In the heart of La Réunion’s Wild South, Saint-Joseph offers a mix of spectacular landscapes, vibrant traditions, and perched villages between the sea and the mountains. With its rugged cliffs, powerful rivers, and people deeply connected to their land, this is La Réunion at its most authentic and generous.
Saint-Joseph marks the gateway to the Wild South. The two emblematic rivers here, Langevin and Rivière des Remparts, have carved out a dramatic relief of steep ravines, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls. Langevin is especially famous for its refreshing swimming spots and postcard-perfect scenery. Nearby, Vincendo’s coastline and Cap Jaune offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
In Grand Coude, take a journey through time and the senses: tea forests, artisanal geranium production, and tastings of local white tea at the famous Labyrinthe en Champ Thé. Just next door, Maison du Laurina introduces you to the prestigious Bourbon pointu coffee, grown and roasted on-site. Higher up, Plaine des Grègues, home of turmeric, offers another immersion into the agricultural treasures of the South.
This little paradise carved into basalt rock features a natural seawater pool where you can swim safely. The site is also a refuge for the green Manapany lizard, a protected endemic species. Wandering through the village, you’ll come across the old lime kiln ruins, a remnant of the sugar era, as well as the charming coastal trail of Ti Sable.
Nature lovers will find countless trails to explore, from Cap Jaune to the Rivière des Remparts, passing through Grand Coude and Langevin. With your Tropicar rental car, you have the freedom to discover every corner of the commune, from orchards and cliffs to forests and sugarcane fields. Here, nature expresses itself with both strength and poetry.
Saint-Joseph is ideal for travelers seeking authenticity, far from busier tourist areas. Nestled between the volcanic lands of Saint-Philippe and the sandy beach of Grande Anse, it’s the perfect base to explore the South. Its peaceful atmosphere and natural diversity make it an essential stop on any La Réunion road trip.