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. :car:
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! :ocean:
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. :car:
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! :ocean:
🍹 Sunset Drinks
Grab a cocktail and enjoy the stunning sunset views from the beachfront. :cocktail:
🏖️ Safe Swimming
Lifeguards and a protective net ensure a safe swimming experience. :shield:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Marina Parking is Key
Park at the marina and walk over the bridges for the best beach access. :car:
🏄♀️ Boogie Board Fun
Head to the north end for slightly bigger waves, perfect for boogie boarding! :ocean:
🍹 Sunset Drinks
Grab a cocktail and enjoy the stunning sunset views from the beachfront. :cocktail:
🏖️ Safe Swimming
Lifeguards and a protective net ensure a safe swimming experience. :shield:
🍦 Beachside Treats
Enjoy crepes and fresh fruit cocktails from local vendors. :ice_cream:
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks, as options directly on the beach might be limited. However, the proximity to Saint-Gilles town means there are plenty of eateries nearby for a meal. Parking can be a challenge, so arriving early or utilizing the marina parking and walking over the bridges is a practical tip for families with young children.
🏄♂️ Surfers & Watersports Enthusiasts
For more advanced surfing conditions, nearby beaches like Boucan Canot might offer more challenging breaks. However, Roches Noires provides a good balance for those who want to enjoy the water without facing extremely powerful waves, especially if you're looking for a spot that's also family-friendly.
📸 Photographers
The sunset here is a major draw, with vibrant colors painting the sky and sea. This is the perfect time to capture stunning landscape and seascape images. The nearby marina and boardwalk also offer diverse photographic subjects, from boats to people enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Saint-Gilles-les-Bains Parking
To circumvent this common issue, experienced travelers and locals often recommend parking at the marina. Although it might require a slightly longer walk, it's generally a more reliable option. From the marina, you can easily access the beach area by crossing the bridges, making it a worthwhile trade-off for a less stressful arrival. Planning your parking strategy in advance can significantly improve your overall experience.
Consider arriving early in the day, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or during a holiday period. This increases your chances of finding a parking spot, whether in town or at the marina. Alternatively, exploring public transport options or ride-sharing services could also be viable solutions for reaching the beach without the hassle of parking.
Beach Safety and Water Conditions
Adding to the safety measures, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, providing an extra layer of security for visitors. Furthermore, a protective net is often in place, which helps to keep swimmers safe from potential hazards and larger swells. The seabed slopes away gently and is predominantly sandy, which is more comfortable underfoot compared to some of the rockier beaches on the island.
Despite these safety features, the water access can sometimes feel a bit confined due to the nets, and the beach can get crowded, especially during peak times. While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and heed any advice from lifeguards. The northern end of the beach is known to have slightly bigger waves, which are great for boogie-boarding.
Experiencing the Sunset at Roches Noires
Many visitors choose to enhance this experience by enjoying a cocktail from one of the beachfront establishments. These spots provide comfortable seating and often have a relaxed ambiance, perfect for unwinding while watching the spectacle unfold. The combination of the warm colors, the sound of the waves, and a refreshing drink creates a memorable moment.
For photographers, the golden hour leading up to and during sunset offers exceptional lighting conditions. The soft, warm light can dramatically enhance the textures of the sand and water, and create beautiful silhouettes. Capturing the vibrant hues of the sky over the ocean is a popular subject for many visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit