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Cap La Houssaye Saint-Gilles

4.6
·913 reviews·Saint-Paul, Réunion

Experience breathtaking ocean views, whale watching, and vibrant underwater life at this free natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
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la pointe

Cap La Houssaye Saint-Gilles

Best Time

Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience breathtaking ocean views, whale watching, and vibrant underwater life at this free natural wonder.

4.6
(913 reviews)

"A must experience! Stunning, intense, breathtaking, accessible by bike, scooter, car or minibus."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Secret Parking Spot

Park 1km towards Boucan Canot for a better path & more photo ops!

🤿 Gear Up for Water Fun

Bring your swimsuit and towel for snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the turquoise waters.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking Viewpoint

Breathtaking Viewpoint

Experience intense, stunning ocean vistas. Perfect for photography and soaking in nature's grandeur.

Snorkeling & Diving Paradise

Snorkeling & Diving Paradise

Dive into turquoise deep waters, explore vibrant marine life, and discover multiple spots for exhilarating jumps.

Whale Watching Spot

Whale Watching Spot

A prime location for spotting humpback whales, especially during sunset, offering a truly magical experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Views & Access

For stunning seascape photography and whale watching, skip the main parking. A smaller lot 1km towards Boucan Canot offers a better path to the shore with diverse compositions. Don't forget your swimsuit and camera!

Free & Unforgettable

Cap La Houssaye offers breathtaking natural beauty for free! Accessible by bike, scooter, car, or minibus, it's a must-visit for its intense, stunning ocean views and potential for whale sightings.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime
Why
Ideal for snorkeling & diving
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things you should know before you hike the punch bowls in Santa Paula 🥾 ⛰️ #greenscreen #hiketok #hikewithme #Hiking #venturacounty
@jaayymiguel
18K likes • 99.9K views

🤫 Secret Parking Spot

Park 1km towards Boucan Canot for a better path & more photo ops! Reddit

🤿 Gear Up for Water Fun

Bring your swimsuit and towel for snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the turquoise waters. Reddit

High Hat for brunch in St. Paul was so good! Adding it to my list of places to take family members who visit. It has a little bit of a south american flare with plaintains and blue corn pancakes. Everything we had was very good! #stpaul #stpaulminnesota #stpaulrestaurants #minnesota #twincities #twincitiesmn #twincitiesrestaurants
@michelleparkerm
14.8K likes • 266.1K views
VILLA PALYPALA ✨ 📍Saint Gilles les bains Perchée dans les hauteurs de la célèbre station balnéaire de Saint-Gilles-les-bains, au-dessus de la savane du Cap La Houssaye, la villa Palypala est un bel exemple de villa contemporaine mêlant décors minimalistes et détails précieux, mariage de bois et de pierres comme ses espaces de relaxation avec un esprit de vie “dedans dehors”. Cette demeure peut ...
piedanlo_immo
79 likes • 2.6K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

This is a fantastic spot for seascape photography. Don't miss the sunset! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Reachable by bike, scooter, car, or minibus. Enjoy the walk through rocks to the ocean. Reddit

RUN from our camera roll🇷🇪🎀🫶🏼 ne vous inquiétez pas je ferai un post de recommandations <3 (Grand Galet - Piton de la Fournaise - Grande Anse - Cap la Houssaye - Étang Salé - cirque de Salazie - Saint Gilles - Étang Salé - Saint Gilles - Forêt des Makes - Piton de la Fournaise - Cascade du voile de la Mariée - Fenêtre des Makes - plage de Boucan Canot - Hellbourg - Grande Anse - Saint Pierre)
m.naiss
0 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Secret Parking Spot

Park 1km towards Boucan Canot for a better path & more photo ops! Reddit

🤿 Gear Up for Water Fun

Bring your swimsuit and towel for snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the turquoise waters. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

This is a fantastic spot for seascape photography. Don't miss the sunset! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access

Reachable by bike, scooter, car, or minibus. Enjoy the walk through rocks to the ocean. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(913 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Cap La Houssaye for its stunning, intense natural beauty and free access. It's a highly recommended spot for photography, whale watching, and water activities like snorkeling and diving. Some note the rocky access to the water requires caution.

"very nice lookout point, place for snorcheling, diving, turquoise deep water, there are more places for jump, fishing, entry from parking on the top and for 10minutes walk you reach the ocean, through the rocks and you are on the place"

Michal Czako

"It's a very beautiful viewpoint. I recommend the small parking lot located 1km in the direction of Bucan Canot, from where you can go down to the ocean shore."

Mirela Stefan

"Very good spot to look for humpback whale, and get a lovely sunset photo!"

