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About Reunion

Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and southwest of Mauritius, known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, compact size, and blend of European, African, Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences. Though small, the island feels remarkably varied, with lively coastal towns, high mountain cirques, forests, beaches, and one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes.

Most visitors arrive by air at Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis, the capital, while Pierrefonds Airport in the south handles regional links. Connections are strongest with mainland France, Mauritius, Madagascar, and parts of the Indian Ocean region, making Réunion both remote and well connected.

The island's history is tied to French settlement, plantation society, slavery, migration, and the development of a distinctive Creole identity. This cultural layering gives Réunion its particular character, visible in its temples, churches, mosques, markets, music, and everyday life. Saint-Denis offers colonial architecture and museums, while Saint-Paul, Cilaos, Salazie, Hell-Bourg, and the lava fields around Piton de la Fournaise reveal different sides of the island.

Nature is central to Réunion's appeal. The climate is tropical, with warmer coastal areas and cooler highlands, and the atmosphere shifts quickly from beachside ease to mountain freshness. Hiking is a major draw, especially in Mafate, Cilaos, and around the volcano, while waterfalls, viewpoints, black-sand beaches, lagoons, canyoning, paragliding, and whale watching add to the outdoor rhythm.

Social life is relaxed but animated, shaped by markets, seaside promenades, music, festivals, and family gatherings. Local flavors include cari, rougail, samoussas, bouchons, tropical fruit, vanilla, rum, and strong Creole seasoning, often served in generous, informal settings.

Getting around is possible by rental car, bus, taxi, shuttle, or guided excursion, with driving offering the most flexibility for mountain roads, coastal routes, and remote natural sites.