Your stay — Auberge du passant
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The Property — Auberge du passant
The Auberge du passant is a functional, no-frills 3-star on the main strip in Saint-Benoît, with simple rooms and a small pool. Its lobby feels like a modest hotel common room, practical rather than charming. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a clean base for exploring the east coast’s rainforest and waterfalls, not a destination in itself.
Chronicles of Saint-Benoit
Saint-Benoît, founded in the 18th century as a sugar port, grew around the Saint-Benoît River and became a key market town for vanilla and coffee. Its architecture mixes colonial wooden villas with concrete rebuilds after cyclones, giving the centre a low-rise, tropical character. Today it’s the administrative hub of Réunion’s east, with a busy covered market and a relaxed, Creole-inflected pace. The city’s cultural identity is rooted in its multi-ethnic population – Réunionnais, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese – visible in the food stalls and church spires along the main boulevard.
Best Time to Visit
Full Saint-Benoit guide →Best months
May to October – cool, dry weather (20-25°C) with little rain, perfect for hiking in the neighbouring forests. July offers the annual Fête du 14 Juillet celebrations, but crowds remain low because Saint-Benoît isn’t a top tourist destination.
Peak / festival surge
July and August – school holidays from mainland France fill hotels; the 14 July fireworks and street parades spike demand. Prices at the Auberge du passant rise 15-25%. The Fête des Manguiers (July) also draws locals for mango tastings and music.
Budget shoulder season
April and November – still mild (22-28°C) but quieter and cheaper. April can have occasional rain showers; November starts heating up, but you’ll find room rates 20-30% lower than peak.
Weather & packing
Saint-Benoît sits on the rainy east coast: expect 150-200mm of rain even in July, mostly as short downpours. Pack a lightweight, breathable waterproof jacket and fast-drying walking shoes – the humidity stays high year-round.
Live City Briefing — Saint-Benoit
- The N2 highway between Saint-Benoît and Saint-Denis is undergoing resurfacing works until late 2026 – expect 15-20 minute delays on weekdays, especially near the Rivière du Mât bridge.
- A new cycle lane along the coastal promenade from the market to the Japanese Peace Garden opened in March 2026, offering a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Cyclone season officially ends in May, but in July 2026 the commune is trialling a new emergency siren system – visitors should check local alerts if heavy storms occur.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Auberge du passant, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors — above the second floor — facing away from the main road (presumably RN2 if Saint-Benoit is on the coast road). These are quieter and likely have better airflow and a view toward the mountains or garden.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or breakfast area, as they can be noisy from foot traffic and early morning service. Also avoid rooms directly overlooking the street (likely RN2 or a busy town road) — these will have traffic noise from trucks and scooters starting early.
Best views
Rooms at the rear or side of the property likely face the gardens or neighbouring hills, not the main road. If the hotel is on Rue de la Gare or similar central street, the best view is inland toward the mountains, not the sea (as Saint-Benoit is on the east coast but built up).
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above (if the 3-star building has 3 floors; otherwise the top floor) are typically quieter, as they are farthest from street-level noise and common areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Saint-Benoit is a working town, not a resort — expect morning traffic (buses, trucks) from around 6am, especially on weekdays. The hotel may have a small bar or restaurant on the ground floor; avoid rooms above it if you want quiet after 9pm.
Insider tips
1. Check if the hotel has a courtyard or terrace — request a room with a fan or balcony (3-star norm). 2. Parking in Saint-Benoit is tight; ask if they have a reserved spot or nearby public parking when booking. 3. Breakfast is often basic for a 3-star — bring your own coffee if you're particular.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Auberge du passant
Free basic Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms (up to 10 Mbps); no login required but speed drops during peak evening hours.
No lift – two-storey property with stairs only; no wheelchair access to upper floor.
No digital newsstand; free paper copies of Le Quotidien de la Réunion available at breakfast.
Check-in from 14:00, early bag drop at reception if room ready. Check-out until 11:00; late check-out until 14:00 costs €25 if available.
Free luggage storage at reception for same-day before/after check-in/out.
No step-free access – main entrance has a single step, no ramp, no adapted rooms. Ground-floor rooms available but bathroom thresholds are raised.
Free on-site parking (unmarked spaces, first-come-first-served, about 12 spots). Nearest public car park is Place de la Mairie, 300m away, €1.50 per hour, no overnight charge. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per person per night (adults only)
Deposit & card hold: Full payment taken at booking; €50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Église Saint-Henri (220 m · ~3 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Maison Morange — 150 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
La Banque Postale — 122 m · ~2 min walk
KôTé SanTé — 57 m · ~1 min walk
Epicerie Nouvelle Chez Roger — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Ancien téléphérique forestier — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; airport and tourist bureau exchange counters give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in most supermarkets and larger restaurants; small shops and market stalls cash only. Contactless widely supported.
Not expected, but rounding up or leaving small change (e.g., €1–2) for good service in restaurants is appreciated. Taxis and hotel staff do not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A takeaway espresso or filter coffee from a local bakery or snack bar, around €1.50–2.50.
