First time · Saint-Gilles
First time in Saint-GillesSaint-Gilles-les-Bains
Saint-Gilles is the west-coast beach base: swim in the lagoon zones only, keep the early morning for hikes inland, hire a car for anything beyond the coast strip, and check the sea and cyclone alerts before every plan.
The honest verdict
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is a resort strip on Réunion's west coast: a marina and promenade, the L'Hermitage lagoon to the south and Boucan Canot beach to the north. It is the dry, sunny side of the island and the usual base for the lagoon, but the cirques and the volcano are a winding drive away and cloud closes the peaks by late morning. Shark risk restricts swimming on most of the coast, so the lagoon and supervised zones are the places to swim. A hire car makes the island work; the four clusters here cover the coast for two or three days.
You will like
- Lagoon swimming and snorkelling
- Markets and Creole food
- A base for early-morning hikes
What wears you down
- Shark-ban swimming rules
- Cloud that closes the peaks by midday
- Winding mountain roads
From the airport
- Fastest and cheapest
- Hire car or pre-booked transfer / taxi to the door · about 55 min · about €95 (≈ US$120)
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 2 days
- Lagoon morning, Saint-Gilles port, Saint-Paul market
- 3 days
- Four clusters, mornings for the water and the market
- 5 days
- Four clusters + a cirque day (Cilaos or Salazie) + one slow day
Three mistakes to avoid
- Say bonjour when entering a shop or small restaurant.(Survive · red lines)
- Sea: swim only in the lagoon or supervised zones; obey the flags and local bans.(Survive · safety)
- Réunion is multi-faith: cover up and remove shoes at temples when asked.(Survive · red lines)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- €40–70 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- Cash
- Keep €50 (≈ US$60) in small notes for market stalls, snack stands and parking; cards work at nearly all restaurants and shops.
The best time to go
Apr: Easing off; warm sea, quieter.
A first day
Day 1 — Lagoon morning, a 12:30 lunch table
Start about 08:00
Fixed point: Lunch table 12:30 (port)
Hotel or AC café 13:00–16:00; the promenade at sunset.
Timed version: Saint-Gilles in 3 days