Guide to Reunion
Must See Reunion
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The beach scene may not be what Réunion is all about, but at times you have to wonder. On weekends and during holiday periods, St-Gilles-les-Bains becomes ridiculously overcrowded, with packed restaurants, cramped beaches and all-day traffic snarls.
The excitement centres on the 20km (12mi) stretch of lagoon and white coral sand beach stretching from Boucan Canot to La Souris Chaude (literally, the Hot Mouse). The sand is of the black volcanic variety either side of this area. Inland, a parking area encompasses some great waterfalls and pools.
In the 1800s, the small fishing village of St-Gilles-les-Bains belonged to the estate of the Desbassyns family. After the road from St-Paul arrived in 1863, however, it was discovered by holiday makers. The Musée de Villèle was the home of the wealthy and very powerful Mme Panon-Desbassyns. The madame was a coffee and sugar baroness who, among other things, held 300 slaves. Legend has it that her tormented screams can still be heard whenever the volcano is erupting.