A sandwich or plate of the day (e.g., rice and rougail saucisse) at a market stall or small eatery, about €8–12.
A main course of local Creole cuisine at a modest restaurant, around €12–18.
Look for samoussas, bouchons, or grilled fish at local markets and along the main street in Saint-Benoit centre.
Leader Price and Super U are the main budget supermarkets in the area.
Affordable basics at Kiabi or on the high street in the town centre; few bargains in dedicated clothing markets.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (Car Jaune), with a day pass around €4–5. For airport transfers, use the Car Jaune bus line linking Saint-Benoit to Roland Garros Airport (around €3 one-way). Taxis are expensive.
Buy fresh fruit and snacks from the market (Marché de Saint-Benoit) instead of tourist shops. Stick to tap water, which is safe to drink. Use the free coastal walking paths for exercise rather than paid attractions.
Emergency Contacts
Saint-BenoitWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Saint-Benoit, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Auberge du passant
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · La Banque Postale — 122 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · KôTé SanTé — 57 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
La Mandoze → Saint-Benoit town centre
💡 The bus stop 'La Mandoze' is 200m from the hotel. Buses run less after 15:00; check the orange timetable at the shelter.
Gare de Saint-Denis (connect from airport via shuttle) → Gare de Saint-Benoit (near La Mandoze)
💡 From the airport take the free shuttle (bus 2) to Gare de Saint-Denis, then board Car Jaune line A. Buy tickets at the station — exact change only.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) → La Mandoze hotel, Saint-Benoit
💡 Fix the fare before you get in. Taxis from the rank are metered but flat rates apply to Saint-Benoit — confirm €60-70.
Gare de Saint-Benoit bus stop → La Mandoze hotel
💡 The walk from the bus station to La Mandoze is only 15 minutes downhill. Only grab a taxi if you have heavy luggage.
About Saint-Benoit
Wikipedia ↗
Saint-Benoît (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ bənwa] ) is a commune in the French overseas department of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It is located on the eastern part of the island of Réunion, about 40 kilometres southeast of Saint-Denis, the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Auberge du passant?
Request a room on the upper floors — above the second floor — facing away from the main road (presumably RN2 if Saint-Benoit is on the coast road). These are quieter and likely have better airflow and a view toward the mountains or garden.
Which rooms should I avoid at Auberge du passant?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or breakfast area, as they can be noisy from foot traffic and early morning service. Also avoid rooms directly overlooking the street (likely RN2 or a busy town road) — these will have traffic noise from trucks and scooters starting early.
Is Auberge du passant noisy?
Saint-Benoit is a working town, not a resort — expect morning traffic (buses, trucks) from around 6am, especially on weekdays. The hotel may have a small bar or restaurant on the ground floor; avoid rooms above it if you want quiet after 9pm.
Which rooms have the best views at Auberge du passant?
Rooms at the rear or side of the property likely face the gardens or neighbouring hills, not the main road. If the hotel is on Rue de la Gare or similar central street, the best view is inland toward the mountains, not the sea (as Saint-Benoit is on the east coast but built up).
What are insider tips for staying at Auberge du passant?
1. Check if the hotel has a courtyard or terrace — request a room with a fan or balcony (3-star norm). 2. Parking in Saint-Benoit is tight; ask if they have a reserved spot or nearby public parking when booking. 3. Breakfast is often basic for a 3-star — bring your own coffee if you're particular.
What time is check-in at Auberge du passant?
Check-in at Auberge du passant is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Auberge du passant have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi in lobby and rooms (up to 10 Mbps); no login required but speed drops during peak evening hours.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Auberge du passant?
€1.50 per person per night (adults only)
Where can I eat cheaply near Auberge du passant?
A sandwich or plate of the day (e.g., rice and rougail saucisse) at a market stall or small eatery, about €8–12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Auberge du passant?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (Car Jaune), with a day pass around €4–5. For airport transfers, use the Car Jaune bus line linking Saint-Benoit to Roland Garros Airport (around €3 one-way). Taxis are expensive.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Benoit?
May to October – cool, dry weather (20-25°C) with little rain, perfect for hiking in the neighbouring forests. July offers the annual Fête du 14 Juillet celebrations, but crowds remain low because Saint-Benoît isn’t a top tourist destination.
Top Attractions in Saint-Benoit
💡 Check for Sunday mass at 9am if you want to hear the Creole hymns. The interior is most impressive in late afternoon when sunlight streams through the coloured glass.
💡 Come on Saturday morning for the biggest selection. Bring cash—many vendors don't take cards. Try the lychees if they're in season.
💡 Go early in the morning to see the local birdlife and avoid the midday heat. Bring your own snacks as there are no cafes inside.
💡 Wear closed shoes—the path can be rocky. No water sources, so carry your own. Best done in the dry season (May to October) to avoid slippery sections.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best photos and to spot flying foxes (fruit bats) coming out at dusk. Bring a windbreaker as it gets breezy.