Plage de l'Hermitage

Plage de l'Hermitage is the best-known lagoon beach on the west coast of Réunion, the French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. It lies along the Rue du Lagon in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, about 45 km from Saint-Denis airport. The beach is a long strip of pale sand backed by casuarina (filao) trees, and it fronts a shallow lagoon sheltered by a fringing coral reef. Inside the reef the water is calm, clear and turquoise, which makes it the island's most reliable place for relaxed swimming and snorkelling. Beyond the reef line the Indian Ocean swell breaks, so the lagoon behaves almost like a natural pool, particularly at mid to high tide. The open, gently curving shape means there is plenty of room even in the busy season, though the stretch nearest the main access points fills quickly at weekends. The atmosphere is family-oriented and relaxed, with local families picnicking under the filaos on Sundays and visitors from mainland France filling the hotels nearby from July to September. Amenities are among the best on Réunion: a shark net, lifeguards in the monitored zone, toilets, showers, snack bars and sun loungers for rent. Snorkelling over the coral patches inside the lagoon is popular, with small reef fish visible in shallow water. Because shark-related restrictions have shaped ocean swimming on Réunion, visitors should swim only in the supervised and netted areas and follow the posted flags. Access is straightforward. By car, the route follows the RN1 and then the RD6 from Saint-Denis in roughly 45 minutes, and paid and free car parks sit along the lagoon road, though spaces near the sand are scarce on weekends. Without a car, Car Jaune Line 2 runs from Saint-Denis for around €3 (about $3.25). Restaurants, bakeries and small shops line the roads behind the beach, so food is never far away. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to larger resorts within walking distance, which makes the Hermitage a convenient base for exploring the Saint-Gilles area. The beach is rated 4.8 and is generally regarded as the safest and most comfortable swim on the island.