La Possession Travel Guide
City City in Réunion with beautiful landscapes
West-coast La Possession is a launch point for hikes into Cirque de Mafate, with steep volcanic ridges descending to the sea. Visitors pass through sugarcane fields, stop for Creole snacks and watch fishing boats from the palm-lined shore.
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Why Visit La Possession? #
La Possession sits on Réunion’s rugged northwest coast and attracts visitors who want dramatic landscapes without the island’s busiest resorts. Hikers use the commune as a gateway to the Maïdo viewpoint and mountain trails that look over cirques and coastal cliffs, while roadside markets serve Creole cari and samoussas that showcase the island’s mixed culinary heritage. Short drives bring rainforest streams and volcanic viewpoints, making it a base for active days and rich local flavors.
Top Things to Do in La Possession
All Attractions ›
- Port Réunion and waterfront - Working harbour area where ferries dock, with seafood stalls and local commuter life visible.
- Grande Chaloupe beach - Volcanic-coast beach offering coastal walks, rock pools, and shaded picnic spots by the sea.
- Route de la Montagne scenic drive - Winding road climbing from the coast into highland landscapes and rainforest vistas above La Possession.
- Le Gouffre coastal viewpoint - Dramatic cliff-side outlook with crashing waves and coastal rock formations away from main beaches.
- Local marché stalls - Small fresh-produce markets selling tropical fruits, spices, and Réunionnaise snacks in town squares.
- Forest trails above La Possession - Short, less-travelled hiking paths through native forest leading to quiet viewpoints and streams.
- Maïdo viewpoint - Drive to Maïdo for expansive island panoramas and trailheads into the Cirque de Mafate area.
- Saint-Denis - Short coastal trip to the capital for colonial architecture, markets, and seaside promenades.
Best Time to Visit La Possession #
La Possession is most pleasant in the cool, drier months (May-October) when humidity eases and outdoor exploring is comfortable. November-April is hotter and wetter with a cyclone risk in early year months.
Best Time to Visit La Possession #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1523 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (255 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (255 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (224 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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How to Get to La Possession
La Possession on Réunion's west coast is reached from Roland Garros (RUN) by road; there is no rail service on the island, so transfers are by bus, coach or car. Renting a car or taking a taxi gives the most flexibility, while public buses keep costs low.
Roland Garros / Saint-Denis (RUN): The main international airport for Réunion, located at Saint-Denis. From RUN to La Possession on the island’s west coast is about 35-55 minutes by car depending on traffic; taxis and car hire are widely used - taxi fares can be substantial (expect several dozen euros) while public bus options are much cheaper.
Pierrefonds / Saint-Pierre (ZSE): A smaller airport serving the south of Réunion; travelling from ZSE to La Possession is a long drive (often 1.5-2 hours) and usually done by rental car or intercity bus connections via Saint-Pierre and then inland transfers.
Train: Réunion has no rail network.
Bus / Coach: Public bus services (the regional ‘Car’ network, also referred to locally by operator names) link the island’s towns. Services to La Possession run from Saint-Denis and other west-coast towns; journey times depend on route and traffic but are generally affordable (regional bus fares are modest). For door-to-door convenience, taxis or car hire are commonly used.
How to Get Around La Possession #
La Possession is a small coastal town on Réunion where a car is the most convenient way to explore the rugged coast and mountain roads. The regional bus network (Car Jaune and other services) connects to Saint-Denis and neighbouring towns but runs on fixed schedules. The town centre is walkable for short errands; taxis exist but are less frequent than on the main island hubs.
Where to Stay in La Possession #
- La Possession budget options (Booking.com) - Small guesthouses and budget apartments
- Local guest rentals (Airbnb) - Affordable private rooms and studios
- Mid-range hotels (La Possession/Le Port area) - Comfortable hotels near the coast
- Local 3-star guesthouses (examples) - Well-reviewed regional guesthouses
- Luxury hotels (Saint-Denis area) - High-end options mainly in Saint-Denis
- Resorts on the west coast (30-60 min) - Beach resorts and premium stays
Where to Eat in La Possession #
- Local Creole Restaurants - Curries, rougail and island flavours.
- Local Market Stalls - Spices, fresh seafood and produce.
- Seaside Cafés - Coffee, samosas and quick bites.
- Grilled Seafood Stands - Fresh fish with spicy condiments.
- Local Caris (Curries) - Island-style curries with rice.
- Snack Bars - Quick grilled dishes and snacks.
Nightlife in La Possession #
Nightlife in La Possession is limited and low-key, concentrated in a few bars and restaurants rather than clubs. For a livelier evening scene with more bars and late-night options, people often go to Saint-Denis or Saint-Gilles. Hotel bars and occasional live music provide the main choices after dark.
Shopping in La Possession #
Shopping options are modest: small grocers, bakeries and specialty food shops serve daily needs. For larger supermarkets, clothing chains or more varied shopping head to Saint-Denis. Local markets and roadside stalls sell fresh produce and regional products on selected days.
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