A Weekend in the Wild South

The Wild South refers to the coastline between Saint-Pierre in the west and Saint-Benoît in the east, with Saint-Philippe as its central point. This area, far less touristy than the west coast, has remained untouched by mass tourism development. No hotel complexes, no crowded supervised beaches — just nature, local fishermen and the fresh traces of the volcano.

The most recent lava flows from Piton de la Fournaise have cut through this zone on their way to the ocean, creating spectacular new mineral landscapes you can explore straight from your campervan.

Grande Anse is the finest black sand beach on Réunion. Shaded by casuarina trees, with picnic tables, clear deep water and a marked swimming area — a perfect spot to have lunch from your van and take a dip.

Manapany-les-Bains is a natural pool carved into volcanic rock, sheltered from the waves by a basalt barrier. Ideal for swimming with the family even in rough seas, the water here is always calm and clear.

The Saint-Philippe blowhole is a unique geological phenomenon: waves surge into a volcanic fissure and shoot upward like a natural geyser, sometimes reaching several metres in height. The spectacle is particularly impressive in heavy seas.

Saint-Philippe is also the starting point for exploring the recent lava forests — frozen flows where vegetation is only just beginning to reclaim the land, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The village of Le Baril has a chapel built on an ancient lava flow — a powerful symbol of the locals' coexistence with the volcano. Roadside viewpoints offer striking views over the black lava fields stretching all the way to the ocean.

The coastal road between Le Baril and Saint-Philippe is one of the most beautiful on the island — quiet, wild, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the volcano's slopes on the other.

Day 1: Leave Saint-Pierre in the morning, stop at Grande Anse (swim + picnic lunch), Manapany in the late afternoon, spend the night in your campervan facing the ocean.

Day 2: Saint-Philippe and the blowhole in the morning (high tide), drive the lava road to Le Baril, lunch with a view over the ocean. Return via the highlands and the Plaine des Cafres for a panoramic view at the end of the day.