Spanning 105,447 hectares, Réunion National Park covers 42% of the island's surface and contains exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the majestic cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, as well as the famous Piton des Neiges peak and the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
As well as its remarkable landscapes featuring peaks, cirques and ramparts, this unspoilt territory has fauna and flora that are unique in the world, with around 230 native plant species and endangered rare birds, such as the Mascarene Petrel, the Réunion Cuckooshrike (or Tuit-tuit), Barau's Petrel (known locally as Taille-vent), and the Réunion Marsh Harrier (or Papangue), the island's only raptor.
To discover the biodiversity and other countless marvels of Réunion National Park, nothing beats a hike with family and friends! One of the island's most popular activities, this sporty activity much loved by Réunion locals is a way to enjoy natural sites of outstanding beauty which are often only accessible by walking, like the Mafate cirque and the Piton des Neiges. Around 1,000 kilometres of paths are available to lovers of country walks, who are spoilt for choice here when it comes to practising their favourite hobby. Bélouve Gîte - Trou de Fer Belvedere (3-hour return trip - easy); Col des Boeufs pass - La Nouvelle (4h30 return trip - easy); Bellecombe Pass - Dolomieu Crater (5-hour return trip - quite difficult) and Cilaos - Piton des Neiges (8-hour return trip - difficult) are just some of the remarkable trails that you can explore during a stay on Réunion.
The Park House (Maison du Parc) in La Plaine-des-Palmistes is open to visitors and invites you to discover its permanent exhibition entitled "Réunion, island of nature, heart of people", about Réunion's natural environment, as well as its pleasant gardens with native plant species.
