The best cycling routes around Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 150 options available. These routes cater to various preferences, from moderate to more challenging rides through diverse landscapes.

Touring cycling around Saint-Denis is characterized by its incredibly diverse natural landscape. You can expect routes through volcanic terrains, mountainous interiors with dramatic cirques like Mafate and Cilaos, lush forests, and scenic coastal paths along the Indian Ocean. This varied topography provides a rich backdrop for cyclists.

The touring cycling routes around Saint-Denis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. More than 1200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the region's varied terrain, often praising the unique landscapes and diverse challenges.

Yes, Saint-Denis offers routes suitable for beginners. There are 14 easy touring cycling routes available, providing a gentle introduction to the region's scenery. These routes are perfect for those looking for a more relaxed experience.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Saint-Denis features 69 difficult touring cycling routes. These often involve significant elevation changes, taking you through mountainous regions and offering strenuous climbs with spectacular panoramas, such as the ascent to Piton Maïdo.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Saint-Denis are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Lavender field in Fons – Méjannes-le-Clap loop from Saint-Denis or the View of Bariac – Barjac loop from Saint-Denis, which offer scenic circular journeys.

Yes, Réunion Island is famous for its natural wonders. You can encounter views of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes, offering unique volcanic scenery. The island also boasts numerous waterfalls, such as the Niagara Waterfall, Bassin Bœuf Waterfall, and Biberon Waterfall, which can be refreshing stops on your ride.

Yes, the area around Saint-Denis offers several historical sites and points of interest. You can explore places like Barjac, visit the ruins of Castellas de Bouquet, or see the Bécamel Tower. The region also features various castles, including Montalet Castle.

Yes, for a more relaxed experience, Saint-Denis and its surroundings offer safe and marked cycle paths, particularly along the spectacular coastline. These paths are suitable for family trips, and options like recumbent bikes and quad bikes are available for comfortable exploration of natural treasures.

The elevation changes vary significantly depending on the route. While coastal paths are generally flatter, routes venturing into the island's interior, especially towards the cirques and volcanic areas, can feature substantial climbs. For example, the Lavender field in Fons – Village of Rochegude loop from Saint-Denis involves over 450 meters of ascent.

Réunion Island generally offers pleasant cycling conditions year-round due to its tropical climate. However, the cooler, drier months from May to November are often preferred for outdoor activities, as they provide more comfortable temperatures for longer rides and less chance of heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous areas.

Yes, Saint-Denis offers pleasant coastal paths. The North Coastal Path (Sentier Littoral Nord) provides an 18-kilometer stretch from the lighthouse to Barachois, often equipped with dedicated cycle paths. The new Nouvelle Route du Littoral also offers coastal views, connecting Saint-Pierre in the south and Saint-Denis in the north.