30 December 2024

Visiting Creole Gardens in Reunion Island

Creole Gardens in Reunion Island

Looking for a moment of nature? Our beautiful island is brimming with natural treasures, and the Creole gardens of Reunion Island are magnificent examples.

These spaces immerse you in a world where biodiversity meets the history and traditions of Reunion Island.

Whether you’re a curious visitor, a botany enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, these gardens offer unique experiences. As hiking and camping enthusiasts, we’ve visited many gardens across the island, and here’s our guide to exploring 11 must-see Creole gardens, categorized by region.
We’ll keep updating this article with every new garden we visit.

Creole Gardens in the North

  • Why visit?
    In this unique estate, fauna and flora harmoniously blend. Accompanied by a guide, embark on a photo safari to encounter wild deer roaming the hills of Sainte-Marie. It’s an ideal activity for nature and photography lovers, but keep in mind, there’s no guarantee of spotting these wild animals.
  • Read our detailed article about this experience.
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: By reservation only.
  • Prices: Starting from €25 per person.
Une jolie cascade au domaine de mille aventure à ste marie.
Vous aurez peut-être la chance de voir des cerfs dans ce jardin à Ste Marie.
Découvrir le domaine de Mille aventures à sainte-marie.

Creole Gardens in the South

Domaine du Café Grillé (Pierrefonds)

  • Why visit?
    This 4-hectare botanical garden takes you on a journey through Reunion Island’s agricultural history. You’ll discover an impressive variety of ornamental plants and tropical fruit trees while learning a lot about Reunion coffee. It’s an enriching experience to understand the island’s agricultural heritage. Of course, you can enjoy a cup of coffee before or after your visit!
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (ticket office closes at 3:30 PM).
  • Guided tours: 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (reservation required via SMS at +262 692 52 24 32).
  • Prices: Guided tour: €9.50/adult, €4.75/child (under 12). Self-guided: €7.50/adult, €3.75/child.
  • Website
Profitez des visites guidées du Domaine du café grillé, un jardin créole très riche en biodiversité.
Découvrez la flore du jardin du Domaine du café grillé, un des jardins créoles à la Réunion très riche en diversité.
Vous découvrirez de nombreuses espèces de plantes au jardin du Domaine du café grillé.

Plantation Vanille (Saint-Philippe)

  • Why visit?
    Discover the secrets of Bourbon vanilla, one of the most prized spices in the world. The tour includes an immersion into the plantation, explanations about manual pollination, and of course, a vanilla-flavored coffee at the end.
  • Explore our article about Plantation Vanille (in french).
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM.
  • Prices: €10/adult, free for children under 10.
  • Guided tours: Book via resa.reunionest.fr, phone at 0262 46 16 16, or email at info-resa@reunionest.fr
Découvrez la fertilisation de la vanille dans ce jardin créole à la Réunion.
Les plantations de vanille à Saint-Philippe.
Visiter un des jardins créoles à la Réunion en découvrant les plantations de vanille à Saint Philippe.

Jardin des Parfums et des Épices (Saint-Philippe)

  • Why visit?
    This lush garden invites you on a sensory journey through aromatic, medicinal, and tropical plants. From clove trees to cacao and lemongrass, every corner holds surprises.
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Prices: €10/adult, €6.50/child (ages 6–11). Guided tours available at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM (reservation required).
  • Website
Découvrez la biodiversité exceptionnelle des jardins créoles à la Réunion comme le jardin des parfums et des épices.
Du poivre vert frais au jardin des parfums et des épices à la Réunion.
Le jardin des parfums et des épices, un des superbes jardins créoles à la Réunion.

Forêt du Rempart (Plaine des Grègues)

  • Why visit?
    This wilder garden immerses you in the tropical forest of the Remparts, showcasing endemic medicinal plants. Ideal for botany and gastronomy enthusiasts, as the visit can end with a delicious Creole meal!
  • Read our complete article about this visit (in french).
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Guided tours by reservation.
  • Prices: Guided tour: €8/adult, €5/child. With lunch: €45/adult, €28/child (under 12).
L'équipe enthousiaste du jardin de la forêt des Remparts à la Plaine des Gregues.
Découvrez la faune et la flore des jardins créoles à la Réunion comme à la forêt des Remparts.
Découvrez la biodiversité réunionnaise à la forêt des Remparts.

