Saint-Philippe
Réunion · Wild South · 20 m
Description
Saint-Philippe lies on the wild south coast where the lava from Piton de la Fournaise reaches the sea, and the road crosses the Grand Brûlé over flows dated by year, some of them still black and bare, others already carrying the first ferns. Where lava met water the cliffs are torn into blowholes and arches. The Anse des Cascades is a palm grove where springs fall directly onto the shore. Saint-Philippe grows vanilla and spices, and the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices is planted in a lava forest. This coast has no beaches, only black rock and forest.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Grand Brûlé lava flows across the road
- Anse des Cascades palm grove
- Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
- Cap Méchant black cliffs and blowholes
- Puits arabe and puits anglais lava wells
- Vanilla plantations and curing sheds
- Lava tube tours under the Grand Brûlé
- Notre-Dame des Laves at Sainte-Rose(Day trip)
- Pointe de la Table lava peninsula
- Coastal forest of Mare Longue