Réunion
Adventure
Surrounded
by mountains on three sides, Réunion’s capital city of St-Denis is the
northernmost city on the island as well as the largest. Really quite a fascinating city,
St-Denis is often pushed aside in favour of a trip to the beach, a hike up a
volcano, or a visit to the island’s cirques. Too bad! This warm and welcoming town has plenty
to offer Réunion
Island visitors, so a stop
here should definitely be part of your holiday itinerary.
St-Denis
is also the only location on the island where you’ll find a number of cultural
sites, including museums. For
example, the Musée Leon Dierx boasts quite an impressive collection of modern
art. Founded nearly a century ago,
this museum includes pieces by famous artists like Picasso and Gauguin. The Museum d’Histoire Naturelle provides
visitors with a good overview of the natural history of the islands of the
Indian Ocean, including fascinating exhibits on
indigenous animals past and present.
Architecture
aficionados will want to explore the unique Creole homes that dominate the
town. A stroll down the street is a
pleasant afternoon activity and a few of these homes, like Mansion Folio, are
open to the general public for tours.
Be sure to have your camera ready!
If
you’re hoping that part of your trip to Réunion will include time spent on the
beach, you’ll no doubt want to head for St Gilles les Bain, the island’s
premiere sunbathing destination.
This
beach attracts both visitors and locals, much thanks to its 12 mile stretch of
lagoon and its beautiful golden sand, a rarity on an island where most of the
sand is of the black volcanic variety.
On weekends and holidays, you’ll want to plan ahead and arrive at the
beach early if you’re not staying at one of St Gilles les Bain’s resort
hotels. When the weather is fine,
the beach is crowded as are the beach bars and local restaurants. Still, the trip to St Gilles les Bain is
well worth the traffic you need to fight to get there, as it demonstrates a
different and more tropical side of the island, far removed from the rugged
volcanic mountains.
Diving
and other water activities like snorkelling or swimming are also concentrated
around the area of St Gilles les Bain and its coral reefs, and the region is
ideal for deep-sea fishing, with charter fishing boats departing from the marina
on a regular basis.
Traditional
Cuisine & Dining Out
If
you’re into dining, St-Denis has the best restaurant scene on the island. Réunion’s cuisine, in general, is quite
diverse, not unlike its population.
In the capital city, restaurants run the gamut, from traditional Creole
food to Indo-Muslim cuisine to Chinese specialities. You’ll find formal sit-down
establishments, casual bistros, and places to grab a quick bite on the run. Don’t forget to try the ‘cari’, unique
to the Indian Ocean islands, and made with
meat, poultry, fish or seafood and containing garlic, onion, lots of tomatoes,
turmeric, clove and ginger.
Rice,
pulses, pickles, spicy chutneys, sauces or grilled dishes… The culinary creations of Réunion Island are sure to delight any palate and
tickle all taste buds. The variety
of fruit and vegetables, spices and condiments just as that of the different
flavours and textures will satisfy both gourmets and foodies. The cuisine of Réunion Island has been enriched over time, to
become a fully-fledged cuisine, with its own rules and multiple variations
thanks to the know-how of the Africans, Indians and Chinese who have settled on
the island.
Nightlife
& Party with Locals
Réunion
Island
has a varied nightlife scene and offers something for every style, every taste
and every budget. Streets are full
of life and bars even more!
Réunion
Island is no exception to
the rule. In the evening you can go
out for a drink and enjoy party-like atmosphere, put the world to rights or even
meet your soul mate.
Partying
plays an integral part of Réunion Island life. During weekends, parties start at the
bar and everybody ends up at the nightclub. Most of the nightclubs are situated
between Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre.
Entrance is free for ladies during the first hour. This special offer is much appreciated
among both ladies and gents. The
atmosphere usually remains warm and friendly.
Like
many tourist destinations, Réunion Island has several casinos which are all
situated on the coast. Although the
atmosphere remains relaxed, smart casual dress is
compulsory.
WHAT
TO SEE
The
Cirques
As
a volcanic island, the topography of Réunion Island is unique and craggy, with
the island’s most enticing natural formations being its three cirques, formed as
the inside of Piton des Neiges - the volcano that gave birth to Réunion Island -
and further shaped by centuries of erosion.
Most
often referred to as natural amphitheatres, these cirques – Salazie, Cilaos, and
Mafate – are all a bit different, each attracting travellers that are looking
for a true adventure. Some come
here for the incredible canyoning excursions. Others want to hike the hundreds of
miles of trails that traverse the cirques.
Some spend their holiday in Réunion mountain-biking while others choose a
more relaxing trek with stops along the way to explore the cirque’s enticing
mountain villages.
No
matter which cirque you visit and what activity you choose, you’ll be treated to
breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and world-class adventure…all wrapped up
into one magnificent little island.
Volcano
– Piton de la Fournaise
Situated
in the southeast corner of Réunion Island, Piton de la Fournaise is one of
the world’s most active volcanoes.
