Réunion's most beautiful beaches

This beach near Saint-Gilles-les-bains is particularly popular for its white sand, waves and fish-filled seabed. There is no coral reef here, so the bathing area is deeper than in the lagoon. Swimming is not free: you must respect the authorised zone set up on this beach and only swim when the beach is supervised.

Don't forget your masks and snorkels to discover the rocky and coral-covered seabed, which attracts large numbers of fish when the sea is calm. Many small restaurants line the beach, ideal for dining while watching the sunset, or just for a drink.

You'll find the Hermitage beach between Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains and La Saline. This is one of the most popular beaches, as you can swim here without risk! It is surrounded by the coral reef, preventing sharks from entering the lagoon. And to make matters worse, the water is warm and translucent and the white sand is soft.

Thanks to the lagoon, the gradations of colour in the water are superb and immediately give the beach an air of paradise. The back of the beach is lined with filaos, a popular spot for picnics. At sunset, on some evenings, you can also listen to music while sipping a cocktail.

An extension of Plage de l'Ermitage, La Saline is just as pretty, stretching from the entrance to La Saline to Trou d'Eau. It's the ideal beach for those who love lazing around, white sand and turquoise water. The swimming area, in the lagoon, is shallow and has plenty of coral and fish to observe with a mask and snorkel. Perfect for families! The back of the beach is lined with filaos trees, under which you can picnic every weekend.

Close to the centre of Saint-Gilles, Roches Noires beach is a popular spot with surfers. As the bathing area is open to the ocean, in the absence of a coral reef, Roches Noires beach is deeper than a lagoon bathing area. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards every day.

This small beach of fine white sand is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. Outside the lagoon, it is also ideal for a variety of water sports, including surfing, jet-skiing and sailing.

Grande Anse beach is located further south on the island, after Saint-Pierre. This superb bay, lined with coconut palms, is a paradise for families who like to get together for a picnic. The beach is extremely beautiful, but the waves can make swimming dangerous. That's why a natural swimming pool has been created, sheltered from the swell by huge basalt rocks.

Grande Anse is home to a lush park with picnic areas, manicured green spaces, a boulodrome, a large car park and toilet blocks.