Your digital welcome book in Réunion

Visiting Réunion

Welcome to Réunion, the intense island

Its nickname, the Intense Island, sums it up perfectly. Between the excursions, the walks, the local food and the sights you simply cannot miss, boredom is out of the question! Réunion's natural beauty is breathtaking. Its unspoilt landscapes and its authenticity make it a truly exceptional island. Whether you fancy doing nothing at all or hiking for hours, let's head off and recharge in this natural paradise.

Climbing the volcano

Let's begin our tour with one of the island's most distinctive landmarks: the Piton de la Fournaise, in the south-east. You can drive all the way up to the top, so do take the time to stop along the way, as the scenery is magnificent. The road ends just beyond the Plaine des Sables. If the volcano is not erupting, you can walk right around the enclosure that protects its heart. Allow roughly four hours to complete the full loop.

Hiking in the cirques

You can't leave without tackling at least one hike in the island's cirques either. The best known and the most remote of the three, the Cirque de Mafate, offers a jaw-dropping panorama. Access is notoriously difficult, so you'll either need to follow a hiking trail or take a helicopter ride to see it. The Cirque de Salazie is another walkers' paradise. If we had to rank them, we'd say it's a touch easier to reach than the first one, but that really is a matter of personal opinion!

Enjoying the beaches and waterfalls

Of course, Réunion also brings to mind beaches and soft sand, and here too you'll be spoilt for choice. If you're after the postcard beach with a crystal-clear lagoon and fine sand, head for Hermitage beach. And if you've heard about the island's black sand beaches, then Grande Anse is the place to go. For those who prefer waterfalls and adventure, the Voile de la Mariée falls are unmissable: we'll let you discover the legend behind the name. The Trou de Fer waterfall is another must-see, with truly sensational scenery.

Not just nature

Now for a short city detour to Saint-Pierre. Set in the south of the island, it is still home to many buildings dating from the colonial era. Have a look at the town hall, once a coffee storage warehouse, or the former railway station, now the café de la gare. While you're there, don't miss the traditional market on Saturday mornings: it's one of the finest in France!

A huge choice of activities

Let's round off this wonderful tour with the activities on offer, and as you'd expect, there is no shortage of them. As mentioned above, you can go sailing, canoeing or surfing, but that's only the start. You can scuba dive to explore the coral reef and the marine life around it, or set off on foot, by quad bike or by mountain bike. And finally, you can even fly over the island by helicopter or microlight. Enough to set you dreaming!

We're ending this article with stars in our eyes and a head full of plans. Go and discover this natural treasure, then tell us what you loved most! And above all, don't forget to fill in your welcome book!