French Southern Territories 7 Day Itinerary

French Southern Territories 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Saint-Pierre, Réunion

  • Arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Saint-Pierre, Réunion.
  • Check into your hotel and rest after the flight.
  • Explore Saint-Pierre’s vibrant city center, visit the local market, and taste some Creole cuisine.
  • Things to Know: French is widely spoken here, but English is also common among the younger generation. Euro is the currency used in Réunion.

Day 2: Exploring Saint-Pierre & Piton de la Fournaise

  • Morning visit to Jardin des Cèdres (Cedrus Garden), home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on earth.
  • Head towards Cirque de Salazie, a stunning landscape with terraced farms.
  • In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Day 3: Saint-Benoît & Bourbon’s Beaches

  • Drive along the east coast to Saint-Benoît, famous for its vanilla plantations. Visit the Vanilla Museum.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Bourbon’s beautiful beaches like Grand’Anse or Anse Noire.

Day 4: Transfer to Île Amsterdam

  • Fly to Île Amsterdam from Roland Garros Airport (flights are subject to availability, check with local tour operators).
  • Explore the island’s unique wildlife, including its large population of King Penguins and albatrosses.
  • Things to Know: There is no accommodation on Île Amsterdam; it is a day trip only.

Day 5: Transfer to Île aux Cochons & Île Saint-Paul

  • Sail to Île aux Cochons (Pig Island) and Île Saint-Paul, admiring the stunning landscapes and wildlife along the way.
  • Visit the Remarkable Rocks at Île Saint-Paul, a collection of unusual granite formations.

Day 6: Transfer to Terre Adélie, Antarctica

  • Fly to Terre Adélie, the largest French research station in Antarctica (flights are subject to availability and weather conditions).
  • Participate in guided tours to explore the continent’s unique landscapes and wildlife.
  • Things to Know: Visiting Antarctica requires special arrangements, so plan this well in advance with a reputable tour operator.

Day 7: Return to Saint-Pierre, Réunion & Departure

  • Fly back to Île aux Natands (the closest airport to Terre Adélie) and then to Saint-Pierre, Réunion.
  • Spend the evening at leisure in Saint-Pierre before your flight home.

Visa Requirements: For EU citizens, no visa is required for stays under 90 days. Check the French embassy’s website for non-EU citizens to see if a visa is needed and to make arrangements accordingly.

Transportation: Car rental is an excellent way to explore Réunion. Boat tours can be arranged for visits to Île Amsterdam, Île aux Cochons, and Île Saint-Paul. Flights to Antarctica are typically booked as part of a guided tour package.