In and around Saint Dennis
We have Avis car hire offices across Reunion including at Le Port, Ste Clotilde, Ste Marie and St Gilles Les Bains. You can pick your rental car up from one location and drop it off at another.Once you’ve picked up your Avis hire car, it’s a 12 minute drive from the airport to Saint Dennis which is the capital of Reunion. You’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re in France with the typically French bistros, cafes and boulangeries but the palm trees and much hotter climate give away that you’re on a beautiful French island in the Indian Ocean.
There are some interesting museums to check out in Saint Dennis. The Musée Léon Dierx houses Reunion’s most important collection of modern art which changes every three months. Le Barachois is a park on the seafront and is a great place to relax and try some delicious French food and wine.
Road trips from Saint Dennis
Driving is the best way to see and explore the picturesque island of Reunion. Drive out to one of the world’s most active volcanos, Piton de la Fournaise (peak of the furnace). It has erupted in recent years and you can see the flows of lava that have been left behind. There is a road that takes you right up to the edge of the caldera which is vast and you can hike down into it.There are some fabulous beaches to be enjoyed; St Gilles les Bain is a particularly popular beach with white sand which is quite rare with the volcanic activity on the island. You can go diving and take part in a number of water activities or just kick back and soak up the sun.
Cirque de Salazie is a natural amphitheater and is a great place for adrenaline junkies as you can hike, canoe and mountain bike. The road to the Cirque from St-Andre provides some stunning views
Saint-Leu is a popular surfing spot and is home to many surfing competitions. It’s also where the Kelonia Marine Turtle Observatory can be found. The observatory is dedicated to studying and preserving Reunion’s turtle population. You’ll get to see the majestic turtles swimming around, a rare albino turtle and land tortoises.
The road to Cilaos is said to be one of the most beautiful and scenic routes on Reunion Island. The road rises as you follow it and is known for being narrow and bendy but the views are awesome.
Cilaos attracts those who like hiking and canyoning – Piton des Neiges is an iconic peak and great for both activities. For those less adventurous, check out the local vineyards and sample the wines on offer. Or unwind at the Thermes de Cilaos which offers spa treatments and of course the heated thermal springs to soothe tired muscles.