Café Péi – Entre-Deux
In Entre-Deux, a Creole village nestled in the Hauts of Saint-Pierre, the culture of Bourbon Pointu carries forward two centuries of Réunion's coffee-growing tradition. Artisanal estates, tastings, and panoramic views over Dimitile.
Entre-Deux, a Creole village listed among France's most beautiful communes, is home to a coffee tradition dating back to the colonial era. Café péi — local Réunion coffee — is cultivated on the heights of the Cilaos cirque and the slopes of Dimitile. Visiting a workshop or coffee estate in Entre-Deux means understanding how a daily beverage carries within it two centuries of agricultural history and Creole craftsmanship.
What you'll see
The coffee estates of Entre-Deux cultivate primarily Bourbon Pointu (Coffea arabica var. laurina), a variety endemic to Réunion renowned for its low caffeine content and delicate aromas. On-site, you'll observe coffee plants terraced across slopes, red cherries at harvest time (depending on season), and the stages of artisanal processing: pulping, fermentation, drying, and roasting.
History and context
Coffee was introduced to Bourbon (the former name of Réunion) in the early 18th century. The island was among the first territories to cultivate Bourbon Pointu, which later spread to Brazil and Africa. After a long decline, the sector was revived in the 1990s thanks to local producers and international recognition of the variety. Entre-Deux, with its favorable microclimate, is today one of the centers of this renaissance.
Highlights of a visit
Tasting Bourbon Pointu
The cup reveals floral and fruity notes unusual for an arabica. The mild bitterness often surprises those accustomed to industrial coffee. Some producers offer comparative tastings with other local varieties.
Discovering the Creole village
Entre-Deux preserves its wooden Creole houses with flower gardens, cobbled streets, and fountains. A visit to an estate fits naturally into a stroll through the village, classified among France's most beautiful villages.
The panorama over Dimitile
The coffee terraces offer unobstructed views of the cirque ramparts and surrounding peaks. Late afternoon light is particularly favorable for appreciating the volcanic landscape.
Photography tips
Morning light, before mist rises over the heights, offers the best conditions for photographing coffee plants in bloom or laden with cherries. The Creole houses of the village lend themselves to façade portraits in late afternoon, when slanting light brings out the colors of the painted woodwork.
Location and access
Entre-Deux is located in the Hauts of Saint-Pierre, on the left bank of the Rivière des Remparts. The village is accessible from Saint-Pierre via the Route des Hauts (approximately 20 km). The road is winding; a standard vehicle is sufficient. There is no regular public transport to the village center; a rental car remains the most practical option.
Nearby places to combine with this visit:
- Creole village of Entre-Deux — traditional houses and Creole gardens within easy reach.
- Dimitile Trail — hiking with sweeping views over the Cilaos cirque.
Around the area
- Cilaos Cirque — spectacular volcanic landscape, also a producer of coffee and lentils.
- Saint-Pierre — lively coastal town, natural departure point for reaching Entre-Deux.
- Coffee House of Réunion — if you wish to delve deeper into the history of the island's coffee sector.
Frequently asked questions
Coffee plants typically flower between July and September, with red cherries at harvest maturity between November and February. These periods offer the most visually rewarding visits, but roasting workshops operate year-round.
Most small producers operate by appointment. It's advisable to contact the Entre-Deux Tourist Office or the estates directly before your visit.
Yes, some producers sell their roasted production directly. Bourbon Pointu is a rare variety, and its price reflects low yields and the quality of artisanal work.
Discovering terraced coffee plants and picking cherries (depending on season) are accessible to children. Paths can be steep; closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Plan a half-day: visit the estate in the morning, then take a stroll through the Creole village and lunch at a local restaurant serving traditional péi cuisine.
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