At the Maison du Géranium in Saint-Paul, you’ll step into a slower, more fragrant version of Réunion life. Perched in the Hauts at altitude, this small site focuses on the distillation of geranium rosat, a plant long used in perfumery and traditional medicine. The property includes a working distillery, aromatic gardens, and a boutique where you can sample handmade oils, soaps, and balms.
The staff often guides you through the process: harvesting the leaves, steaming them, and extracting the essential oils in the old copper stills. It's a short but engaging visit that connects Réunion’s botany with its heritage of artisanal production. You won’t find crowds or bus tours, just fresh mountain air and the rich scent of crushed leaves and steam.
👉 Ask to smell the freshly distilled oils from different plants. They often do small-batch runs, and each one is slightly different in tone and intensity.