Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Réunion · West · 10 m
Description
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is the seaside resort of Réunion and the only stretch of the island with a proper coral lagoon, a reef-protected strip of white sand running south through L'Hermitage and La Saline. Swimming outside the reef has been prohibited since a series of shark attacks, so the lagoon itself carries all the bathing. The marina fills with catamarans running whale watching trips in the southern winter. Behind the beach the Étang-Salé road climbs to Trois Bassins, and the Saint-Gilles ravine holds three waterfall pools reached on a short walk. This is the one part of the island that feels like a holiday coast.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 8 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- L'Hermitage lagoon beach
- Snorkelling inside the reef
- Humpback whale watching from the marina (June - October)
- Trois Bassins waterfall pools
- La Saline and Boucan Canot beaches
- Marina and the evening bars
- Kélonia turtle observatory
- Aquarium of Réunion
- Dolphin watching off the west coast
- Sunset from the Cap La Houssaye headland