TThe vast wild south of Réunion consists of various towns and communes including le Tampon, la Plaine des Cafres, Saint Philippe, Saint-Joseph, Saint Pierre, Saint-Louis, Les Avirons, Cilaos and Étang-Salé. The active volcano Piton de la Fournaise is also located in the south.
The highlands in the South offer cooler temperatures that make trekking more comfortable, but at altitude the conditions can change suddenly so hikers should always be prepared for all weathers. These mountainous areas of Réunion put on a magical show in which its rich natural beauty plays the starring role. The calderas are astonishing "islands within the island" and offer a protected environment and grandiose landscapes. The active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanos in the world is an especially popular attraction on the island, offering a unique experience and a challenging hike, so visitors should be in good physical condition to climb the caldera.
Variety and authenticity are the defining features of this charming region, where there really is something for everybody: sandy beaches or rugged coastlines, bustling towns or charming villages, secret forests and historic remains. You can let yourself be carried away by the peace and tranquil greenery of the rare forests and go on the hunt for fragrances, tastes and flavours. Saint Philippe and Saint Joseph offer the visitor to experience the heady spice gardens, while the waterfront town of Saint Pierre provides authentic Creole charm with its traditional homes and buildings. Visit Étang-Salé famous for its black sandy beaches for a variety of watersports, and go trekking in the forests of Les Avirons, or hike the caldera of Cilaos and then relax in the spa.
The wild south will awaken the most dormant of senses. Between the sea spray and wild scents, the South locks away a thousand aromas and enchanting fragrances. From the cultivation of vacoa (a craft material and cookery ingredient), to vanilla pods climbing filao canes, to forests of coloured woods (more than a hundred species, Black wood and Yellow wood...) to the palm kernel fields (the palm heart is now renowned the world over!), the scent of discovery is around every corner of this bountiful island.

Entre-Deux

L’Entre-Deux is a village which "welcomes visitors with open arms and a big heart". It has lovingly tended gardens, land prolifically cultivated by the most dedicated farmers, and in the high season, hundred year-old litchi trees heavy with their flamboyant fruit. Visit the Arch of Entre-Deux and take a guided tour of the Creole houses and botanical gardens, and enjoy a presentation of the history of coffee.

Le Tampon

At an altitude varying from 400 to 2,000 metres above sea level, Le Tampon is a residential and agricultural “commune”. The weather is cooler here than on the coast. While you are in Tampon, enjoy the viewpoints and trek down to Grand-Bassin and visit Piton Hyacinthe and Bois Court.

La Plaine des Cafres

The highland plains of the Plaine des Cafres and the Volcan Paysage are uncommon sights on a so-called "tropical" island, as is the massif Piton de la Fournaise which offers visitors an astonishing sight, both bucolic and unforgettable, just a few kilometres away from a picture-postcard coastline. The sights of the Plaines and the volcano are without doubt must-sees for first-time visitors. Le Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is the jewel in the crown of Réunion’s natural treasures, regularly putting on a spectacular show! From la Plaine des Cafres you can access the botanical footpath of Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix and the road leading to the volcano, passing through the village of Bourg Murat on the way. You will also find the museum la Maison du Volcan here.

Saint Philippe

Saint Philippe, a small commune, typical of the wild south, seems to be born out of the volcano itself. Black basalt rock contrasts with the lush vegetation in abundance here. The island’s heart seems to beat here in Saint-Philippe, with its rainforests hiding a thousand delicate scents which float in the air such as cardamom, growing on the forest floor, cinnamon, with its tender green leaves, vanilla pods climbing their filaos cane and cloves. As well as the perfume and spice gardens, you can also enjoy the fishing port, the lava flows of Grand Brûlé, the primitive forest and botanical garden at Mare-Longue and the coastal walks on old lava flows covered with vacoa trees.

Saint Joseph

The gateway to the "Wild South", Saint-Joseph has carefully preserved its gentle and unique pace of life. The capital of turmeric (or "péi saffron") and ginger production, Saint-Joseph gives the wild South its spicy aromas. A visit to the Turmeric museum at Plaine des Grègues with its garden and spice grotto will delight visitors. The site of Manapany-les-Bains is an excellent introduction to Saint-Joseph. The place was immortalised thirty years ago by Luc Donat, famous Reunionese singer, nicknamed the "King of Sega". Other attractions include: Roche plate and the Rivière des Remparts; the waterfall and river at Langevin; and the ‘Enchan-tea’d Labyrinth’ at Grand Coude.

