Le tampon

Le Tampon is a town in the south of Réunion Island, stretching from the highlands of Entre-Deux up to the slopes of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, along the main route leading to it. Its varying altitude, from a few hundred metres up to over 1,600 metres around the Plaine des Cafres, gives it a cooler, damper climate than the island's coastal areas, with landscapes of grassland, forest and orchards. The town serves as a classic staging point for visitors heading to the Piton de la Fournaise via the volcano's forest road, with possible stops at Nez de Bœuf or Pas de Bellecombe. Agriculture plays a significant role here, particularly lychee growing, along with highland livestock farming. Le Tampon is also known for its open-air market and for being the island's second most populous town after Saint-Denis. The setting remains largely rural, with numerous hamlets and outlying settlements spread across a wide municipal area. It's a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering convenient access to the natural highlights of southern Réunion.