
Ancienne voie ferrée de la Grande Chaloupe
Explore a vital historical site of immigration and transport on Reunion Island, featuring free museums and scenic trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience

Ancienne voie ferrée de la Grande Chaloupe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vital historical site of immigration and transport on Reunion Island, featuring free museums and scenic trails.
"A fundamental place for the history and development of Reunion, with amazing and passionate staff!"

🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire site and its exhibitions without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical experience!
🗣️ French is primary
Main descriptions are in French, but staff offer English leaflets and assistance.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lazaret Museum
Building No. 1
Explore the former quarantine station and learn about Reunion Island's population history. Free entry!

Historic Train Station
Gare de Ti-Train
Discover the preserved train station, now a museum showcasing its historical significance.

English Road Trail
Chemin des Anglais
Hike this scenic trail, offering beautiful views and a connection to the island's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & French Focus
Plan Your Visit: Closed Mondays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire site and its exhibitions without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical experience!
🗣️ French is primary
Main descriptions are in French, but staff offer English leaflets and assistance.
🚫 Closed on Mondays
Plan your visit accordingly, as the site is closed on Mondays.
🚶♀️ Hike the English Road
Consider hiking the Chemin des Anglais for scenic views and a good workout.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy the entire site and its exhibitions without any cost. A great budget-friendly historical experience!
🗣️ French is primary
Main descriptions are in French, but staff offer English leaflets and assistance.
🚫 Closed on Mondays
Plan your visit accordingly, as the site is closed on Mondays.
🚶♀️ Hike the English Road
Consider hiking the Chemin des Anglais for scenic views and a good workout.
🌟 Passionate Staff
Engage with the staff; they are very passionate and knowledgeable about the site's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ancienne voie ferrée de la Grande Chaloupe for its historical significance and free admission. The passionate staff and well-preserved buildings are highlights, offering a valuable insight into Reunion Island's population history. Some visitors note that the primary language for descriptions is French, though English assistance is available.
"This memorial place is worth visiting. the free exhibition will allow you to learn more about these buildings and how Reunion Island was populated."
VøïD Toï
"Beautiful place and FREE entrance.
Description Is only in French, but employees tell you about pláče and give you leaflets about, some main descriptions Is in English.
Givin' five Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
😀👍"
Antonín Smrčka (tonouch_official)
"Amazing staff, very passionate about what she does. Also the place was free (great for tourists!) Very well preserved location. A fundamental place for the history and development of Reunion"
Rusty Braby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Grande Chaloupe by car or by hiking. The English Road Trail (Chemin des Anglais) is a popular route, taking about 45 minutes to over 2 hours depending on your fitness level and starting point (e.g., St Bernard or La Possession).
Parking information is not widely detailed, but it's advisable to check local signage or inquire upon arrival. Consider public transport options if available.
Information on direct public transport routes is limited. Hiking the Chemin des Anglais from nearby towns is a common approach.
The historical buildings, including the Lazaret museum and train station, are accessible by foot once you reach the Grande Chaloupe area.
While the historical buildings themselves may have some accessibility, the hiking trails can be challenging. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility for the museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to the Ancienne voie ferrée de la Grande Chaloupe and its exhibitions is completely free, making it a great value for visitors.
The site is open to visitors, but it is closed on Mondays. Always check for any seasonal or special event closures before your visit.
As entry is free, advance booking is not required. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
While official guided tours might not be extensively advertised, the passionate staff are often available to share information and insights about the site.
Yes, you can access the Lazaret museum and the train station directly once you reach the Grande Chaloupe area, without necessarily completing the full hike.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Lazaret museum, the historic train station (Gare de Ti-Train), and learn about Reunion Island's history of population and immigration. The area also offers hiking opportunities on the English Road Trail.
The primary descriptions are in French, but employees can provide leaflets with some main descriptions in English.
A visit can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on whether you focus on the museums or also include a hike on the English Road Trail.
Restroom facilities are generally available at historical sites, but it's advisable to confirm their availability upon arrival.
This site was a former quarantine station (Lazaret) and a crucial point for the arrival and settlement of various populations on Reunion Island, playing a vital role in its development.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic train station, the architecture of the Lazaret buildings, and the scenic views along the English Road Trail offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage within the museums or ask staff if personal photography is permitted.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the architecture and landscapes. Late afternoon can also offer good lighting and fewer crowds.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and national park areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider incorporating a short, manageable section of the English Road Trail for a bit of outdoor activity, but be mindful of the terrain and your children's stamina. The open spaces around the historical buildings also provide room for kids to explore safely. It's a great opportunity to teach them about immigration and the diverse heritage of Reunion Island in a tangible way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a hike on the English Road Trail, which also costs nothing and offers beautiful scenery. Pack your own snacks and water to further save money, as dining options directly at the site might be limited. The free exhibition and the passionate staff who share their knowledge add immense value to the visit, proving that memorable experiences don't always require a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Grande Chaloupe: A Gateway to Reunion
Visitors can explore the Lazaret museum, which details the living conditions and the historical context of immigration. The Gare de Ti-Train (Ti-Train Station) further illustrates the island's transportation history and its role in connecting communities. The free exhibition provides a comprehensive overview, with staff often available to share passionate insights and provide supplementary information in English.
Beyond the museums, the surrounding area is part of the Parc National des Hauts de la Réunion. The English Road Trail (Chemin des Anglais) offers a scenic hike, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and reflect on the historical significance of the landscape. This combination of historical exploration and natural scenery makes Grande Chaloupe a unique and moving destination.
Navigating Grande Chaloupe: Trails and Transport
For those who prefer not to hike the entire way, driving is an option, though specific parking details should be confirmed locally. Public transport routes directly to the site might be limited, making the hike or a private vehicle the most common methods of arrival. Once at Grande Chaloupe, the historical buildings, including the Lazaret museum and the train station, are easily accessible on foot.
It's important to note that the site is closed on Mondays, so planning your visit for other days is crucial. The free entry makes it an accessible attraction, but checking opening hours and any potential seasonal variations is always recommended to ensure a smooth visit.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit