The Wild South refers to the coast between Saint-Pierre to the west and Saint-Benoît to the east, with Saint-Philippe at its centre. This area, less touristy than the west coast, has stayed away from mass tourism development. Here, no hotel complexes or crowded supervised beaches — just nature, the local fishermen and the recent traces of the volcano.

The latest lava flows from Piton de la Fournaise crossed this area to reach the ocean, creating spectacular new mineral landscapes you can explore from your van.

Grande Anse is the most beautiful black-sand beach in Réunion. A shaded filao park, picnic tables, clear deep water — a perfect spot to have lunch in your van and swim in the marked area.

Manapany-les-Bains is a natural pool carved into the volcanic rock, protected from the waves by a basalt barrier. Ideal for family swimming, even in rough seas. The water is always calm and clear.

The Saint-Philippe blowhole is a unique geological phenomenon: waves rush into a volcanic crack and shoot up in a natural geyser that can reach several metres high. The spectacle is particularly impressive in rough seas.

Saint-Philippe is also the starting point to explore the recent lava forests — frozen flows where vegetation is only just reclaiming its place, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

The village of Le Baril has a chapel built on an old lava flow — a powerful symbol of the coexistence between the inhabitants and the volcano. Viewpoints along the road offer striking views over the fields of black lava stretching to the ocean.

The road that runs along the coast between Le Baril and Saint-Philippe is one of the most beautiful on the island — little frequented, wild, with the Indian Ocean on one side and the slopes of the volcano on the other.

Day 1: Leave Saint-Pierre in the morning, stop at Grande Anse (swimming + picnic), Manapany in the late afternoon, night in your van facing the ocean.

Day 2: Saint-Philippe and the blowhole in the morning (high tide), the lava-flow road towards Le Baril, lunch with an ocean view. Return via the highlands and the Plaine des Cafres for a panoramic view at the end of the day.