St benoit

Saint-Benoît is a town on the eastern coast of Réunion, in an area often referred to as the windward coast due to its abundant year-round rainfall, which supports dense tropical vegetation. The Rivière des Marsouins runs through the town and leads inland to the Takamaka site, known for its rock pools and waterfalls nestled between steep hillsides. The road heading up towards Bébour-Bélouve gives access to a cloud forest typical of the island's highlands, featuring tree ferns and native tamarind trees, and serves as a popular starting point for hikes towards the Plaine des Palmistes. Agriculture still plays a role locally, with sugar cane and vanilla among the crops typical of eastern Réunion. The town centre is home to Sainte-Anne church, noted for its elaborately decorated interior. Larger and less touristy than the island's south or west, Saint-Benoît offers an unspoilt natural setting, combining a rugged coastline shaped by the Indian Ocean with lush green hills, better suited to nature lovers and hikers than to those seeking swimming beaches.