Reunion: Discover the Island's Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness
The island of Réunion is a tiny bit of France with a tropical twist. Situated 500 miles (805km) east of Madagascar, and nicknamed ‘l’Ile Intense’, Réunion is a dramatic, mountainous paradise created and shaped by volcanoes. The scent of vanilla, stretches of black and white sand beaches, forest-covered peaks, rugged valleys, gushing waterfalls and an incredibly diverse and friendly population make this an idyllic destination.
Réunion is first and foremost an alluring tropical getaway, but its interesting mix of cultures and peoples adds another interesting element to the island. Indeed, the history of Réunion island is reflected in its people. The Portuguese stumbled across the unoccupied territory in 1513, but it was the French who descended in 1646 and really made their mark. French exiles and colonists, Malagasy slaves, Chinese indentured labourers, Indians and Pakistanis have subsequently created a rich melting pot of cultures, as well as contributing to the creation of the island’s most widely spoken language, Réunion Creole.
Réunion was hard hit by the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, as it lost significance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route. To this day it relies heavily on France for financial support. Its main industries are the cultivation of sugarcane, rum, vanilla, geranium oil for perfumes and, unsurprisingly, tourism. Although inequality and the resulting socio-economic strife is an occasional concern for locals, for the most part, everybody seems to get along fairly well on this beautiful island, with a heartening bonhomie shared between the many different racial and religious groups.
The island is home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise, and has three major cirques (amphitheatre-like craters): Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. This rugged topography, in many cases overgrown by lush forest, provides breathtaking scenery and world-class trekking and canyoning with many waterfalls to admire along the way.
The interior is home to small mountain villages and rich birdlife, and the lack of commercial development is refreshing. The island’s beaches are also worth writing home about, the black volcanic sands at Etang-Sale being particularly remarkable. The beaches are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, and the abundance of underwater creatures makes snorkelling a delight. The popular St Gilles-les-Bains offers classic palm-fringed shores on a wide lagoon and Saint Leu boasts wonderful surfing.
As if all this natural splendour wasn’t enough, the unusual cultural melting pot of Réunion ensures travellers can sample delicious creole cuisine, and revel in the island’s unique music and dance offerings, while still enjoying a little taste of French sophistication.
Travellers who seek a rich, textured island experience deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean will do well to pay Réunion a visit.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French is the official language but the most widely spoken language among locals is Reunion Creole. English is taught at school level.
- Passport/Visa:
Passports must be valid for the length of the intended stay. Travellers must have proof of return or onward tickets, sufficient funds or lodging certificates and all travel documents needed for onward journey. Schengen visas are also valid if endorsed “also valid for Reunion”. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
Reunion is an overseas department of France and uses the Euro as its official currency. There are plenty of banks and ATMs on the island, and most shops and hotels accept major credit cards.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 volts, and the standard frequency 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are standard.
Overview
Réunion is a fascinating geological destination with rugged valleys and volcanic landscapes fringed by lush forest. This vaguely otherworldly combination of features is strikingly beautiful and will certainly delight nature lovers – particularly those who seek something a little different.
Intrepid visitors should head to the Plaine des Sables, a stark ash and lava rock plain at the foot of Réunion’s volcano that feels rather lunar-like. The Piton de la Fournaise Volcano, the only active volcano on the island, and indeed one of the most active in the world, is accessible to adventurers. The Riviere des Remparts Canyon is a steep and beautiful river valley, while the three cirques, deep circular canyons, lure visitors with scenic overlooks and thrilling hiking trails.
Of course, Réunion is also a celebrated beach getaway; its tropical climate and lovely coastline among the chief reasons holidaymakers flock here. Visitors should note that the beaches on the western coast of the island, between St Gilles-les-Bains and Hermitage-les-Bains (where many hotels can be found), are sandy and comparatively safe, making this the best stretch of coastline for families and those seeking calmer waters. Much of Réunion’s coast, though beautiful, is rocky, with rough surf. Those keen for a snorkel or a swim should also bear in mind that shark attacks do occur off the coast of the island, although very rarely, and it is worth researching where the attacks most commonly take place and consulting locals and the coast guards when in doubt.
Those fond of marine life should visit the Kelonia Marine Turtle Observatory, which is dedicated to the study and conservation of Réunion’s resident turtles.
Climate in Reunion
Reunion’s climate is tropical, with temperatures varying according to elevation. Humidity is generally high. The island doesn’t experience a big temperature range between the seasons, but the year can be divided into summer and winter. November to April is hot and rainy, while May to November is usually dry and cooler, and is the most popular time for travel to Reunion. In Saint-Denis the summer temperatures average between 73°F (23°C) and 84°F (29°C), and in winter temperatures average between 64°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C). Rain patterns vary hugely according to region, with the east of the island much wetter than the west. The cyclone season runs from mid-November to mid-April and the island is occasionally affected.
Health Notes when travelling to Reunion
There are no real health risks associated with travel to Reunion. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is no chance of contracting malaria but precautions should still be taken against mosquito bites, as there are occasional outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya.
Reunion’s medical facilities are very good. Most towns have doctors and clinics, while the principal hospital is in Saint-Denis. Tap water is usually safe for drinking, though visitors should take care immediately after a cyclone or cyclonic system, as main water supplies can become infected by debris washed into the system. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Safety Notes when travelling to Reunion
Most visits to Reunion are trouble-free. Crime levels are low but visitors should still be vigilant and avoid extravagant displays of wealth. Swimmers should be aware of currents and riptides; take note of signs on the beaches and, if unsure, ask the locals. Shark attacks are a concern off the island. The cyclone season is from November to April and travellers in Reunion during this time should keep track of storm alerts. The Piton de la Fournaise volcano is still active and an eruption is always possible, but volcanic activity is carefully monitored.
Customs in Reunion
Broadly speaking, Reunion follows French tradition and culture, although the island is influenced by its many different population groups. There is a mix of Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam on the island and visitors should respect the different religious groups and their customs.
Duty Free in Reunion
There are no restrictions on the import of local or foreign currency but amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if arriving from a country outside the European Union.
Travellers over 17 years of age entering Reunion can bring in the following items duty-free: either 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one litre of spirits, four litres of wine and 16 litres of beer; perfume for personal use; and goods up to the value of €1,000 if arriving from an EU country, and €430 if arriving from a non-EU country.
Doing Business in Reunion
The business culture is quite relaxed in Reunion and only the most formal of occasions will require suits. French is the language of business and an interpreter should be brought along if needed, as there are few professional interpreters on the island. Business hours are generally 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Reunion
The international access code for Reunion is +262. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Hotels, cafes, restaurants and tourist offices generally offer wifi access, usually without charge.
Tipping in Reunion
Tipping is not necessarily expected but is usually appreciated in Reunion. Some restaurants do add a service charge to the bill but if they don’t a tip of about 10 percent is appropriate for good service.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid for the length of the intended stay. Travellers must have proof of return or onward tickets, sufficient funds or lodging certificates and all travel documents needed for onward journey. Schengen visas are also valid if endorsed “also valid for Reunion”. It is highly recommended that visitors’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but should ensure that their passport has at least 3 months of validity after the date they intend to leave Reunion.
Tourist Offices
Official Reunion Tourism Portal: en.reunion.fr
Reunion Embassies
- In the United States:
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944 6000.
- In Canada:
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
- In the United Kingdom:
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
- In Australia:
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (02) 6216 0100.
- In Ireland:
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 277 5000.
- In New Zealand:
French Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 384 2555.
- In South Africa:
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 1600.
Foreign Embassies in Reunion
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4417 6700.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Paris (also responsible for Réunion): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
