Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
EXPLORING LAVA TUBES
Visitors to Réunion don't have to confine themselves to exploring the surface of its volcanic formations - at Le
Grand Brûlé, it's possible to go caving inside volcanic tubes (elongated tunnels formed by the cooling and rapid
hardening of lava) and walk
under
the volcano. A number of operators organise guided excursions through these
lava tubes. The tunnels are generally quite tall (and there are some openings in the ceilings, which allows for su-
perb plays of light), but be prepared to stoop or squeeze at times. Another plus is that it's suitable to all levels of
difficulties - bring the kids! All you need is good shoes; torches and helmets are provided.
Prices vary between €45 and €75 for a half-day outing, depending on the length of the circuit. A few reputable
operators include
Envergure Réunion
(
0693 43 23 52;
www.canyon-reunion.re
;
by reservation) ,
Rou-
gail Rando
(
0692 92 14 34) ,
Julien Dez
(
0692 11 50 13;
http://juliendez.reunion.fr
) and Canyon Ric a
Ric (
Click here
).
Sleeping & Eating
A number of so-called 'restaurants' (in fact, private homes turned into casual eateries)
have recently sprung up along the RN2 between St-Philippe and Le Grand Brûlé.
Le Crabe Sous la Varangue
( 0692 92 13 56, 0262 92 13 56; lacazboyer@laposte.net; 1 RN2, Le Tremblet; d incl breakfast €65-70; )
This welcoming B&B sits in isolated splendour on the main road between St-Philippe and
Le Grand Brûlé. It exudes quiet sophistication; the two individually decorated rooms in
the main house have pretty painted concrete floors and colourful walls, while the third one
occupies a cosy Creole house endowed with polished parquet floors. Breakfast and dinner
(from €25) are served on the sweet terrace in the warmer months. The owner runs excur-
sions to the lava tubes in Le Grand Brûlé.
B&B
€€
Chez Moustache
( 0692 40 18 03, 0692 33 27 03; 9 RN2, Le Tremblet; mains €9-15; lunch)
A welcoming family-run
outfit with tables in a picturesque Creole house complete with a courtyard garden, Chez
Moustache serves authentic Creole specialities at honest prices. The food is grounded in
island tradition, as testified by the wood-fired oven. The menu changes nightly, and in-
cludes only four or five mains, but brevity guarantees freshness. Take away available (€5
to €6) except Sunday. It's about 4km south of the 2007 lava flow.
CREOLE
€
Le Vieux Port
CREOLE, SEAFOOD
€€
