The eastern region of Réunion consists of various towns including Saint-André, Saint-Benoît, Sainte-Anne, Bras Panon, Sainte-Rose and Salazie. The area benefits from the right combination of sun and the rain that have made the East coast of Réunion the fertile region that it is. Nestled against plantations of sugarcane, litchis, bichiques (inlets where fish fry, eaten curried, are fished), this region between Saint-André and Sainte-Rose offers beautiful and easy walks amongst luxuriant vegetation.

Among the cultivated crops is the fabulous Bourbon vanilla which is world famous for its unique fragrance, hand-pollinated, it is patiently and skilfully prepared until its warm perfume is perfectly ripe. The Tamil temples and chapels found in the countryside here are reminders of the arrival a century ago of tens of thousands of migrant workers whose owners allowed them to retain their customs and their religion.

The East is the wetter and therefore, greener side of the island due to its extremely fertile soil. This aspect of the area has encouraged agricultural workers from India to settle here. While the land is exploited as much as possible, the abundant waterfalls, pools and primitive forests in this region indicate that Mother Nature is still firmly in control.

Saint-André

Saint-André in the rich land of the East of the island offers a range of attractions including guided tours of the Colosse Temple, the Petit Bazar Temple, the Bois-Rouge Sugar Refinery and the Colosse Park.

Saint-Benoît

Saint-Benoît is a town of art, education, culture and tourism, and boasts many interesting sites and attractions. Go rafting or swimming in the Rivière des Marsouins or walk along its banks to visit Ilet Coco and the forests of Bethléem. Do not miss the stunning Sainte-Anne church, the Blue basin, the forests of Ravenales and Sainte-Marguerite or La Paix and La Mer basin. Enjoy the viewpoint and horse-back tours of the Grand Étang, and the viewpoint and trekking at Takamaka.

Sainte Anne

Sainte-Anne’s history is similar to its neighbouring towns: it started out as an important centre for spice production, before branching out into sugar cane production.

Bras Panon

Bras Panon is a vast, hot and humid eastern plain, covered with sugar cane and vanilla plantations. It is the home of bichiques, fish fry used to make a delicious curry for special occasions.

Sainte-Rose

The town of Sainte-Rose covers the whole northern face of the massif de la Fournaise, from the edges to the summits of the mountains. Attractions here include the old suspension bridge, Anse des cascades, the "Notre Dame des laves" Church and the coastal footpath.

Salazie

Salazie is the most accessible of the three cirques and definitely the greenest. Salazie is a true Garden of Eden with waterfalls whose mountain water streams down the slopes, forming a kind of long, undulating mane. As you travel through this verdant land you will find the Voile de la Mariée waterfall and Cascade Blanche that are enchanting to behold, as well as the Mare à Poule d'eau and source manouilh and source pétrifiante. For those with an adventurous spirit try gorge walking at "trou blanc" or canyoning. Salazie also provides access to the Mafate cirque via the forestry road from Grand Ilet.

Hell-bourg

Hell-Bourg is a small village in the Salazie commune of Réunion, located at 1,344 metres above sea level. It is the main community in the island's Cirque de Salazie, and is named for the respected former admiral and island governor Anne Chrétien Louis de Hell. Explore the Creole houses including the Maison Folio, open to the general public and the the ruins of the old thermal spa or take a walk up to the Manouilh waterfall.

Grand Ilet

Grand Ilet is situated in the Highlands of Réunion and is well known for being a hiking spot for nature lovers with very rich fauna and flora. The Guesthouse Cimendef as well as La Tourte Dorée is located there. For people seeking a peaceful hideaway in order to relax and rejuvenate, Grand Ilet is the ideal place to go. From here you can access the footpath named Ecole Normale that leads to the viewpoint over Trou de fer.

La Plaine Des Palmistes

Located at an altitude of 1,000 metres, the Plaine des Palmistes is a haven of calm. With very high moisture levels, this plateau is incomparably rich in plant species. A holiday destination during the summer season, the Plaine des Palmistes is famed for the richness of its soil, supporting agriculture, animal husbandry and flourishing cheese and flower production. It has several magnificent natural sites such as the Biberon waterfall and the primary tropical forests of Bébourg and Bélouve which are home to cryptomerias, eschweilera and cyathea, as well as highland tamarinds, an endemic species that provides excellent wood for furniture-making. While you are here visit the Domaine des Tourelles or the concert hall and exhibition centre.