Weekend in a van on Reunion Island
If you're still hesitating to try out a van on Reunion Island, here's a testimonial to help you make up your mind!
The Mahot family took off for a weekend to explore the island's most beautiful sites, and here's their experience!
DAY 1:
My husband promised me a solo weekend with the kids because he had to go on a bivouac with his friends. At the last minute.
You can imagine my mood on this Friday morning on the way to work!
Noon strikes and I head home, thinking about what I'm going to do with the kids this weekend.
What a surprise when we arrived home to see a van parked in our driveway.
Everything's ready, we're taking off," I'm told behind my back. It was my husband who had organized everything for this surprise weekend! Even the kids were there!
We headed for the Col des Boeufs for our first night. Bewildered, I didn't know what to expect, having never been camping or in a van in my life! It's going to be all right, darling...
My husband is a skilful driver, and we take advantage of the road to the Cirque de Salazie to stop off at rivers and waterfalls. A short tour of Hell Bourg before taking the steep road up to Col des Boeufs at 2000m!
I can't hide the fact that I was a little cold, but the children's joy warmed me up!
We ate in the van and went to bed at chicken time.
DAY 2 :
Sleeping in a van in Salazie (View from the van's mezzanine bed 😉 )
An extraordinary awakening awaited us, and none of us were prepared for it. Sunrise over the highest peaks on our island. Something we'd never seen before.
After this exceptional moment, we set off to tackle the "autoroute de Mafate", our objective being to have lunch at La Nouvelle and return to the van in the afternoon.
The kids had a great time walking and eating! They were so happy!
After a tough climb for a non-athlete like me, we headed back to the east coast!
On the advice of Christophe (the manager of Run A Van), we searched for the recommended seaside spot and finally found it! But it's a secret!
DAY 3 :
A rainy night this time, but we woke up to a dry and superb site. A walk along the coastal path and preparations for the return journey. Yes, it's a short weekend and tomorrow's school day!
And then it's back to St Leu, to clean the van, refuel it and put away our (too many) belongings!
Mission accomplished (a little late)!
An unforgettable experience that we recommend to everyone! Young, old, couples, families, life in a van is truly different and enriching, especially with children.
And if you ask us, a 3-day weekend is a bit short. We plan to rent again for the next school vacations and travel further and longer!
There are so many sites to see and experience!
MAHOT family.