Erupting for the first time about 50,000 years ago, records note that
this basaltic shield volcano has erupted nearly 180 times since such eruptions
were first recorded in 1640. The
most recent occurred in 2004.
Piton
de la Fournaise (Furnace Peak) stretches to about 2,631 metres in
height and, since 1980, has been consistently monitored by volcano experts
including scientists and government surveillance facilities, just in case an
evacuation of residents and guests is required.
The
700,000 residents of Réunion Island have learned to deal with life in
the lava path of an active volcano.
As a matter of fact, many locals earn money offering guided walking tours
and rides to Piton de la Fournaise and the volcano is undoubtedly Réunion’s most
popular tourist attraction. Few
leave the island without a close-up look at Furnace Peak.
It’s
actually quite easy to walk to the top of the mountain and courageous guests can
even camp near the rim of the volcano.
A helicopter tour is also an awe-inspiring way to experience this amazing
sight and such tours are readily available for those who fancy a ride over this
bubbling cauldron. In reality,
however, the view from down below is the most spectacular. Piton de la Fournaise spews orange and
yellow lava day and night, with the evening pyrotechnics topping any first-class
fireworks display you’ve ever experienced.
Volcano
– Piton des Neiges
The
highest point on the island of Réunion, Piton des Neiges soars to 3,070
metres. The most dominant
geological feature on the island, located in the north central region of
Réunion, Piton des Neiges may be an old, eroded volcano but it’s also a
favourite destination of hikers who come from all around the world to explore
the area.
Piton
des Neiges occupies much of the northwestern two-thirds of the island. Unlike the island’s other famous
volcano, this one has been inactive for approximately 20,000 years. Its name translates as ‘Snow Peak’, but you certainly won’t be doing
any skiing here. You will, however,
often find a little bit of snow dusting the top of the mountain as you look
towards Réunion’s blue sky.
The
road to the summit is described as a ‘walk-up’, not a particularly difficult
climb for healthy individuals. Many
additional hiking trails surround the area, appropriate for a variety of skill
levels. Avid climbers also flock to
this area for a little adventure with the best months for climbing being May
through November, when the weather is dry.
Visitors
will find a biological reserve on the lower slopes of the Piton des Neiges. A stop here will allow guests to learn
about many of the 200-plus varieties of plants and the many species of animals
that are found on this volcanic island.
One of four on the island, this reserve was set up about 40 years ago
because residents of the island and the government of France were both quite concerned about preserving
Réunion
Island’s unique
biome.
WHAT
TO DO
Shopping
There
are lots of shopping opportunities across Réunion Island, with a wide range of traditional
French stores among others. There
are also many stores selling traditional African items. Shops are open six days a week with most
stores closed on Sundays.
Markets
are a very popular place to go shopping on the island, particularly for grocery
items. The Saint-Paul market is the
most popular and largest and has a wide range of fruit and vegetables. It is open on Fridays and Saturday
mornings.
Adrenalin
Sports
If
you’re looking for nail-biting, teeth-gritting, wind-in-your-hair excitement
while on your Réunion Island holiday, you certainly won’t be
disappointed.
Plenty
of visitors may be content basking in the island sun, but if you’re not that
kind of traveller, you can take to the water, climb Réunion’s mountains and
waterfalls, or even sail the blue skies over the island’s stunning beaches. You might even do all these activities
in just one trip, thanks to the compact size of the island, making your holiday
a true multi-sport adventure.
Hang
Gliding
If
hanging from a large kite while sailing above Réunion’s diverse topography
sounds like the sport for you, then you’ll be among the many visitors to this
island who will choose to try their hand at the sport of hang gliding. You don’t necessarily need to be an
experienced hang glider to enjoy this sport while on holiday in this amazing
island. Plenty of qualified guides
are available to accompany you as you experience your very first ride on
Réunion’s gentle trade winds and their guidance will insure your safety as well.
Paragliding
A
cross between hang gliding and parachuting, paragliding involves riding a large
‘parafoil’, fashioned with a harness, from which riders hang while gliding from
a height. Réunion Island is a paradise for this free-flying
sport, with the weather providing more than 300 clear days a year to enjoy this
pursuit, according to the island’s many paragliding experts. Riders can fly alone or in tandem. Even children can enjoy these two-person
flights, sharing the fun of adrenalin sports with their adventurous parents.
Kayaking
If
you’re not intimidated by the prospect of paddling on the waters of a vast
ocean, then you’ll probably enjoy sea kayaking. This sport has gained many fans
throughout the last few decades, especially in places such as Alaska or island
locations like Réunion. Sea kayaks
are larger and faster than traditional recreational kayaks and the chance to
explore Réunion
Island’s coast and coastal
wildlife can be quite fascinating. Many outfitters offer guided sea kayaking
tours, providing all the equipment you’ll need for a safe trip on the Indian Ocean.
