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In the Mascarene archipelago, Reunion Island is one of the most fascinating of all the French overseas territories.
Nicknamed the “intense island”, Réunion is a tropical island unlike any other: it offers travellers a composite of the best nature has to offer. With over 40% of its landmass listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the few destinations where you can experience so many sensations in a single trip.
Réunion abounds with fabulous coral reefs brimming with myriad colourful species. It is a paradise for snorkelers and diving aficionados. And there are other water sports aplenty, from surfing and canyoning to water skiing and deep-sea fishing.
The distance between land and sea is but a step, so it is easy to discover the island’s rich natural resources, its spectacular natural features, and tropical gardens abundant with extraordinary indigenous flora and fauna. Réunion has many treasures including three natural cirques shaped by the erosion of the Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean: the Cilaos mineral cirque, Mafate with its exhilarating wilderness and Salazie with its profusion of lush green. It is a timeless setting. Nature lovers are spellbound when greeted by the grandiose views offered by mystical forests and immense steep-sided cirques and magnificent waterfalls.
For an even greater thrill, get up high and discover the island’s infinite contrasts. Dare to enter the heart of the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. During your ascent, you will also get to see the exceptional, lunar desert-like terrain of the Sand Plains, and the Pas de Bellecombe mountain pass, before reaching the crater: a stunning sight in itself, and an unforgettable moment.
The island also boasts architectural heritage, a veritable journey through time tracing the origins of Creole culture. Finally, awaken your senses with the island’s cuisine, a colourful mix and blend of influences.
With its infinite charm, exotic feel, warm atmosphere, and lush nature, you will be carried away by the magic of this unique island, which never ceases to amaze.
Strolling around the markets of La Réunion is an unrivalled experience! In the towns of Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu and Saint-Denis, soak up the lively, colourful atmosphere of the stalls and chat with the friendly shopkeepers.
This is also the perfect time to indulge in some Creole specialities and stock up on souvenirs from the West Indies: spices, handicrafts, rum, etc.
Covering most of the island, La Réunion's national park is a biodiversity sanctuary unlike any other in the world, where every trail has exceptional panoramas to show.
The highlight are the cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate. Shielded by majestic mounts, they reserve their landscapes and raw beauty for hikers who take the time to go off exploring...
In the enchanting surroundings of Domaine du Café Grillé, dive headfirst into the refined world of coffee to discover the history of this famous beverage and the secrets of roasting and brewing, from bean to cup.
Take this opportunity to taste one of the most subtle coffees in the world. An enriching sensory experience sure to delight fans of the black gold... and anyone else lucky enough to try it.
On the west coast of the island (especially around the seaside resort of Saint-Leu), there is no shortage of water sports activities, living up to La Réunion's nickname of the “intense island.”
Whether you prefer to go scuba diving, surfing or paddle boarding, the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean await you for unforgettable moments in paradise surroundings.
Take a stroll through the village of Hell Bourg, in the heart of the island of La Réunion, and admire the buildings’ Creole architecture! The colourful houses, villas and flower gardens will take you back in time.
This cultural tour of the capital of the Salazie cirque will show the charm and history of the island at its best, amidst an ocean of greenery.
There is no beach in Saint-Denis de La Réunion, so swimming in town won’t be possible. Instead, you'll have to head to the west coast, mainly to the La Réunion lagoon. There you can swim all year round in this postcard-perfect scenery. Outside the lagoon, there are three sites where swimming is available:
Always check which colour the flags are before swimming in La Réunion: current strength, swell and the presence of sharks are the three main parameters to watch out for before getting into the water.
There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Réunion each year. The main ones are listed below.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated in Réunion to mark the start of a new lunar year. Dragon parades and lion dances take place amid general merry-making.
On the first of May, it is customary to offer a sprig of lily-of-the-valley to close ones. Many vendors occupy the pavement on that occasion!
Commemorates the Allied victory in Europe that ended World War II on this day in 1945. Various ceremonies are held around town.
Also celebrated internationally as World Music Day, for this festival many free concerts featuring all types of music are held in the streets and at various venues around Réunion, with the revelry continuing late into the night.
This holiday celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, the key event marking the beginning of the French Revolution. It plays as a symbol of the end of the privileges enjoyed by the clergy and the aristocracy. In Réunion, it is commemorated with a variety of events. Highlights include parades, dances and fireworks, all in a festive atmosphere.
This celebration, still very popular in Réunion, is marked by several religious ceremonies. The most popular takes place in Piton Sainte-Rose, where the Vierge au parasol (Virgin with the sunshade) stands, in front of Notre-Dames des Laves Church. Miraculously, the volcanic eruption that happened in Piton Sainte-Rose in 1977 left the building untouched.
