Lé Papangue Gîte (Plaine des Palmistes)

Lé Papangue Gîte takes its name from the papangue, Réunion's endemic harrier hawk, and sits on Route des Écoles in La Plaine des Palmistes, a highland village midway between Saint-Benoît and the volcano route, surrounded by the Forêt de Bébour-Bélouve's cloud forest and tamarind groves. The property is a simple gîte-style building of local timber construction, reflecting the understated rural architecture typical of Réunion's highland gîtes rather than a hotel-style build. It offers double rooms and a self-catering cottage, giving guests a choice between a bed-and-breakfast arrangement and independent cooking facilities, both suited to hikers using the village as a base for the Bébour-Bélouve forest trails and the nearby Trou de Fer viewpoint. Breakfast is available but not always mandatory, and there is a garden with forest views for relaxing between hikes. There is no restaurant, spa, pool, or fitness facility; guests typically cook in the self-catering cottage or eat in the village. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided. The character is quiet and nature-oriented, run with a personal touch by hosts familiar with the surrounding forest trails, making it a practical, unpretentious base for exploring central Réunion's highland forests rather than a resort stay.