Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
Megavalanche Mountain Race
- the biggest downhill race in the Indian Ocean region -
takes place here each year in late November or early December. It is a 2205m descent us-
ing a mass start and draws riders from across Réunion and the world.
Sleeping & Eating
B&B
€
Chez Dominique et Rose Magdeleine
( 0262 32 53 50; Chemin de l'École, La Petite France; d incl breakfast €40)
Run by an elderly Creole
lady, this good-value B&B is a real home away from home. It has few frills but the four
rooms are clean as a pin, and the location, just off the main road in La Petite France,
makes a convenient base for an early-morning start up to Le Maïdo.
Chez Doudou et Alexandra
( 0262 32 55 87; Route de Maïdo, PK 3; menu €20; lunch Thu-Sun)
With its barnlike surrounds,
Chez Doudou boasts a kind of ramshackle charm but has no views to speak of. The onus
is on earthy regional food, so roll up for comforting Creole
carris
served with all the tradi-
tional accompaniments. It's full to bursting at weekends - reservations are advised.
CREOLE
€€
Le Relais du Maïdo
(Route du Maïdo; mains €10-15, Sunday buffet €17; lunch Tue-Sun)
Adjacent to the eponymous theme
park, this eatery with a rustic charm specialises in Creole classics. The menu is down-to-
earth, inexpensive and perfectly acceptable as long as you are not expecting cordon bleu.
The homemade pastries, especially the coconut and banana pie, are to die for. The Sunday
buffet is very popular.
CREOLE, BUFFET
€€
Shopping
Distillerie du Maïdo - Chez
Nanou Le Savoyard
( 0692 61 75 43;
www.ladistilleriedumaido.com
;
La Petite France; 8.30am-6pm)
Here you can stock up
on essential oils, perfumes, soaps and other natural health products. Also sells
rhum ar-
rangé
(flavoured rum), honey and jam.
DISTILLERY
L'Alambic Bègue
DISTILLERY
