In the heart of wild southern Réunion, the Garden of Perfumes and Spices in Saint-Philippe gathers over several hectares a living collection of aromatic, medicinal and tropical spice plants. Planted on the volcanic slopes of the southern coast, it offers a sensory immersion into Réunion's biodiversity and the history of botanical exchanges across the Indian Ocean. It is one of the few gardens on the island where vanilla, geranium, vetiver and cinnamon coexist within easy reach.

Practical Information at a Glance

• Entry : paid admission (adult and reduced rates available on site)
• Guided tour : included in ticket; guides explain traditional and medicinal uses of plants
• Recommended duration : 1.5 to 2 hours
• Dress code : closed-toe shoes recommended, pathways can be damp
• Accessibility : sloped terrain, partial accessibility — enquire before visiting

What You'll See

The garden brings together several hundred plant species organized by family or use. You'll spot vanilla vines climbing their supports, banana trees, cinnamon trees, pepper plants, clove trees and numerous Creole medicinal plants. Signs and the guide's explanations help identify each species and understand its role in local pharmacopoeia or Réunion cuisine.

History and Context

Réunion played a central role in the introduction and acclimatization of spices from the 18th century onward. Bourbon vanilla, now the island's emblem, was introduced here and hand-pollinated for the first time in the 19th century. This garden continues that tradition of botanical acclimatization and preserves rare varieties that testify to exchanges between Asia, Africa and the Mascarene Islands.

Highlights of the Visit

Bourbon Vanilla

Vanilla vines are presented in realistic growing conditions. The guide explains hand-pollination, the technique that enabled Réunion to become a world producer in the 19th century. Flowering, though brief, occurs mainly between September and November.

Traditional Creole Medicinal Plants

A section is dedicated to plants used in traditional Réunion medicine: bois de reinette, cinnamon wood, lemongrass, combava. The guide details their local uses, ranging from herbal teas and poultices to cooking.

Indian Ocean Spices

Clove, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom — several major spices from the historic Indian Ocean trade are cultivated here. Seeing and smelling these living plants brings concrete dimension to the history of trade routes.

Photography Tips

Filtered light beneath the vegetation canopy is ideal mid-morning. Close-ups of vanilla flowers, pepper berries or combava leaves yield good results. Avoid peak sunlight hours in warm season: the contrast is too harsh at canopy gaps.

Location and Access

The garden is located in Saint-Philippe, a municipality in south-eastern Réunion, on National Route 2 which runs along the volcanic coast. Saint-Philippe is accessible by car from Saint-Pierre (approximately 40 km) or from Saint-Benoît via the Lava Road. Public transport serves Saint-Philippe but frequency is limited; a car remains the most practical option. Parking is available nearby.

Nearby Attractions

• Cap Méchant — black lava cliffs battered by the ocean, a few minutes' drive to the west.
• The volcanic coastline of Saint-Philippe — ancient lava flows that formed the coast are visible from several viewpoints.
• Piton de la Fournaise — the island's active volcano is accessible via the Volcano Road, approximately one hour from Saint-Philippe.