Plage de l'Hermitage

Plage de l'Hermitage is the widest stretch of lagoon-protected beach on Réunion's west coast, at the edge of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, on the French island in the Indian Ocean. A coral reef offshore keeps the water calm and shallow enough for swimming and snorkelling, making it one of the more reliable spots on the island for seeing reef fish without a boat. The sand is bordered by filao trees that provide shade close to the water, and cafés, restaurants and rental shops sit a short walk away rather than directly on the beach. Visitors spend their time swimming in the lagoon, snorkelling over the shallow coral flats, walking the long strip of sand, and relaxing under the filaos. Lifeguards are on duty from 09:00 to 17:00 in season, and swimmers should stay within the supervised areas. The lagoon is shallow, and coral patches are close enough to touch by accident, so visitors are advised to stick to the sandy channels between coral patches, since stepping on the reef damages it. A visit typically lasts between two and six hours. Mornings are best for shade and calm water, and the April to November period offers the calmest lagoon conditions. The beach is busiest on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, when local families fill the filao shade and picnic tables, while weekday mornings are much quieter. Sunset is a popular time to walk the beach. Visitors can arrive with the Car Jaune line 2 from Saint-Denis for about €3 or drive on the RN1 in around 45 minutes, with paid and free parking nearby. Snorkelling gear can be rented locally, and reef-safe sun protection is encouraged. Strong sun is a factor, so hats and shade are valuable, and sea urchins can sit among the coral, so reef shoes are a sensible precaution for waders.