Rafting
The
rivers in Réunion are perfect for whitewater adventure, with kayaks used most
often in the narrow upper river reaches and larger rafts used to navigate the
rapids below. You’ll find the
sights to be breathtaking as you travel past magnificent waterfalls and through
tall canyons on a wet and exciting adventure. Outfitters who lead guided rafting tours
cater to rafters of all ages and skill levels, providing the latest
state-of-the-art whitewater equipment to ensure your safety. Before you plan on rafting, however,
check the water levels on the island. During the dry season, the rivers can be
too low to navigate.
Canyoning
Canyoning
isn’t a new sport but it’s only recently gained popularity with a growing number
of adrenalin sports junkies. It’s
best described as the process of hiking, climbing, or rappelling (or a
combination of all three) to the bottom of a river canyon, then following that
canyon to a logical exit point, usually a spot at which it’s fairly easy to hike
back out. Réunion Island is one of the world’s premiere
canyoning destinations, thanks to its diverse interior terrain, which includes
mountains, waterfalls, craters, and plenty of other natural wonders. Grab a buddy, hire an experienced guide,
and prepare to get wet!
Seawater
Sports
A
host of additional water sports will make your Réunion Island holiday memorable for years to
come. Boating enthusiasts can choose from all sorts of vessels, from breezy
catamarans to luxury yachts. If you
prefer, climb aboard a jet ski or try your hand at water skiing or windsurfing.
Ride the waves at St Leu on your
custom surfboard or strap on a tank and get ready to hobnob with the fish that
swim among the coral reefs that surround the island. If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to
experience some deep-sea fishing in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can catch blue marlin, sailfish,
blue fin tuna, sea bream, and pompano.
Sky
Diving
The
thermal drafts of Réunion Island make it the ideal place for just about any kind
of gliding sport, including sky diving. Even if you haven’t tried sky diving
previously, there couldn’t be a more beautiful place to make your first jump.
Novices can jump in tandem with an
instructor, requiring a minimal amount of training before you step out of the
aeroplane. Experienced sky divers
will have a variety of choices for landing spots and will be awed by the site of
Réunion from thousands of feet in the air.
Mountain
Biking
Mountain
biking is certainly one of the most exciting and intense ways to discover the
incredible island
of Réunion. Mountain biking
here is generally not for the faint-hearted, as trails are often steep and
volcanic terrain rough and sometimes unpredictable.
There
are, however, a number of trails that are appropriate for novice or intermediate
riders. Le Maido is the island’s
most renowned spot for downhill biking, and during peak tourist season, the area
is teeming with mountain bikers from far and wide. La Maido boasts more than 60 miles of
marked trails, some quite difficult and others manageable for those with a
minimal amount of experience. Short
tracks take as little as 40 minutes to descend while other rides may last up to
2 hours.
If
you prefer, you can employ the services of a guide for your mountain biking
excursion or join a group of mountain bikers of a similar skill level. Guides ensure your safety, whether
you’re biking down the Piton des Nieges or taking a simpler and less steep
track. Bike rental shops are also
plentiful and offer the latest in mountain bikes and
equipment.
Trekking
Most
avid trekkers would view Réunion Island as a premiere destination for their
favourite activity, technically defined as ‘a journey on foot, especially in the
mountains’. While trekkers may not
spend all their time in Réunion’s highlands as the definition dictates, it’s the
diverse terrain of this fascinating island that makes trekking so interesting
and so much fun.
Making
your way through the island on foot gives you a chance to see the sights
up-close and to mingle with friendly island residents at the little farms and
villages that dot the island. Many
trekkers head directly to the island’s three cirques to explore these ancient
craters and touch the crumbling ground where volcanoes once stood. Nearby forests are full of lush
vegetation as well as interesting wildlife, including an amazing array of winged
creatures, all waiting to be explored.
If
you’re a trekker that prefers the higher altitudes, you’ll love it here! The summit of Piton des Nieges climbs to
over 3,000 metres, and Piton de la Fornaise, the island’s active volcano – which
has erupted as recently as 1986 – rises to about 2,600 metres and is a favourite
destination among trekkers.
Wildlife
– Birds
Réunion
Island is
a bird-watchers paradise. Many
birding aficionados head for the island simply for the purpose of discovering
how many species of winged creatures they can spot here.
The
lush forests like Bebour-Belouve are ripe with all sorts of birds, and on an
average hike through these areas, trekkers toting scopes should expect to view a
variety of indigenous species unique to the island. Before you arrive, obtain a book on
birds of Réunion
Island and see if you can
spot a Mascarene Swiftlet, Zebra Dove, a Réunion Stonechat, or a White-tailed
Tropicbird. The seabirds here are
quite fascinating as well and can usually be viewed from shore via a
telescope.
Wildlife
– Mammals
There’s
nothing terribly unusual about the fauna of Réunion Island. Throughout the centuries, a number of
animals were introduced to the forests of the island, such as deer and
rabbit. However, if you’re looking
for something a bit more exotic or unusual, you may be able to spot a brown maki
lemur (from Madagascar), a few varieties of bats,
a number of rats, and the nearly extinct Pteropus Edwardsii, a flying fox. Marine mammals may include a few
different species of whales.