Réunion
A French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, combining volcanoes, cirques and tropical beaches, a paradise for hiking and outdoor sports.
Réunion lies in the southwest Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is an overseas department and region of France and uses the euro. The whole island is volcanic in origin; the active Piton de la Fournaise erupts frequently, and around the highest peak, Piton des Neiges, the three spectacular cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate stand out. 'Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island' is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The west coast has coral lagoons and beaches, and the island blends Creole, Indian, Chinese and other cultures. May to November is the cool dry season, best for hiking; from January to March, watch out for cyclones. The main gateway is Roland Garros Airport in Saint-Denis.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Réunion Cirques & Volcano Loop – Rent a car and drive counter-clockwise around the island, connecting the west coast, two cirques, Piton de la Fournaise…
- Mascarene Three Islands Tour – Fly in and out of Mauritius, taking in Réunion's cirques and volcano, and Rodrigues' lagoon, with each of the three isl…
- Mauritius and Réunion Volcanoes – Explore Mauritius's southwest highlands and Port Louis, fly to Réunion for Maïdo and Piton de la Fournaise, then return…