Every year, the Grand Boucan establishes itself as one of the most festive and anticipated events on Réunion Island. A true local carnival, it brings together thousands of participants who come to celebrate in a vibrant atmosphere, with costumes, music and traditions.
Long organized in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the festival has recently taken a new turn by moving to Saint-Paul, on its seafront. A change that brings a new lease of life to this iconic event.
History and Evolution of the Grand Boucan
Created in 1997, the Grand Boucan quickly became a must-attend event in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
In 2023, due to construction works, the event was exceptionally moved to Saint-Paul, bringing together nearly 50,000 participants. In light of this success and for reasons of space and safety, the municipality officially decided in May 2024 that the Grand Boucan would not return to Saint-Gilles.
Today, the Saint-Paul seafront has established itself as the new stage for this great popular celebration, offering a larger and better-suited setting for the scale of the event.
Organization and Partners
The Grand Boucan is orchestrated by the Compagnie Pôle Sud, with the support of major partners such as the city of Saint-Paul and the West Tourism Office.
The event stands out for:
- A spectacular parade with floats and costumes
- A festive atmosphere blending music, dance and artistic performances
- Highlights such as the burning of the Roi Dodo and the fireworks display
For the edition of June 28, 2026, set under the theme “Illusions and Surreal World”, the program (to be confirmed) promises an immersive experience:
- 2:00 PM: start of the parade from the Leconte de Lisle media library
- 7:30 PM: fire show and burning of the Roi Dodo
- 8:30 PM: concerts on the seafront
Why Choose Iloha Seaview Hotel for Your Stay
Staying at Iloha Seaview Hotel during the Grand Boucan means choosing accommodation ideally located to fully enjoy the event while maintaining a peaceful and rejuvenating setting.
Located in Saint-Leu, the hotel benefits from a strategic position less than 30 minutes from Saint-Paul. You can thus enjoy the excitement of the festival, while returning to calm and serenity after a festive day.
Accommodations for Every Stay
Iloha Seaview Hotel offers a wide range of accommodations suited to all profiles:
- Standard Room
- Guétali Room
- Tropique Bungalow
- Kitchenette Bungalow
- Modernised Family Bungalow
Each option is designed to offer comfort and tranquility, whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family.
A Varied Dining Experience
The hotel invites you to discover several dining spaces:
- The Kotémer restaurant, located by the pool, showcases local flavors. It is open every day from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a weekday lunch formula:
- Daily special: €24
- Daily special + dessert + coffee: €29
(with a different menu every day)
- La Trattoria, open on Fridays and Saturdays from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offers a convivial brasserie atmosphere with a view over Saint-Leu bay.
- The bar and ice cream parlour complete the experience with cocktails and artisanal ice creams.
A Wellness Space to Recharge
After the energy of the Grand Boucan, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at La Cas’Akéa, the hotel’s spa. A true haven of peace, this wellness space blends beauty and serenity in a hushed atmosphere, conducive to letting go and relaxation.
Inspired by ancestral body and mind care traditions, La Cas’Akéa invites you on a unique sensory journey through the riches of the Indian Ocean: scents of coconut, ylang-ylang from Mayotte, vanilla and vetiver from Réunion. A true invitation to slow down and reconnect with oneself, in a world where all the senses are awakened.
Among the treatments on offer, let yourself be tempted by signature rituals designed to provide a deep and soothing experience:
- Le Coquillage by Akéa
An exceptional treatment blending massage and unique sensations. The shells, nourished with Indian Ocean seawater and then heated, provide a sensation of escape and harmony between body and mind. This ritual, marked by enveloping gestures, helps dissolve nervous tension and deeply relax the muscles, complemented by the use of warm scented towels. - The “Absolute Foot Softness” treatment
A specific treatment dedicated to the feet, both toning and draining. Through a precise sequence of movements, it provides an immediate sensation of lightness. This ritual also includes the use of warm scented towels for optimal relaxation and a truly deep moment of well-being.
An ideal interlude to complement your stay, combining relaxation, letting go and recovery after the Grand Boucan festivities.
A Stay Between Festival and Discovery
Staying at Iloha is also an opportunity to explore the western coastline of the island: beaches, lagoons, sunsets and water activities punctuate the stay.
Thanks to its attentive concierge service, the hotel guides you in organizing your visit and discovering the must-see highlights of the region. A perfect balance between celebration, comfort and well-being.
Practical Tips for Visitors
To fully enjoy the Grand Boucan in Saint-Paul, a few practical tips will help you plan your visit and experience the event in the best possible conditions.
Transport
From Saint-Leu, it is recommended to plan your journey to Saint-Paul in advance, especially on the day of the festival when traffic is significantly managed. The seafront is generally closed to traffic, making vehicle access limited.
A specific transport system is usually put in place to facilitate travel. During the last edition, in partnership with the Territoire de l’Ouest and the Compagnie Pôle Sud, the Kar’Ouest network offered free shuttles, known as “Navettes La Fêt'”, between 12:00 PM and midnight.
This service transported more than 10,000 festival-goers from the park-and-ride facilities to the Saint-Paul bus station, with an equally efficient system for the return journey. A success that should be repeated, subject to confirmation for the 2026 edition.
Parking
For those coming by car, several park-and-ride facilities are available on the outskirts:
- To the north: Run Market Savanna, Parc Expobat
- To the south: Collège des Aigrettes, Intermark
These areas then allow easy access to the town centre via the shuttles.
Atmosphere and Dress Code
The Grand Boucan is above all a carnival. Coming in costume is an integral part of the experience: costumes, make-up and accessories contribute to the festive and immersive atmosphere of the event.
Additional Activities
Your stay in Saint-Leu is also an opportunity to discover the riches of the west of Réunion:
- The lagoon and its many water activities
- Paragliding, a must in the region, particularly with our partner Addict Parapente, to admire the coastline from the sky
- The Saint-Leu Market, open on Saturdays from 5:00 AM to 12:45 PM, ideal for discovering local produce and the authentic atmosphere of the island
By combining the Grand Boucan and the exploration of the west, your stay becomes a complete experience blending festivities and the Réunion way of life.
Conclusion
Experiencing the Grand Boucan from Iloha Seaview Hotel means combining festive immersion and comfort in an exceptional setting. Thanks to its strategic location in Saint-Leu, you enjoy both the buzz of Saint-Paul and the tranquility of a seaside stay.
Don’t miss this unmissable event on June 28, 2026: start planning your stay now and let yourself be swept away by the unique energy of the Grand Boucan. For a complete experience, treat yourself to at least one night at the hotel and extend the magic in a peaceful setting after the festivities. Feel free to contact the hotel at +262 262 34 89 89 to organize your stay and benefit from the best advice to make the most of the event.