En Champ Thé (Plaine des Grègues)

  • Why visit?
    The only tea plantation in Reunion Island opens its doors for a fascinating discovery of tea cultivation and processing. The visit ends with a tasting of locally produced white and green teas.
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours available at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (reservation required).
  • Prices: €5–€10/person.
  • Website
Visitez les jardins créoles à la Réunion comme celui de la plaine des gregues.
Découvrez le thé de la Réunion au Labyrinthe en champ thé à la plaine des grègues.
Un des jardins créoles à la Réunion pas comme les autres, le labyrinthe en champ thé !

Creole Gardens in the East

Domaine de Coco (Sainte-Anne)

  • Why visit?
    Despite its name, this estate highlights sugarcane farming. Sylviane passionately introduces her plantation, from sugarcane fields to a lush vegetable garden. The visit ends with a tasting of garden products—delicious!
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Guided tours by reservation, about 1.5 hours, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to noon.
  • Prices: €8/adult, €5/child.
  • Book your visit
Un pied de Letchis géant au Domaine de Coco, un des jardins créoles à la Réunion.
Le Domaine de Coco, un jardin créole mais aussi un domaine agricole de la canne à sucre.
Le potager du domaine de coco à Ste Anne, un des jardins créoles à la Réunion.

Creole Gardens in the West

Jardin d’Eden (La Saline les Bains)

  • Why visit?
    This peaceful haven offers a walk through more than 700 plant species. You’ll encounter medicinal plants, tropical fruit trees, and exotic flowers in an enchanting setting.
  • Discover our full article on Jardin d’Eden (in french).
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guided tours available twice a week (check the website).
  • Prices: Self-guided tour: €8/adult, €5/child. Guided tour: €10/adult, €7/child.
  • Website
La magnifique liane de Jade que vous pourrez découvrir au Jardin d'Eden à la Saline les Bains.
Découvrez un des jardins créoles à la Réunion les plus connus, le Jardin d'Eden.
Un magnifique baobab au jardin d'Eden à la Saline les Bains à la Réunion.

Mascarin, Jardin Botanique (Saint-Leu)

  • Why visit?
    Located in Colimaçons, this botanical garden highlights the biodiversity of Reunion Island. You can also learn more about the island’s agricultural traditions and visit temporary exhibitions in the colonial house.
  • Read our dedicated article on Mascarin Botanical Garden (in french).
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours daily at 2:00 PM or 2:30 PM, depending on the season.
  • Prices: €7/adult, €5/child.
Découvrez le magnifique jardin botanique de Mascarin aux Colimaçons.
Découvrez l'impressionnante flore de Mascarin, un des plus beaux jardins créoles à la Réunion.
Le jardin botanique de Mascarin à saint leu, un des beaux jardins créoles à la Réunion.

Maison du Coco (Saint-Leu)

  • Why visit?
    The Maison du Coco can only be explored through a fun discovery workshop! Learn about the origins and uses of coconut on Reunion Island, then transform, taste, and even try your hand at weaving with coconut leaves.
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: 2-hour workshops by reservation, daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Prices: €12/person.
  • Website
Un joli paon à la maison du coco à saint-leu.
Découvrez un atelier unique autour du coco à la maison du coco à la Réunion.
Goutez, cassez et tissez du coco à la maison du coco, un des jardins créoles à la Réunion.

La Fontaine Aromatique (Saint-Leu)

  • Why visit?
    This small artisanal distillery specializes in producing essential oils and hydrosols. During the tour, you’ll discover aromatic plant fields and learn about the distillation process using a traditional copper still. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of plants and traditional production methods.
  • Practical Info:
  • Hours: Tuesday to Saturday. Guided tours at 2:30 PM (approx. 1 hour, by reservation). Self-guided tours between 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
  • Prices: €7/adult, €3/child.
  • Website
Ils distillent leur propre huiles essentielles et hydrolats à la Fontaine Aromatique, un jardins créoles à la Réunion
Du géranium Rosat dans le jardin de la Fontaine aromatique à saint-leu.
Découvrez le jardin de la Fontaine Aromatique à Saint-Leu.

Of course, our list isn’t exhaustive—our beautiful island is home to many other stunning Creole gardens. These spaces are more than just green areas; they tell the story and traditions of the island while showcasing its exceptional biodiversity.

Whether you’re looking for an escape, cultural discoveries, or a moment of relaxation, these Creole gardens in Reunion Island are must-visits for nature lovers.

Discover other activities and, of course, more articles about our beloved island, La Reunion!

CategoriesActivities Culture Ecology La Reunion

Nina & Romain, Ze Caillou Written by:

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