David Rasmussen

What People Like

Breathtaking views
Great for photography
Whale watching opportunities

What People Dislike

Rocky access to water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cap La Houssaye is accessible by various means including bike, scooter, car, and minibus. For the best experience and photography spots, consider using the smaller parking lot located about 1km in the direction of Boucan Canot, rather than the main parking area. Reddit

Yes, there is a main parking lot, but a smaller, more advantageous parking area is located about 1km further towards Boucan Canot. This smaller lot provides easier access to the shoreline for photography and exploration. Reddit

The location is accessible by minibus, making it a viable option for those relying on public transportation. Check local schedules for specific routes and timings. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cap La Houssaye is a natural attraction and offers free access to its stunning viewpoints and shores. It's a great example of beautiful, accessible natural wonders. Reddit

As a natural open space, Cap La Houssaye does not have set opening or closing hours. Visitors can typically access it from sunrise to sunset, though it's best to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Cap La Houssaye is ideal for whale watching (especially humpback whales), seascape photography, snorkeling, and diving in its deep turquoise waters. There are also spots for jumping into the ocean. Reddit

Absolutely! It's renowned as a fantastic spot for seascape photography, particularly during sunset. The varied coastline offers many composition opportunities. Reddit

Yes, the turquoise deep waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel to fully enjoy the aquatic activities. Reddit

Indeed, there are multiple spots along the shore where visitors can safely jump into the deep, clear waters. Reddit

The path from the parking lot to the ocean involves walking through rocks. While generally manageable, wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. Reddit

🎫 🎣 Fishing

Yes, fishing is mentioned as an activity available at Cap La Houssaye, adding another dimension to this versatile natural spot. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cap La Houssaye offers a fantastic free outing for families. While the walk to the ocean involves rocks, the stunning views and the chance to see marine life while snorkeling can be captivating for children. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure children are supervised closely near the water and rocky areas. The accessibility by car or minibus makes it convenient for families. Reddit

Consider visiting during the day for safer exploration of the rocky paths and for snorkeling opportunities. While whale watching is exciting, it might be less engaging for very young children. The natural beauty and the open space provide a great environment for kids to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Cap La Houssaye is a goldmine. The seascape photography opportunities are abundant, especially during sunset. Utilize the lesser-known parking spot 1km towards Boucan Canot for access to more diverse compositions. Reddit

Bring your wide-angle lenses for expansive ocean views and telephoto lenses if you're hoping to capture whale sightings. The dramatic rock formations and the deep blue water provide endless creative possibilities. Don't forget a tripod for those golden hour shots. Reddit

🐠 Snorkelers & Divers

The turquoise deep water at Cap La Houssaye is a major draw for snorkelers and divers. You can expect to see a variety of marine life in these clear waters. Remember to bring your own gear or inquire about rental options locally. Reddit

There are also several spots suitable for jumping into the ocean, adding an element of thrill to your visit. Always prioritize safety and be aware of the conditions before entering the water. The accessibility from the shore, though rocky, leads to rewarding underwater exploration. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Seascape Photography at Cap La Houssaye

Cap La Houssaye is a dream destination for seascape photographers. The dramatic coastline, the intense turquoise of the deep water, and the potential for stunning sunsets create a photographer's paradise. Many visitors recommend using the smaller parking lot located about 1km towards Boucan Canot, as it provides access to a pathway leading to the shore with a greater variety of photography compositions. This alternative access point allows for more unique shots compared to the main parking area. Reddit

Timing is crucial for capturing the best light. Sunsets here are particularly magical, offering a warm glow that enhances the natural beauty of the location. Be sure to bring your camera and tripod to capture long exposures of the waves crashing against the rocks or the silhouette of the landscape against the colorful sky. The varied terrain ensures that you can find different angles and perspectives for your shots, making it a rewarding experience for both amateur and professional photographers. Reddit

Beyond the sunset, the deep blue waters themselves are a subject of fascination. The contrast between the dark rocks and the vibrant ocean is striking. If you're interested in wildlife photography, this is also a prime spot for whale watching, adding another layer of excitement to your photographic endeavors. Reddit

Water Activities: Snorkeling, Diving & Jumping

The turquoise deep water at Cap La Houssaye makes it an excellent spot for water enthusiasts. Visitors rave about the opportunities for snorkeling and diving, allowing you to explore the underwater world and its marine inhabitants. The clarity of the water enhances the visibility, making for a more immersive experience. Reddit

For the more adventurous, Cap La Houssaye offers multiple spots for jumping into the ocean. These natural platforms provide an exhilarating way to cool off and enjoy the refreshing sea. Always assess the conditions and your own abilities before attempting any jumps. The access to the ocean from the rocky shore requires careful footing, so wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel to make the most of these aquatic activities. While specific gear rental information isn't detailed, it's advisable to bring your own snorkeling or diving equipment if you plan to explore extensively. The natural beauty of the water here is a significant draw for visitors seeking a refreshing and exciting experience. Reddit

Whale Watching and Sunset Views

Cap La Houssaye is a highly recommended location for whale watching, particularly for humpback whales. The best time to spot these magnificent creatures is often around sunset, which also provides a spectacular backdrop for photography. The combination of wildlife viewing and stunning natural light makes for an unforgettable experience. Reddit

Many visitors specifically mention the lovely sunset photos they've captured here, highlighting the area's scenic beauty. The viewpoint offers an unobstructed panorama of the ocean, allowing you to witness the sun dipping below the horizon in all its glory. It's a peaceful and awe-inspiring way to end your day. Reddit

Even if you don't spot whales, the breathtaking views and the vibrant colors of the sunset make Cap La Houssaye a must-visit. It's a place where you can connect with nature and appreciate the raw beauty of the Reunion Island coastline. Reddit

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