
Plage des Roches Noires Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
A mile-long sandy and rocky beach with a boardwalk, popular for its safe swimming, boogie boarding, and stunning sunsets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime sunbathing

Plage des Roches Noires Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Best Time
Fewer crowds, prime sunbathing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mile-long sandy and rocky beach with a boardwalk, popular for its safe swimming, boogie boarding, and stunning sunsets.
"Nice and safe white sand beach with a bodyguard and a net keeping you safe!"

🚗 Marina Parking is Key
Park at the marina and walk over the bridges for the best beach access. 🚗
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! 🌊

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 232 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Half-Moon Bay
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
A protected bay with gentle sandy slopes, ideal for swimming and boogie-boarding.

Northern Waves
North end of the beach
Catch slightly bigger waves perfect for boogie-boarding and fun in the surf.

Sunset Cocktails
Beachfront eateries
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while watching the spectacular sunset over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Sun
Beach Essentials & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Marina Parking is Key
Park at the marina and walk over the bridges for the best beach access. 🚗
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! 🌊
🍹 Sunset Drinks
Grab a cocktail and enjoy the stunning sunset views from the beachfront. 🍸
🏖️ Safe Swimming
Lifeguards and a protective net ensure a safe swimming experience. 🛡️
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Marina Parking is Key
Park at the marina and walk over the bridges for the best beach access. 🚗
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! 🌊
🍹 Sunset Drinks
Grab a cocktail and enjoy the stunning sunset views from the beachfront. 🍸
🏖️ Safe Swimming
Lifeguards and a protective net ensure a safe swimming experience. 🛡️
🍦 Beachside Treats
Enjoy crepes and fresh fruit cocktails from local vendors. 🍨
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Roches Noires beach is praised for its safe, sandy shores and protected bay, making it ideal for swimming and families. Visitors appreciate the nearby amenities and the beautiful sunset views. However, parking can be a significant challenge, and the beach can get crowded, especially on weekends.
"Of the three main beaches in Reunion, Roches Noires has the best mix of features.
The beach is on a half-moon shaped Bay and is protected from the bigger waves that come in at other beaches like Boucan Canot. The seabed slopes away gently and has a sandy bottom, whereas most other beaches can be a little rocky, and hard on the feet.
The waves do come in bigger at the north end of the beach. The waves are normally big enough there for some boogie-boarding.
It also attracts a mixed crowd, at the weekends it's busy and feels quite young, the rest of the week it's fairly quiet. It's also one of the few beaches that's close to town, so there's a good choice of eateries and shopping.
Parking in St Gilles is difficult, there's a couple of car parks in town but they'll be busy during the week. The best place to park for the Beach is the marina, then walk over the bridges back to the beach area."
Russell Reed
"Very nice and safe white sand beach !
Bodyguard and a net keep you safe !"
Thibault Decousus
"The beach is quite small and the water access is even smaller because of the nets so it can easily get crowded but there aren't too many beaches on the island and this one is among the best."
John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The beach is located in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Parking in town can be difficult, so the best option is to park at the marina and walk over the bridges to reach the beach area.
Information on specific public transport routes is limited, but local buses often serve popular coastal areas in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. It's advisable to check local transport schedules upon arrival.
While parking directly at the beach is tough, parking at the marina and taking a short walk over the bridges is recommended by visitors.
Yes, Roches Noires beach is conveniently located close to the town center, making it accessible for shopping and dining.
The beach is close to the marina and town, offering various eateries and shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage des Roches Noires is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea for free.
Public beaches are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguard hours may vary, so it's best to check locally for specific times if you plan to swim.
No advance booking is required for general access to the beach. However, if you plan to dine at nearby restaurants or rent equipment, it's wise to check their availability.
Generally, you can bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear. However, always be mindful of local regulations regarding fires or excessive noise.
Information on specific accessibility features is limited. It's recommended to contact local authorities or beach management for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, boogie board (especially at the north end), and enjoy the sunset with a cocktail. The beach also has a boardwalk popular with surfers.
Yes, the beach is considered safe for swimming due to lifeguards and a protective net that shields from larger waves. The seabed slopes gently.
The beach features nice and safe white sand, with a sandy bottom that is comfortable for your feet, unlike some rockier beaches.
Rental availability for beach equipment can vary. It's advisable to check with local vendors or beach concessions upon arrival.
On weekends, the beach can get busy and has a younger, lively atmosphere. Weekdays are generally quieter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the beach is close to town, offering a good choice of eateries and shopping options. You can also find vendors selling crepes and fresh fruit cocktails.
You'll find a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants. Local specialties and fresh seafood are often available.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
Absolutely! Many beachfront spots offer a nice cocktail while you watch the sunset.
Don't miss out on delicious crepes and refreshing fresh fruit cocktails from local vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is a prime time for photography, offering beautiful golden hour light. Early mornings can also provide soft light and fewer crowds.
The half-moon bay itself, the waves at the north end, and the sunset views are all highly photogenic. The boardwalk also offers interesting perspectives.
The combination of the sandy bay, the waves, and the vibrant sunset creates unique photographic opportunities. You might also capture surfers or people enjoying watersports.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing surfers or distant details. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
Drone regulations can vary by location. It's essential to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the beach or surrounding areas.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit