Saint-Pierre, Réunion: things to do and where to stay
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In short: Saint-Pierre is the ideal base for discovering Réunion’s wild south and climbing Piton de la Fournaise. The town has its lagoon and supervised beach, a big street market on Saturday mornings and a seafront that comes alive in the evening. A car is almost essential to explore the south.
The beach and the lagoon
Protected by the coral reef, Saint-Pierre beach and its lagoon allow swimming in a supervised area. Always follow the signs: outside the lagoon and supervised areas, swimming is banned because of the shark risk.
The Saturday street market
The Saturday morning street market, by the sea, is one of the island’s largest: fruit, vegetables, spices, crafts and Creole dishes.
The seafront
The seafront and the marina come alive in the evening, with bars and restaurants. The town is known for its nightlife.
Piton de la Fournaise
One of the world’s most active volcanoes is reached by the volcano road, across the Plaine des Sables. From the Gîte du Volcan, a trail goes down into the caldera towards the crater: set off early, before the clouds, and check that access is open, as it closes during eruptions.
La Cité du Volcan
On the volcano road, in Bourg-Murat, this museum explains how the island formed and how Piton de la Fournaise works: ideal before the hike, or on a cloudy day.
Day trips from Saint-Pierre
- The wild south: Grand Anse, Manapany and its rock pools, Saint-Philippe and its lava flows.
- The Cilaos cirque, via the road with many bends.
- The west coast and the Saint-Gilles lagoon.
Getting around
- A car is almost essential to explore the south and drive up to the volcano.
- From Saint-Denis airport, allow more than an hour by road depending on traffic.
- Pierrefonds airport, close by, has a few regional flights.
All our tips for the country: Travel in Réunion.
Where to stay in Saint-Pierre?
- Centre and seafront. Supervised beach and lagoon, restaurants and bars, all on foot. Ideal for: first visit, nightlife.
- Terre-Sainte. A former fishing area east of the centre, by the ocean. Ideal for: couples, quiet.
- The hills (Montvert, Ligne-Paradis). Guesthouses in quieter surroundings; a car is needed. Ideal for: families, nature.
The areas and useful services are on our Saint-Pierre page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb Piton de la Fournaise from Saint-Pierre?
Yes: the volcano road starts from the Saint-Pierre and Le Tampon area. Leave very early to enjoy clear skies and check that access to the caldera is open.
Where can you swim in Saint-Pierre?
In the lagoon, in the supervised area. Elsewhere, swimming is banned because of the shark risk.
How many days should I spend in the south?
Three to four days for the volcano, the wild south and the Saturday market.
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