The aim of the European Heritage Days is to open up, free of charge, numerous sites and monuments, many of which are normally closed to the public, such as private estates and collections. A perfect occasion for a stroll and the discovery of architectural gems.
On this day, French citizens gather at war memorials to commemorate the signing of the 1918 Armistice officially bringing an end to the First World War.
The abolition of slavery in Réunion on this day in 1848 is commemorated each year with a number of official ceremonies, cultural events and much music and dancing.
On the night of December 31st, the atmosphere is particularly festive on the streets of Réunion, with families and friends celebrating the new year.
The Réunion Roland Garros Airport is located about 9km (6 miles) east of Saint-Denis.
Getting from the airport to Saint-Denis and back:
Getting around Réunion is very easy. The island has an efficient bus network serving all municipalities, including Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, Le Tampon, Saint-Benoît, Saint-Leu, Salazie, Saint-Paul and Saint-André. In addition, the island's roads are well maintained and make it possible to reach any point of interest by car or motorcycle.
Réunion's public bus network (https://www.carjaune.re) consists of a large variety of routes, mainly offering connections between municipalities. The following routes are among those most useful for visitors:
A single ticket costs EUR 2, and a 24h pass is available for EUR 6.
Saint-Denis and most of the other larger towns have taxi ranks. Expect to pay around EUR 15-20 for a 5km (3-mile) trip during the day.
Using a bicycle to get around Réunion is not really recommended. Elevations rise rather abruptly as you head inland and traffic is always heavy on the coastal road, which lacks designated cycling paths.
Cars and motorcycles are a convenient way to get around Réunion. The infrastructure is excellent and Réunion has a large number of secondary roads. Car rental agencies are very easy to find in all towns. Due to considerable competition, rates are not very expensive (daily rates start at EUR 17).
Upon your arrival in Réunion, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
The tourism authorities listed below offer practical information and useful recommendations specific to their regions (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
Office de Tourisme Intercommunal du Nord de La Réunion - Antenne de Saint-Denis
Office de Tourisme Intercommunal du Nord de La Réunion - Antenne de Sainte-Suzanne
Bureau d'Accueil et d'Information de Saint-Leu
Office de Tourisme de Saint-Pierre
Office de Tourisme Intercommunal de l'Est de La Réunion - Antenne de Saint-André
The official website maintained by the Comité Régional du Tourisme de La Réunion provides a wealth of information on all of the island's destinations.
The official tourism website of France has plenty of information available on Réunion.
The currency used in France is the Euro (EUR).
In order to travel in the best conditions and for your health and safety, we invite you to check all information regarding preventive measures and best practices to be respected, available on the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirusYour comfort, well-being and health are at the heart of Air France's concerns, and we want to help you prepare for your trip in the best way possible. Find out more about the measures taken to ensure safe travelling on our website: https://wwws.airfrance.fr/en/information/air-france-protectSee your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Réunion counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
There are no vaccination requirements for visitors to France (this information is indicative only and may be subject to change). For more information, contact Paris République ELSAN international vaccination centre:
Tap water is safe to drink in Réunion.
Before travelling, please ensure that you hold the required documents, by checking with the embassy and consulate of your destination and/or transit country (or countries) regarding formalities for entering the country and for your stay there.
If you are not French:
Entry requirements for the French overseas departments (Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Mayotte) are different from those applicable in mainland France. To know the types of documents required to travel to Martinique, visit the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/requesting-a-visa/
Travel advice
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in France, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Foreign embassies and consulates in France
Contact information for the embassies and consulates of your country is accessible in the directory of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/
Here are a few basic French phrases that will make your stay in Réunion a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Bonjour (morning) Good evening: Bonsoir Goodbye: Au revoir Yes: Oui No: Non No, thank you: Non, merci Thank you very much: Merci beaucoup Please: S'il vous plaît I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas Could you repeat?: Pouvez-vous répéter ? What time is it?: Quelle heure est-il ? Sorry: Pardon Excuse me: Excusez-moi Airport: Aéroport Train station: Gare Taxi: Taxi Hotel: Hôtel Hospital: Hôpital Bank: Banque Telephone: Téléphone I'm (…): Je suis (…) I'm looking for (…): Je recherche (…) How much is (…)?: Quel est le prix de (…) ? Do you have (…)?: Avez-vous (…) ? Where can I find (…)?: Où puis-je trouver (…) ? Where can I buy (…)?: Où puis-je acheter (…) ? I'd like (…): Je voudrais (…)
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TippingIn Réunion like elsewhere in France, a service charge is always included in the bill. If you are particularly pleased with the service, you may certainly leave a few extra euros on the table. But this additional tip is neither expected nor necessary.
*All amounts are in EUR. Taxes, surcharges and booking fees are included. Prices shown may vary depending on fare availability. The rate is guaranteed as soon as you obtain the reference of your reservation.