Petite-Ile

Petite-Ile is an agricultural village which owes its name to the unique piece of land floating just off Réunion: an inaccessible islet perched on a steep rocky outcrop, braced against the ravages of the ocean. The town has now become very residential, and has a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. Petite-Ile, known as the breadbasket of Réunion, exudes the scent of garlic and honey, mingling with the gentle acidic aroma of citrus fruit growing in abundance in the orchards of oranges, mandarins and "tangors". In this town, the yellow-orange colour of the fruit contrasts with the sloping land, lush with sugar cane plantations.

Grand Bois

The beach of Grand Bois situated off the beaten track is far from the crowds, and where you can enjoy a calm leisurely atmosphere.

Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre resolutely turned towards the sea, with its marina port and its attractively renovated promenade, the South’s largest town is brimming with life. The waterfront town of Saint-Pierre has a lagoon and small fine white sandy beaches that are much appreciated by the people of the South, with its cafés, restaurants, and playground. Saint-Pierre has retained the typically Creole charm of its old houses and buildings, following the style of the current town hall, which was previously the coffee store of the East India Company. While you are here you can also take a tour of the religious monuments that includes a mosque, church, and Tamil and Chinese temples. The airport of Saint-Pierre Pierrefond is also situated here. It is the smaller of the two airports located on the island, with only a single runway.

Saint Louis

Saint-Louis invites you on a discovery of its heritage, both cultural and natural. The town is also a centre for wood crafts. Saint Louis is home to the Maison de l'Inde and the Pandialé Temple, the island’s oldest Hindu place of worship. Between July and September be sure to visit the Gol Sugar Refinery

Les Avirons

The commune of Les Avirons is the link between the western plateaux and the South. The altitude rises sharply here and the climate becomes more suited to the agricultural activities of the Creole back-country, sugar cane of course, but also animal husbandry, vegetable growing, fruit producing, and large pasture lands that are among the most productive on the island. The main attraction here is Tévelave, meaning ‘the big forest’ when translated from the Malagasy ‘tava lavy’. At this plateau at medium altitude on the edge of a huge forest you can go trekking, observe the Reunion harrier and visit the gardens open to the general public.

La Rivière Saint Louis

La Rivière Saint Louis is well-known for its artisan carpenters and furniture makers. Each year, during the month of August, the Salon Expo-Bois is organised where all the artisans of the island showcase their creations.

Etang Salé

Étang-Salé is famous for its vast black sandy beach, enjoyed by swimmers, divers and surfers alike. The huge basalt cliff face are a sight to behold, eroded by the sea resulting in spouts of water flying up as the waves come in at points such as the ‘Gouffre’ and the ‘Souffleur,’ and the ‘Roche aux Oiseaux’, a cluster of rocks protruding from the water a few metres off the coast. This pleasant rural village, nestled against the backdrop of the mountains, is typical of Creole serenity and lifestyle. Located on the edge of the forest, it invites the visitor to escape, to picnic and hike in lush, richly scented surroundings. Other attractions include the crocodile farm and a golf course.

Le Gouffre

Le Gouffre of l’Etang Salé offers a seacoast that braves the elements and people visit this beach not to sunbathe but especially during rough weather to see the awesome spray that comes out of the blowhole.

La Ravine Des Cabris

La Ravine Des Cabris is a small river of Réunion situated in the south-west of the island. Generally dry, the river flows through the south-west on the communal territory of Saint Pierre then flows out into the sea near the airport of Pierrefond.

Piton de La Fournaise

Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupting fairly regularly and is naturally one of the most popular attractions of the island. The volcano is located in the south-east, within Réunion National Park, a World Heritage site. A nested caldera has been created by two large eruptions. There is a high quality forestry road, followed by a bumpy track, that connects the highway of the plains in Bourg-Murat to the Pas de Bellecombe, with a car park and a snack bar available to visitors. The Pas de Bellecombe is situated over the caldera rim cliffs and provides an excellent viewpoint over the north-east of the caldera.

A stairway path descends from the pass to the caldera floor, which is closed for safety reasons during seismic events that may occur before and during eruptions. Visitors wishing to explore the caldera should in good physical condition, and wear hiking shoes and carry a supply of drinking water and food. They should be aware that the weather can change very quickly, and are advised to take the necessary precautions for sun, heat, cold and rain and not to stray from marked paths. An alternative, though expensive way to view the volcano is to ride in the tourist helicopter flights offered by various commercial companies on the island.

Cilaos

From Tsilaosa, a Malagasy word meaning "place you never leave", Cilaos was, like the other calderas on the island, the preferred hiding place for the "Brown blacks", or runaway slaves. After the abolition of slavery, the "petit blanc", newly penniless, were exiled to the highlands, especially to Cilaos, and continued to live in perfect harmony with the former slaves. Cilaos is also known for its embroidery, wine houses and harvest festival. There are various trekking opportunities, including the climb up Piton des Neiges which is part of the island’s protected National Park. The Cilaos spa is an ideal place to relax after a long hike.