Piton Maido
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Port
La Possession, Reunion
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$109
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Your day out begins with a drive to St Paul, where the first inhabitants of Réunion settled in 1646.
You'll follow the west (leeward) coast road, which is fringed with a long ribbon of beaches -- some with white sand and some with black sand. The route ascends to the mountainous center of the island where fields of sugar cane, geraniums and tamarinds line the way.
Your destination is a marvelous viewpoint on the edge of a high escarpment at 6,000 feet above sea level, with a steep drop below. Enjoy breathtaking vistas down into the ancient crater -- the Circle of Mafate -- with its three villages called îlets. These are the most isolated places on the island; they can be reached only on foot or by helicopter. Visibility depends on weather conditions, as occasionally fog may descend into the valley.
Next, stop at the village of La Petite France -- the center of the geranium-growing district. You will visit a geranium oil distillery, where the process will be explained. This process uses 1,400 pounds of leaves to produce one liter of essence. You'll have an opportunity to purchase geranium oil and other essential oils and perfumes before returning to the ship.
Please note: Bring a jacket, as the temperature is much cooler at higher elevations. Wear comfortable shoes; bring a jacket, a hat and sunscreen. Mist and cloud often surround the higher peaks and plains; they lift, drop and swirl spasmodically during the day and can affect visibility.