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Saint-Gilles
Rarely has an island deserved its nickname so well! Reunion, the ‘intense island’ where the blue of the Indian Ocean blends in perfect harmony with the luxuriant green of tropical flora, is a real little paradise. Amid the discovery of fabulous natural sites like the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie and Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, fairy-like waterfalls including the famous Bride’s Veil, Reunion is also a chance for all the family to enjoy a lagoon where multi-coloured fish will accompany your diving sessions as you go under in the pure Creole tradition, and the image of its cuisine of curries and chouchou. A stay to be lived … intensely!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Saint Gilles.
Novotel Saint-Gilles La Réunion
3069
A mountain in the middle of the ocean, Reunion is the result of two volcanic events, the older of which resulted in the formation of Piton des Neiges, the culminating point of the island at 3,069 metres.
55
This is the size in centimetres that the Endormi can reach, a chameleon of remarkable colours which, just like the Dodo that has now disappeared, is the animal ‘star’ of Reunion.
1977
In April last year, the volcano erupted and its lava poured onto the village of Piton-Sainte-Rose, stopping at the doors of the church now named Notre-Dame of the Lava!
Museums & Exhibitions
The Volcano House
Having opened in 1992, this volcano museum is unique in the world. This place will fascinate the youngest among you as they go and discover the volcanoes of the world in general – and especially the local Piton de la Fournaise - through models, videos and interactive experiences. Also note the marvellous playful show that mixes sounds and images. Without any doubt, this is a must before attacking the slopes of the Piton, one of the most active volcanoes in the world!
RN3 Bourg Murat, Plaine-des-Cafres – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 59 0026
Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 to 17.30.
Astronomic Observatory of Makes
Having gone past the stars in space, welcome to the Astronomic Observatory of Reunion. Divided into themes, the visit is a marvellous journey for young and old alike. From the Newton space with its telescopes to Ptolemy space with its sundials, through the Planetarium, the whole history of astronomy is told. And if you have time, you can take the chance to admire the surface of the sun and even Venus. An eyeful of memories!
Plaine des Makes, 18 rue Georges Bizet, Riviere St Louis – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 37 86 83
Every day from 9.30.
The Stella Matutina Agricultural and Industrial Museum
Established in the old Stella Matutina sugar factory, this museum is the opportunity for all the family to discover the history of Reunion and its inhabitants through the history of sugar cane growing. A real theme run will guide you through the different halls of perfectly conserved machines, among the odours of spices and exhilarating essences. The visit is particularly designed for children who will thoroughly enjoy the games offered to them on four floors of over 5000 sq.m..
Allée des Flamboyants, Piton-Saint-Leu – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 34 16 24
Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 to 17.30.
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens :
The Aquarium of Reunion
Sharks, rays, clown fish, sea horses, multi-coloured corals… a magnificent aquatic journey for both children and their parents. Particularly interactive and playful, a visit to the Aquarium of Reunion takes all the family off to discover volcanic slopes, the barrier reef and the marine heritage. A marvellous window onto all the treasures of the Indian Ocean. Not to be missed!
Port de Plaisance, Saint-Gilles – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 33 44 00
Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 18.30.
Cinderella’s Garden
Cinderella’s Garden is an incredible Creole garden to discover as a family. Between colour and perfumes, a guide will take you on a beautiful walk at the heart of the tropical flora and marvellous flowers of Reunion, and will tell you the legends and stories about the plants and other spices of the island. A magnificent journey among unique multi-coloured treasures!
48, Route des Palmiers, La Montagne, Saint-Denis – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 41 83 00
Visits on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10.00, and Sundays at 10.00 and 14.00 subject to booking.
The Insect House
Welcome to the world of the infinitely small! The insect house of the harbour actually presents a series of vivariums where the children can observe the hidden life of numerous insects, thanks to clever camera work. A highly educational visit that will enable them to get to know the essential role of these little beings. There’s also a puppet theatre with insect actors. And as a bonus, all the family can discover a very beautiful chameleon house and butterfly garden, for thrills in glorious Technicolor.
Pépiniere Communale, Chemin du Verger, Le Port – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 43 14 15
Wednesdays from 14.00.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
The Croc Park
Shivers guaranteed! Your children won't forget the Croc Park in a hurry, with its crocodiles of the Nile, one of the most fearsome species on the planet. Opened in 1999, Croc Park, in addition to the observation of crocodiles, invites you twice a week to the incredible spectacle of the big meal of the predators. And to calm you down, Croc Park also offers a Mini Farm for discovering chameleons, numerous games for the youngest among you, and a botany trip… in short, an unforgettable family day out with the crocs!
1, Route Forestière, L’Etang-Salé-les-Hauts – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 91 40 41
Every day from 10.00 to 17.30. Big crocodile meal on Wednesdays and Sundays at 16.00.
Exotica Park
Considered to be one of the most beautiful parks of Reunion, Exotica, with its decor of basaltic lava, offers walks among more than 500 vegetable species. Palm trees, bonsais and a superb orchids house stand out on the menu of this park with a surface area of five hectares. Thousands of colours and intoxicating perfumes … a real taste of the exotic!
Route de l'Entre-Deux, Pierrefonds, Saint-Pierre – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 35 65 45
Tuesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00.
Kelonia
Kelonia, the turtle Observatory, is a place definitely not to be missed. It’s actually the opportunity for young and old to observe turtles close up, as the first true inhabitants of the island. Ponds, parks, exhibitions or educational workshops, you'll discover all you need to know about these fascinating animals and their history. On sea or on land, the inhabitants of Kelonia await you.
Ferme Corail, RN1, Pointe des Chateaux, Saint-Leu – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 34 81 10
Every day from 9.00 to 18.00.
Good places for a family meal:
Coco Beach
A lively environment awaits you in these two restaurants situated on Hermitage beach, Saint-Gilles. Fish, grilles, a plate of Creole assortments … everything’s there, even a special kids’ menu!
Hermitage Beach, Saint-Gilles – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 33 81 43
Every day at noon, and Monday to Thursday evenings.
The Igloo
In the very centre of Saint-Denis, this address offers you the best ice creams in the whole island. Original ice cream tubs will please all gourmets, without a shadow of a doubt.
67, Rue Jean Chatel, Saint-Denis – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 21 34 69
Every day.
Chez Loulou
This baker’s shop hides a restaurant behind it that happily escorts you into the world of the savours of Creole cuisine. Curries, samosas, pies, spicy sweets … a gift!
Port de Plaisance, Saint-Gilles – Tel.: (+33) 2 62 33 44 00
Every day from 7.00 to 13.00, and 15.00 to 19.30.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Saint-Gilles.


