Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
full. Last-minute reservations may be accepted, as there are often last-minute cancella-
tions.
You can book through the Centrale d'Information et de Réservation Régionale - Île de
la Réunion Tourisme ( Click here ) or through any tourist office on the island, including
those in St-Denis, Cilaos, Salazie, Hell-Bourg, St-Gilles-les-Bains, St-Pierre, St-Leu, St-
André, Ste-Anne, and Bourg-Murat. It's highly recommended that you book well in ad-
vance, especially during the busy tourist seasons. One night's accommodation without
food costs €16 or €18 per person depending on season.
When staying in a gîte de montagne, you have to call the gîte at least one day ahead to
book your meals (or you can ask for this to be done for you when you make the original
booking). Dinner costs from €15 to €18, and usually consists of hearty carris. Breakfast
costs around €5 and normally consists of coffee, bread and jam. Payment is made directly
to the caretaker, in cash.
Sleeping arrangements usually consist of bunk beds in shared rooms, so be prepared for
the communal living that this entails, although the more recent gîtes usually have a few
private rooms. Sheets and blankets are provided, though you might want to bring a sheet
sleeping bag (a sleep sheet).
It's not a bad idea to also bring along toilet paper and a torch. It can get quite chilly at
night, so warm clothing will be in order. Some places will let you cook, but many kitchens
are so basic - and sometimes grimy - that you probably won't bother.
On arrival and departure you must 'book' in and out with the manager, who will collect
your voucher and payment for meals. In theory, you're not meant to occupy a gîte before
3pm or remain past 10am.
Gîtes d'Étapes
Gîtes d'étapes, sometimes simply called gîtes , are privately owned and work in roughly
the same way as the gîtes de montagne , offering dorm beds and meals. Some places even
have doubles. One main difference is that you can book these places directly with the
owners. There are numerous gîtes d'étapes in the Cirque de Mafate, and others dotted
around the island; most are in the vicinity of walking trails. The host will often offer
meals or cooking facilities.
Local tourist offices can provide lists of gîtes d'étapes in their area. Also check out the
website www.reunion.fr .
Meublés de Tourisme & Gîtes Ruraux
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