La Réunion, a paradisiacal island in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Beyond its beaches and hiking trails, the island is brimming with natural parks, zoos, and botanical gardens that offer ideal activities for families seeking discoveries. These green spaces provide not only moments of relaxation but also a true immersion in the island’s natural wealth. Whether you’re staying at one of the GROUPE EXSEL establishments in Saint-Denis, Saint-Gilles, or Saint-Pierre, you’ll always find a garden or park nearby to delight both young and old.
Must-Visit Botanical Gardens
The Jardin de l’État in Saint-Denis
Located just minutes from Hôtel EXSEL AUSTRAL, the Jardin de l’État is a true botanical gem in the heart of Saint-Denis. Founded in the 18th century, this historic garden spans nearly 4 hectares and is home to over 50 remarkable tree species, some of which are centuries old.
Children will especially enjoy:
- The natural history museum showcasing temporary exhibition collections
- The playground specially designed for younger visitors
This garden also provides an ideal setting for a family picnic in the shade of large exotic trees. A stroll through the Jardin de l’État offers a refreshing break after a morning of cultural visits in the Réunion capital.
The National Botanical Conservatory of Mascarin
Nestled in the heights of Saint-Leu, the National Botanical Conservatory of Mascarin is an exceptional site dedicated to preserving Réunion’s flora. This former colonial estate, transformed into a botanical conservation center, features several themed collections.
Families can explore:
- The collection of palms and tree ferns
- The Creole garden with its medicinal and aromatic plants
- The bamboo grove, captivating children with its impressive scale
- The Creole orchard showcasing typical Réunion fruits
Educational workshops are regularly organized to raise awareness among young visitors about environmental protection. Ideally located halfway between Hôtel EXSEL ALAMANDA and Hôtel EXSEL ERMITAGE, this conservatory is well worth a half-day visit.
The Garden of Perfumes and Spices
In the Wild South, in Saint-Philippe, the Garden of Perfumes and Spices offers a unique sensory immersion into the world of aromatic and medicinal plants. Near Hôtel EXSEL VICTORIA, which overlooks the Indian Ocean from its cliff, this private 3-hectare garden invites you to discover over 1,500 plant species.
The guided tour, particularly suited for families, allows you to explore:
- Iconic island spices: vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Fragrant plants like ylang-ylang or vetiver
- Exotic fruits and their surprising flavors
Children are particularly captivated by explanations about spice production and demonstrations of manual vanilla pollination. This educational experience stimulates all the senses and remains etched in the memories of both young and old.
Animal Parks for Wildlife Observation
The Zoo Parc de la Réunion
Located in L’Étang-Salé, the Zoo Parc de la Réunion is dedicated to wildlife discovery through various educational tools and activities. This site serves as a new hub for leisure and education, aiming to raise public awareness about protecting local biodiversity and its environment.
In this 9-hectare preserved natural park, you can observe over 320 animals.
Family-friendly attractions include:
- Bird and reptile flight demonstrations
- Physical interactions with certain species alongside guides and caretakers
- A fun and educational trail for children
- Workshops and activities to learn about species and their habitats
- Educational materials to raise awareness about wildlife and biodiversity
- Guided tours led by expert animators
Various themes are offered, all focused on discovering wildlife, biodiversity, and introducing zoo-related careers. If you’re staying at Hôtel EXSEL FLORALYS in L’Étang-Salé, this animal park is an ideal excursion, less than 30 minutes by car.
La Vanilleraie
More than just a production site, La Vanilleraie in Sainte-Suzanne is a fascinating discovery space centered on the cultivation of Bourbon vanilla. Near Hôtel EXSEL CRÉOLIA, this guided tour allows families to understand the entire production process of this precious spice.
The tour includes:
- Exploring vanilla plants in their natural environment
- Explanation of the manual pollination process
- Visiting preparation and drying workshops
- Tasting vanilla-based products, delighting both kids and adults
Children are particularly fascinated by explanations of the meticulous work of growers and the transformation of the flower into a fragrant pod. This visit perfectly blends education and culinary enjoyment.
Adventure and Leisure Parks
Le Parc du Colorado
Located in Saint-André, Le Parc du Colorado is a preserved natural space offering a variety of outdoor activities. This leisure park is particularly suited for families with children of all ages.
Highlights include:
- Easy, shaded hiking trails
- Themed playgrounds
- Picnic areas equipped with barbecues
Its proximity to Hôtel EXSEL AUSTRAL makes it a top choice for families staying in Saint-Denis who want to combine nature and fun.
Le Labyrinthe en Champ Thé
In Grand Coude, in the heights of Saint-Joseph, Le Labyrinthe en Champ Thé is a unique attraction combining agricultural discovery and play. In this tea plantation, the only one in France, a plant maze has been created for visitors’ enjoyment.
The experience includes:
- Navigating the plant maze with puzzles to solve
- A guided tour of the tea plantation and processing workshops
- Tasting different varieties of local tea
- Additional playgrounds for children
This original site, located an hour’s drive from Hôtel EXSEL VICTORIA, offers a memorable day of adventure where fun blends with discovering Réunion’s agricultural heritage.
Le Village Corail
In L’Hermitage, just steps from Hôtel EXSEL ERMITAGE and Hôtel EXSEL ALAMANDA, Le Village Corail offers fun and educational activities focused on the marine environment. This lagoon interpretation center raises awareness among visitors of all ages about preserving coral reefs.
