect place for runners looking for a setting where conviviality and sharing reign supreme.

The Exsel Victoria hotel, located in the charming village of Grand Bois in Saint-Pierre, offers an immersion in local Réunionese life with a touch of authenticity. Its peaceful setting and personalised services make it an excellent base for riders seeking serenity and comfort before or after the Grand Raid. The intimate setting and warm welcome create an atmosphere conducive to recovery.

Exsel Hôtels and Run Passion Trail: a winning partnership  

Exsel Hôtels has had a long-standing partnership with the Run Passion Trail club. A key player in the world of trail running on Réunion Island, the club will be present at this year’s Grand Raid with 14 runners taking part in the five events. The club is made up of enthusiasts who support runners throughout the year in local and national races.

This partnership is perfectly in line with Exsel Hôtels’ corporate social responsibility policy, which aims to promote local involvement and sports tourism on the island.