Things To Do
in Saint-Benoît

A staple dish of stewed meat or fish with onion, garlic, turmeric and local spices served with rice and lentils — find it at family-run eateries and market stalls.

Must-Try!

Spicy tomato-based condiment served with flavorful local sausages; a hearty and iconic comfort food available at casual restaurants.

Deep-fried Indian-influenced snacks (savoury pastries and steamed meat dumplings) that are perfect as street food or market bites.

Locally cured vanilla is used in desserts and coffee; rum arranged (rum steeped with fruits or spices) is a popular après-meal digestif.

The town market sells fresh produce, tropical fruits, local spices, freshly made samoussas and other snacks; mornings are best for activity and tasting.

Roadside snack vendors near Anse des Cascades and rivers sell grilled fish, samoussas and sugared fruits — ideal for casual, inexpensive tasting.

Use a friendly 'Bonjour' or the local creole 'Bonzour' when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake is common for first meetings; close friends may exchange kisses on the cheek.

Be mindful of church services, religious holidays and local ceremonies. Dress modestly when visiting places of worship or rural homes and ask permission before photographing people, especially at private sites.

Réunioners value their natural environment — avoid littering, follow posted rules at natural sites, and respect protected zones and biodiversity.

French is the official language; Réunion Creole is widely spoken. Attempting polite French phrases is appreciated, and a few Creole words go a long way with locals.

Réunion follows French customs: service charges are often included in restaurant bills (service compris). Tip only for exceptional service (rounded amounts or 5–10%), and leave small change for taxi drivers or helpful guides.

The currency is the euro; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in town and at larger establishments. Carry some cash for small markets, remote snack stands and rural activities; ATMs are available in town but less common in villages.

Hot, humid and rainy at times; this period includes the wet and cyclone season (peaks Jan–Mar). Expect sudden tropical downpours and occasional road closures — plan flexible itineraries and monitor weather alerts.

Rainfall begins to taper and temperatures remain warm; good transition months for fewer crowds than peak holiday periods and still-lush landscapes.

Drier, cooler and more comfortable for hiking; mornings can be cool in the highlands while coastal temperatures stay mild. This is a popular season for outdoor activities.

Warming up with increasing humidity; wildflowers and new growth in highland areas make it scenic for photography and walks before the heavy rains return.

Misty highland trails through endemic forest leading to panoramic viewpoints; good for birdwatching and seeing the island from above the clouds.

A rewarding walk to a prominent waterfall on the east coast — check local access and water levels before setting out.

Riverside walks and shorter hikes along river gorges with swimming spots (only when safe); ideal for nature photography and cooling off after a hike.

Gentler highland trails with open landscapes, native plants and a cooler climate—suitable as a half-day outing.

Main international airport on Réunion (RUN), about 60–90 minutes' drive northwest of Saint-Benoît depending on traffic; largest selection of flights and car rental facilities.

Smaller regional airport in the south of the island (ZSE) offering limited domestic and regional connections; roughly 1–1.5 hours by car from Saint-Benoît depending on route.

Locally born Réunionese of mixed African, Malagasy, Indian and European heritage who shape the island’s Creole culture, language and cuisine.

Significant Tamil community with cultural and religious traditions, visible in festivals, temples and food influences.

People from mainland France and their descendants contribute to administrative, educational and cultural life; French is the official language.

Additional minority groups contributing to the island’s commerce, cuisine and cultural mix.

Widely played and followed across Réunion, with local clubs and community matches common.

The island’s terrain makes trail running and hiking particularly popular, with many organized events and casual weekend outings.

Canyoning, river descents and adventure sports draw locals and visitors to the island’s gorges and rivers.

Although the east coast is rougher, water sports are popular at suitable spots around the island; surf culture is strong in coastal communities.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside larger towns; ask for lentil-based dishes (lentilles), vegetable cari or rice with rougail tomate. Markets and bakeries offer fruit, bread and snacks that work well.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible—request vegetable caris and plain rice, and rely on fruit, salads and samosas (check for egg/dairy in wrappers). Bring snacks for remote excursions.

Rice-based meals are common and safe; check samoussas and prepared snacks for wheat in wrappers or coatings. French labeling laws mean packaged goods usually list allergens in French—use a translation card if needed.

If you have severe allergies, carry medication and a French-language allergy card that explains your condition; remote clinics may have limited emergency stock.