If you’re anywhere near La Plaine des Cafres, make a stop at Chez Grondin. This isn’t some trendy coffee spot — it’s a proper local pâtisserie-boulangerie with big trays of fresh cakes, flaky pastries, samoussas, and Reunion-style croissants.

They’re especially known for:

• Sweet potato cake (gâteau patate) — rustic, not too sweet, excellent with coffee

• Coconut tart (tarte coco) — rich but light, with a golden chewy top

• Curry-filled bouchons croissants — sounds odd, but it's delicious

• Pain au beurre maison — Reunion twist on brioche, sold whole or in slices

There’s no seating — it’s a grab-and-go setup — but prices are low, the turnover is fast, and everything’s made on-site. Locals stop here before heading up to the volcano or on their way back down.

👉 Local tip: If you're doing an early hike at Piton de la Fournaise, stop in the day before and stock up. The croissants keep surprisingly well.