South Coast Lava & Wild Beaches (Saint-Philippe)

The Saint-Philippe south coast day explores a stretch of shoreline in south-east Réunion, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, that has been repeatedly reshaped by Piton de la Fournaise. Solidified lava flows meet the ocean in fields of black rock, and the landscape shows clearly how active the coast still is. Saint-Philippe lies about 95 km from Saint-Denis, roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by car along the RN2 east coast road, and a car is essential because no practical public transport serves the sights. The coastal drive passes Anse des Cascades, a worthwhile first stop about an hour into the journey. The next stop is Notre-Dame-des-Laves, the church that was repeatedly threatened by advancing lava and is the clearest sign of the flows. From there the route continues to Pointe de la Table, a black lava point formed where a 1986 eruption flow reached the sea, where visitors can walk across the lava field. In the early afternoon, the Jardin des Parfums et des Épices near Saint-Philippe is a botanical garden of spice and fragrance plants, with a modest entry fee. The day can finish at a coastal rock pool such as Puits des Anglais, a natural pool used for swimming, before the drive back. The best season is May to November, and an early start keeps the lava walk out of the hottest hours, as the field is fully exposed with no shade. The walking is limited to short, flat outings on uneven rock, so the trip is easy overall, but sturdy shoes are important because solidified lava is sharp. Food stops are limited along the route, so lunch is best taken in or near Saint-Philippe, and water should be carried. The church and lava field cost nothing to visit, and a day including the garden and lunch runs roughly €25 to €40 per person.