Réunion Island, often affectionately dubbed the "Intense Island", is a geological marvel where colossal, emerald cirques meet the moonscape of an active volcano, all fringed by the deep blue Indian Ocean. Its capital, Saint-Denis, situated on the northern coast, serves as the perfect launchpad for some of the most breathtaking road trips imaginable. While the coastline offers vibrant markets and colonial architecture, the island’s true, untamed heart lies high in its mountainous interior.
The greatest natural spectacles are, surprisingly, accessible via a network of steep, well-maintained, yet thrillingly winding roads. A rental car is, therefore, the key to unlocking Réunion’s most celebrated treasures. This guide presents the three essential day drives from Saint-Denis, routes designed to deliver you directly to the island's premier panoramic viewpoints and immerse you in its extraordinary ecological diversity. These drives are not merely transit; they are experiences in themselves, offering constantly changing vistas that showcase why Réunion is a jewel of the global natural heritage. Preparation and an early start are crucial, but the rewards are views that stretch the definition of spectacular.
The first and most iconic drive plunges explorers into the raw, powerful forces that created Réunion: the journey to the Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint at the Pas de Bellecombe. The entire drive from Saint-Denis, following the Route Forestière 5 (RF5), takes approximately two to two and a half hours one way. Still, the scenery commands numerous stops, extending the overall trip.
The route begins innocuously, traversing the populous regions of the south before commencing the long, steady climb towards the high plains of the interior. The landscape undergoes a radical transformation, shedding the lushness of the coast for the austere beauty of high altitude. You pass through stands of tamarins des hauts, their bark twisted by the harsh climate, signalling the transition into the volcanic uplands.
A crucial stop along this trajectory is the Nez de Bœuf, or 'Ox's Nose', a precipitous viewpoint offering a staggering panorama of the deep, carved valley of the Rivière des Remparts. The gorge here is a testament to erosion, slicing through ancient lava flows and exposing millennia of geological history.
Continuing, the route then delivers the most otherworldly experience: the crossing of the Plaine des Sables. This vast, seemingly endless expanse of deeply fissured, ochre-coloured scoria and ash truly resembles a Martian surface. The transition from the green mountain slopes to this desolate, rusty plain is sudden and shocking, leaving no doubt that you are approaching one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.
The climax of the journey is the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint. From this vantage point, you gaze down into the heart of the volcanic system: the immense, horseshoe-shaped caldera known as the Enclos Fouqué. The active cone of the Piton de la Fournaise, often featuring the distinct, smaller crater of the Formica Léo, dominates the view. The contrast between the sheer scale of the caldera and the evidence of recent, powerful eruptions is humbling.
For this drive, there is one non-negotiable practical tip—you must arrive early. The coastal clouds driven by the trade winds inevitably collide with the volcano’s flanks, shrouding the entire caldera in a dense, impenetrable mist, often by 9:30 AM. A start from Saint-Denis before 5:30 AM is essential to ensure the dramatic, clear views this unique site demands.
If Piton de la Fournaise reveals the island’s destructive power, the drive to the Maïdo Viewpoint showcases its sublime beauty and staggering scale. Maïdo offers the most accessible and dramatically elevated perspective on the colossal, roadless Cirque de Mafate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The journey from Saint-Denis to Maïdo, which takes approximately one and a half to two hours, involves following the coast road south before turning inland towards the heights of Saint-Paul. The entire Route du Maïdo (RF8) is a continuous, seemingly endless climb. The road snakes its way upwards, transitioning from agricultural lands to native mountain forests, most notably the high-altitude forêt de tamarins, where the gnarled trees stand draped in moss and mist. The sense of ascent is palpable, and the changing vegetation hints at the extreme altitude you are gaining.
The viewpoint itself is nothing short of spectacular. Standing on the precipice of Maïdo, the landscape drops away vertically thousands of feet into the labyrinthine depths of the Mafate cirque. Below you, a complex tapestry of ridges, peaks, and tiny hamlets (îlets) unfolds. Mafate is unique in that it is entirely inaccessible by car; its inhabitants receive supplies solely via helicopter and on foot, a reality brought home by the immense scale of the gorges you are viewing. On a clear day, the eye is drawn beyond Mafate to the towering silhouette of Piton des Neiges, Réunion’s highest peak and the ancestral volcano that created the island. The panorama is a breathtaking demonstration of erosion on a massive, geological scale.
The Maïdo viewpoint is also the starting point for challenging, high-altitude hiking trails, such as the path to Grand Bénare, though merely appreciating the view is rewarding enough. As with the volcanic drive, the golden rule here is absolute punctuality. The valley clouds quickly fill the cirque, turning the grand view into a solid white blanket. It is essential to be at the viewpoint before 8:00 AM, ideally closer to sunrise, to witness the majesty of Mafate before the mist rises. Failure to heed this advice often results in a long, spectacular drive culminating in a frustrating, obscured vista.
The third essential drive offers a lush, tropical contrast to the barren heights of the volcano and the dry vastness of Mafate. The journey into the Cirque de Salazie plunges you into Réunion’s emerald heart, a valley renowned for its torrential waterfalls and rich Creole heritage.
Starting from Saint-Denis, the drive is the shortest of the three, taking around one hour via the RN2 and D48, heading east along the coast before turning dramatically inland. The entrance to Salazie is unforgettable. The road weaves through a narrow, verdant gorge, immediately surrounded by towering, vertical rock faces covered in ferns and moss. This region receives the most rainfall on the island, resulting in intensely lush vegetation and an abundance of spectacular waterfalls.
One of the first significant sights near the valley entrance is the impressive Cascade Niagara, a wide, powerful waterfall easily accessible near the coastal road. However, the true spectacle of the drive awaits inside the cirque: the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée or "Bride’s Veil Waterfall". This is not a single spout, but a series of countless thin, silver threads of water streaming down a colossal, sheer cliff face. The effect is truly magical and is visible directly from the roadside, a perennial favourite for photographers.
The drive continues deeper into the cirque, leading to the charming, picturesque village of Hell-Bourg. Recognised as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Hell-Bourg is the cultural heart of Salazie. It is famous for its exquisitely preserved Creole architecture—vibrant, ornate wooden houses with intricately carved verandas and colourful gardens. It makes for a perfect lunch stop, offering an opportunity to sample local cuisine and appreciate the unique history of the island’s mountainous interior.
Unlike the high-altitude viewpoints, the views in Salazie are less dependent on beating the clock to avoid cloud cover, though morning light is always favourable for photography. The lower altitude means the area remains relatively verdant and visible throughout the day, allowing for a more relaxed pace and a greater emphasis on cultural exploration alongside natural beauty.
Successfully executing these magnificent day drives requires mindful preparation. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth driving trip.
Réunion Island is a destination that rewards the adventurous spirit, and these three-day drives from Saint-Denis provide the definitive introduction to its extraordinary topography. From the stark, red majesty of the active volcano to the dizzying precipice overlooking the roadless Cirque de Mafate, and finally, to the lush, waterfall-laced valley of Salazie, the diversity is staggering. Each drive offers a unique spectacle, collectively painting a comprehensive picture of this intensive, dramatic island.
Do not let the proximity of these natural wonders fool you; they demand planning and an early rise. But for those willing to take the wheel, the island promises panoramic views, geological marvels, and memories that truly belong to the high road to paradise. The car keys are the pass to this unparalleled adventure. Book your rental car from the Final Rentals website or mobile app, which can be downloaded via Google Play or the App Store.
