Étang-Salé presents itself as a peaceful coastal resort sheltering a small fishing village. Still sheltered from mass tourism, its long black sand beach is a true ode to leisurely strolls and relaxation, though the waters are dangerous due to shark activity in the area. Away from the sea, the state forest and Croc Parc join the list of essential attractions on the Étang-Salé circuit to discover during your stay on the island of Reunion.

History

Étang-Salé owes its name to a small lagoon once created by the sea, though it no longer exists today. The body of water was drained, then reformed a short distance away, near the residences of the "Cité pétrole". Historical records indicate that Étang-Salé's settlement began in the early eighteenth century. The first colonists who arrived settled in Ravine Sèche. A handful of dwellings on the shoreline formed a fishing hamlet whose land-based activity was limited to watermelon cultivation on the sands. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, thousands of casuarina trees were planted on the dunes at the instigation of the Water and Forest Service to retain the sand.

The creation of the Étang-Salé municipality dates back to 1894, at a time when the island of Reunion was in full crisis. Following the First World War, rising sugar prices allowed the colony to avoid decline. However, due to the absence of a sugar industry, Étang-Salé benefited only meagrely. The municipality then entered a new period of crisis from 1930 onwards.

Certain regional inhabitants introduced new activities, including small industrial units. A salt works opened in 1921. Lime production developed to meet the needs of the sugar industry. Coral was haphazardly exploited in the pirogue basin. Ultimately, both activities ceased in 1948.

From the 1960s onwards, the coastal town of Étang-Salé-les-Bains gradually developed as a seaside resort. In 1969, the municipality acquired a nine-hole golf course, initiated by the Bourbon Golf Club, which occasionally serves as a firebreak for the forest. Another course was laid out in 1991. Regarding employment, the establishment of industrial zones at the Dunes and Sables provided new job prospects for residents.

Today

Étang-Salé-les-Bains sits midway between the towns of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Leu. Comfortably positioned between a preserved forest and the Indian Ocean, the town enjoys a privileged setting that never fails to delight globetrotters and families seeking seaside vacations. A favoured destination for a peaceful retreat, this seaside resort boasts not only an pleasantly preserved waterfront but also a magnificent black sand beach that invites pure relaxation. Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited, as the waters are frequently frequented by sharks. Nevertheless, a bathing zone has been created near the lifeguard post. Protected by a shark net, it allows water sports enthusiasts of all ages to fully enjoy aquatic leisure in complete safety.

Since black sand warms in sunny weather, wearing appropriate sandals is advisable when strolling along the shore to avoid burns. South of Étang-Salé, on the road to Saint-Louis, discover a distinctly wild coastline dominated by a gigantic chasm. The sight of waves crashing against the rocky corridor creates a genuine thrill.

If you prefer greenery instead, head to the Étang-Salé State Forest. Lined with casuarina trees, flamboyant eucalyptus and many other species, the multiple trails available, including a fitness circuit, will perfectly satisfy your craving for escape. As for younger visitors, Croc Parc located in Étang-Salé-les-Hauts offers a leisure space covering no less than 5 hectares. On the agenda: mini-golf, encounters with crocodiles in secure pools, various games in inflatable structures, water park activities, discovery of local flora in a botanical garden, and more.

Climate

The town of Étang-Salé experiences a humid tropical climate composed of two distinct seasons. From December to May, the austral summer is characterised by warm, humid weather. Cyclones occur during this period. The austral winter extends from June to November, marking the dry season. Throughout the year, the average temperature is 22 °C. Average annual rainfall is 1290 mm.

Étang-Salé is served by National Road 1. In Saint-Pierre or Saint-Leu, renting a vehicle with driver is an excellent option for reaching the destination with ease while enjoying an enriching journey.

What to Do in Étang-Salé?

• Stroll along the black sand beach
• Walk through the state forest
• Play mini-golf at Croc Parc
• Capture striking photographs at the Étang-Salé chasm, and more