Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't fancy cooking? Find a restaurant a coin's toss down the road. There's no minimum
stay, but one-week stays are preferred. Cash only. Book early.
Gandalf Safari Camp
( 0692 40 78 39, 0262 58 45 59; www. gandalfsafaricamp.de; 87 Blvd de l'Océan; s/d incl breakfast €50/60;
)
Christina and Claus, the German owners, have long lived in Africa - hence the
name. Their B&B with an eco bent (it's solar heated and rainwater is recycled) features
five rooms that are individually designed, but feel a tad compact due to the cubicle shower
plonked in the corner. Two larger rooms (pompously called 'suites') should be added by
the time you read this. Perks include a kitchen for guests' use, a TV lounge and a relaxing
garden, plus 4WD tours can be organised (€50). Good English is spoken. Air-con is extra
(€5). Rates drop by €5 if you stay two nights. It's a five-minute stroll from the tide pool.
Cash only.
GUESTHOUSE
€€
Chez Jo
( 0262 31 48 83; 143 Blvd de L'Océan; mains €10-17; lunch Thu-Tue, dinner Fri & Sat)
In this buzzy
eatery overlooking the tide pool in Manapany-les-Bains, you're bound to find something
on the menu that takes your fancy. Treat yourself to grilled tuna, salads or homemade
desserts, or just pop in for an exquisite fruit juice (€3 to €6). Good sandwiches (€3 to
€4.50) and takeaway meals, too.
CREOLE
€
TOP OF CHAPTER
St-Joseph
POP 13,000
The Wild South's hub, modernish St-Joseph (say 'St-Jo' if you want to sound local) won't
leap to the top of your list of preferred destinations in Réunion but it offers useful ser-
vices, including supermarkets and banks with ATMs. While it oozes the kind of sunny
languor you'd associate with the tropics, the bustling shopping streets at peak hours im-
part the energy (and stress) of a city.
If you can, plan to be in St-Jo on a Friday morning, when the streets spill over with nu-
merous stalls.
One of the best-kept secrets in the area is a secluded cove with a splendid black-sand
beach
, at the entrance of St-Jo (coming from St-Pierre). Drive past the first roundabout,
then take the first right (towards 'Déchèterie'). Follow the road for about 300m until you
