The West Coast requires a car to fully enjoy the diversity of activities and beaches. The RN1 (Route du Littoral) runs along the coast from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre — it is being replaced by the New Coastal Road (NRL), a sea viaduct that secures access to Saint-Denis from the west (progressive delivery). From Roland-Garros airport, count 45 minutes-1h to reach Saint-Gilles depending on traffic.
Inside the area, the road network is dense and well maintained. The RN1A and the D6 serve Boucan Canot, Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage and La Saline in less than 15 minutes. For Saint-Leu, count 30 minutes from Saint-Gilles. For Maïdo (classic excursion from Saint-Paul), 1h30 by the switchback forest road — leave early in the morning to beat the fog.
The Car Jaune buses and the CINOR buses serve the coast but with frequencies unsuitable for a tourist stay. Use rather the local VTC (Bolt works in some areas, local taxis for journeys) or walking for small trips inside the stations of Saint-Gilles and L'Hermitage.
Read also
- Saint-Gilles - L'Hermitage — Réunion's beach resort: turquoise lagoon, white-sand beach, hotels at the water's edge.
- Piton Maïdo — Belvedere at 2,205 m altitude above the cirque of Mafate, accessible from Saint-Paul in 1h30.
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the mountain experience complementary to your beach stay.
- Réunion — Complete guide of the intense island: formalities, budget, climate, regions to discover.