The program includes:
- Workshops exploring marine fauna and flora
- Activities on lagoon protection
- Educational games themed around the ocean
- Guided snorkeling tours in the lagoon (for children aged 6 and up)
Its immediate proximity to the beach allows you to combine a visit to the center with a swim in the lagoon’s turquoise waters, for a full day dedicated to the ocean.
Unique Themed Gardens
Le Jardin d’Eden
In L’Hermitage, Le Jardin d’Eden is an extraordinary botanical park spanning 2.5 hectares. Located near Hôtel EXSEL ERMITAGE, this tropical garden features over 700 plant species in a stunning landscaped setting.
Families will enjoy:
- An interactive botanical trail with child-friendly explanatory signs
- The collection of carnivorous plants, fascinating for younger visitors
- Ponds with water lilies and colorful fish
- A space dedicated to medicinal plants with explanations of their traditional uses
Special activities are organized during school holidays, making the visit even more appealing for children. This garden is a perfect introduction to Réunion’s biodiversity for the whole family.
Le Domaine du Café Grillé
In Saint-Pierre, just minutes from Hôtel EXSEL LE TERRE SAINTE, Le Domaine du Café Grillé is a botanical garden and coffee plantation spanning 4 hectares. This harmoniously designed site offers an enriching stroll through various plant collections.
The visit includes:
- Discovering coffee cultivation, from flower to cup
- A trail through spices and aromatic plants
- An impressive collection of palms and bamboos
- Waterfalls and ponds creating a refreshing ambiance
Playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, allowing children to burn off energy between botanical discoveries. The blend of education and relaxation makes this estate particularly suited for family outings.
Le Jardin des Mille et Une Saveurs
In Saint-André, Le Jardin des Mille et Une Saveurs is a farm transformed into a discovery garden. Easily accessible from Hôtel EXSEL CRÉOLIA, this garden offers a unique tasting experience centered on exotic fruits.
Visitors can:
- Discover over 40 varieties of tropical fruits on their trees
- Participate in a guided tasting of seasonal fruits
- Enjoy a picnic and relax in the garden
- Purchase processed products made from local fruits
Children particularly love picking fruits and the tasting that follows. This sensory activity remains a highlight of family vacations in La Réunion.
Planning Your Family Nature Stay in La Réunion
When to Visit Parks and Gardens?
La Réunion enjoys a tropical climate that allows park and garden visits year-round. However, some periods are more favorable:
- May to November (dry season): ideal for visits without the risk of heavy rain
- October to December: peak flowering in most gardens
- January to March: fruit season, perfect for tastings, but beware of cyclone risks
To make the most of your visit, opt for mornings or late afternoons to avoid intense heat, especially in coastal gardens.
How to Combine Accommodation and Nature Discovery?
The GROUPE EXSEL offers strategically located accommodations for exploring the island’s various parks and gardens:
- Hôtel EXSEL CRÉOLIA and Hôtel EXSEL AUSTRAL in Saint-Denis are perfect for discovering the Jardin de l’État and North Coast attractions
- Hôtel EXSEL ALAMANDA and Hôtel EXSEL ERMITAGE in Saint-Gilles provide easy access to West Coast attractions
- Hôtel EXSEL FLORALYS and RÉSIDENCE EXSEL ROSEAUX DES SABLES in the southeast are ideal for exploring the forest or Zoo Parc de la Réunion
- Hôtel EXSEL LE TERRE SAINTE and Hôtel EXSEL VICTORIA in the South are perfect for exploring the Wild South and its exceptional gardens
Many GROUPE EXSEL hotels offer family-friendly services such as connecting rooms, family suites, children’s menus at restaurants, or pool games and accessories.
Practical Tips for a Successful Visit
What to Bring
To fully enjoy your family visit to parks and gardens, don’t forget to pack:
- Sunscreen and hats to protect against the tropical sun
- Comfortable shoes for walking on sometimes uneven trails
- A water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the visit
- Natural insect repellent, especially for late afternoon visits
- A camera to capture botanical wonders and children’s smiles
Most gardens have potable water points to refill bottles and shaded areas for breaks.
Tickets and Discounts
Entry fees for parks and gardens typically range from €5 to €15 per adult. Many sites offer discounted rates for children (often free for those under 6) and attractive family packages.
Check with the reception at your GROUPE EXSEL hotel, which often has partnerships with tourist sites and may offer exclusive discounts or contact the establishment directly. For business trips, inquire directly with the venue (museum, garden, etc.), as they can advise on the best options for combining work and discovery.
An Unforgettable Nature Immersion
With its extraordinary parks, zoos, and gardens, La Réunion offers an ideal playground and discovery space for families. Whether you’re passionate about botany, a fan of exotic animals, or simply looking for fun and educational activities for your children, you’ll find a place that meets your expectations.
During your next stay at one of the eight GROUPE EXSEL hotels, take time to explore these green spaces that reveal the island’s natural richness. These nature breaks amidst your beach vacations or sportier excursions will add an extra dimension to your stay on the intense island.
Ready to plan your next family getaway to La Réunion?Book your stay now at one of the GROUPE EXSEL establishments and let our teams guide you to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the island’s most beautiful parks and gardens.
