Plage de l'Étang Salé
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Forêt de l'Étang-Salé

4.5
·212 reviews·L'Étang-Salé, Réunion

Discover the unique black sand beach and serene filaos forest of Étang-Salé, a natural gem on Réunion Island.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings & Late Afternoons

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Plage de l'Étang Salé

Forêt de l'Étang-Salé

Best Time

Mornings & Late Afternoons

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the unique black sand beach and serene filaos forest of Étang-Salé, a natural gem on Réunion Island.

4.5
(212 reviews)

"A unique blend of striking black sand beaches and peaceful forest trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets hot! Bring plenty of water, especially for longer walks.

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for navigating sandy paths and forest trails.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 212 reviews

Type

National Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach

Coastal area

Experience the striking contrast of dark volcanic sand against turquoise waters. A truly unique coastal landscape.

Instagram
Filaos Forest Trails

Filaos Forest Trails

Forest interior

Wander through serene paths lined with filaos trees, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Instagram+1
Coastal Views & Sunsets

Coastal Views & Sunsets

Along the coast

Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and spectacular sunsets over the water.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tropical Heat

The Forêt de l'Étang-Salé is a tropical forest, meaning it can get quite warm, especially during summer months. Stay hydrated and plan your visits for cooler parts of the day to fully enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities. Instagram

Discover Diverse Landscapes

This area offers a unique blend of coastal forest, black sand beaches, and even lava fields. Be prepared for varied terrain, from soft sand to forest paths, making comfortable footwear essential for exploration. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Mornings & Late Afternoons
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Winter (June-August)
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Une belle journée dans la forêt de l'étang salé.#cohesion #orientation #bionaturel #laforetsamere #viemavie
markus_willy_mark
3 likes • 31 views

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets hot! Bring plenty of water, especially for longer walks. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for navigating sandy paths and forest trails. Instagram

Balade collective du 30 novembre à la forêt de l'étang salé avec: Joy Twist Mia Clutch Utha Crédit vidéo @wolfyria.photography #baladecollective #chienheureux #baladecollectivecanine
coeurdechien
16 likes • 353 views
La Réunion 🇷🇪 : Forêt de l'Étang Salé 🌳 #LaReunion #974 #Ileintense #Foret #Etangsalé #Drone #Dji #Mini3pro #Photography #Instamoment #Travel #Frenchtraveler
maellech31
106 likes • 2.4K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning black sand beaches and forest views. Instagram+1

🚗 Van Life Paradise

Ideal spot for van camping with beautiful surroundings. Instagram

Rejoignez nous pour un déjeuner hors du temps au coeur de la forêt de l’Étang-Salé ✨🌿 📞 Pour cela, réservez votre table au 0692 70 01 69. #GreenTee #Restaurant #Intérieur #chaleureux #Ambiance #IledeLaReunion #974 - 📍 140 Les Sables, L'Étang-Salé-les-Bains 📆 Ouvert 7j/7 de 8h à 20h - Du jeudi au dimanche de 8h à 23h
legreentee
52 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Stay Hydrated!

It gets hot! Bring plenty of water, especially for longer walks. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Essential for navigating sandy paths and forest trails. Instagram

📸 Capture the Scenery

Bring your camera for stunning black sand beaches and forest views. Instagram+1

🚗 Van Life Paradise

Ideal spot for van camping with beautiful surroundings. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

Many enjoy collective walks with their happy dogs here. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(212 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Forêt de l'Étang-Salé for its unique natural beauty, particularly the striking black sand beach and the tranquil filaos forest. It's seen as a great spot for nature walks, photography, and even van camping. However, some find the forest to be a monoculture plantation and note noise from nearby amusement parks, leading to disappointment for those expecting an untouched coastal forest.

"Great way to enjoy a bit more some nature, take a walk in the forest along the Golf Club."

Jerome L

"Cool forest, but really warm in the summer"

rFlower

"Cool"

Tony

What People Like

Unique black sand beach
Peaceful forest walks
Great for van life

What People Dislike

Monoculture forest
Noise from parks

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Forêt de l'Étang-Salé is accessible by car, with parking available near the main attractions. It's located on the west coast of Réunion Island. Instagram

While public transport might reach the general area, it's less convenient for exploring the forest and its various points of interest. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is recommended. Instagram

Yes, cycling is a popular activity, especially for exploring the forest trails and coastal paths. Ensure your bike is suitable for sandy terrain. Instagram

While not explicitly advertised, local tour operators might offer excursions that include the Forêt de l'Étang-Salé, especially for nature or adventure activities. Instagram

Well-marked trails are available for walking and hiking. For specific activities like orientation, marked courses are sometimes set up. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, access to the natural areas of the Forêt de l'Étang-Salé is free. However, specific facilities or events might have associated costs. Instagram

The forest is typically open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like restaurants may have set operating times. Instagram

No advance booking is usually required for general access to the forest. If you plan to dine at a restaurant within the area, reservations are recommended. Instagram

Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment. Avoid littering and stay on marked paths to protect the ecosystem. Instagram

Yes, the black sand beach is accessible from the coast, and you can enjoy it without necessarily venturing deep into the forest. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy nature walks, hiking, bird watching, photography, picnicking, and relaxing on the black sand beach. Instagram+2

Yes, families can enjoy gentle walks and exploring the unique environment. The beach area is also a hit with kids. Instagram+1

Basic facilities might be available in certain areas, particularly near the beach or designated picnic spots. It's advisable to check local information upon arrival. Instagram

The forest is home to various bird species and other small wildlife. Keep an eye out during your walks. Instagram

Van camping is a popular option in the Étang-Salé area, offering a unique way to experience the surroundings. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a restaurant called Le Green Tee located within the forest, offering a warm ambiance and dining experience. Instagram

Le Green Tee offers a restaurant experience, likely featuring local cuisine. It's best to check their menu or call ahead for specifics. Instagram

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings. Designated areas might be available, or you can find a scenic spot. Instagram

Information on smaller cafes or snack bars is limited, but the main restaurant, Le Green Tee, is a good option for meals. Instagram

Le Green Tee is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm, and from Thursday to Sunday, they extend hours until 11 pm. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The black sand beach, the filaos forest trails, and coastal viewpoints offering sunset vistas are prime photography locations. Instagram+2

Drone photography is possible, as seen in some social media content, but always check local regulations and respect privacy. Instagram

Golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful lighting for capturing the landscapes. Midday can be harsh due to the tropical sun. Instagram

The contrast of the black sand, the unique flora of the filaos forest, and the vibrant ocean colors provide many unique subjects. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto can be useful for wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the ocean shots. Instagram

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