Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bras-Panon is Réunion's vanilla capital, and most visitors come here to see (and smell!)
the fragrant vanilla-processing plant. The town is also associated with a rare sprat-like
delicacy known as
bichiques
. In early summer (around November or December) these are
caught at the mouth of the Rivière des Roches as they swim upriver to spawn.
Sights
Provanille
( 0262 51 70 12; 21 RN2; tours adult/child €5/free; 8.30am-noon & 1.30-5pm Mon-Sat)
This working
vanilla-processing plant offers an introduction to the process of producing Réunion's fam-
ous Vanille Bourbon via a 45-minute guided tour and a film on the history of vanilla cul-
tivation. You'll find various vanilla products at the factory shop. It's worth a visit just for
the dreamy smell.
VANILLA
Bassin La Paix & Bassin La Mer
A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from
Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly leads to a majestic water-
fall tumbling into a large rock pool. Swimming is forbidden, but it's an ideal picnic spot.
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, you can continue upstream from Bassin La
Paix to Bassin La Mer, another cascading delight that can be reached on foot only. The
start of the trail is signposted from the car park, and it's an enjoyable (though exposed and
hot) 40-minute walk. Reward yourself with a dip in the swimming holes at the bottom of
the falls.
WATERFALL
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
BELVÉDÈRE DE L'EDEN
A fabulous place to chill out is the aptly named Belvédère de l'Eden, in upcountry Bras-Panon. From Bras-Panon,
take the road to St-André, then turn left onto the D59 (in the direction of Vincendo, Bellevue) for about 9km (fol-
low the signs) until you reach a car park. From there, follow the meandering trail signed L'Eden. After about 20
minutes, you'll discover a wonderfully secluded picnic spot locals wish you hadn't. The views of the coast are in-
comparable.
Sleeping & Eating
