Grande Anse, Réunion, coral beach in Petite-Île, Réunion, France
Grande Anse is a protected bay on the south side of Reunion Island featuring coral sand and coconut palms lining the shore. A natural rocky pool at the southern end offers a calm swimming area, while the rest of the bay opens to stronger waves.
Grande Anse lies in the commune of Petite-Île, between the cap de l'Abri to the north-west and the piton de Grande Anse to the south-east. Its coral-sand beach is the last one in the south-west of Reunion Island. The site is now listed as a protected area of France, and the beach itself has no lifeguard service.
The name Grande Anse is French for "large cove", describing the shape of the bay between Cap de l'Abri to the north-west and Piton Grande Anse to the south-east. On weekends the beach fills with local families from Petite-Île and beyond, who come to picnic and swim on the coral sand.
A rocky pool provides safe swimming while open water is dangerous due to strong currents and sharks. The parking area has snack bars, toilets, and showers, with a simple hiking trail to Piton Grande Anse offering views of the bay.
Grande Anse is the last coral beach in the south-west of Réunion, on the territory of Petite-Île, between the cap de l'Abri to the north-west and the piton de Grande Anse to the south-east. It is heavily used at weekends and has no lifeguard.
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