Reunion

Reunion is a French territory situated in east of Madagascar which offers travelers some spectacular mountainous terrain and other hiking wonders. A mix of African, European and Indian cultures, the island houses nice colonial mansions and Oceanside architecture, while lagoons, black sand beaches and high, rugged volcanic peaks ready for hiking.

Reunion is known as home of one of the world's most active volcanoes, le Piton de la Fournaise, and has three major cirques: Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. This provides breathtaking scenery and world-class trekking and canyoneering, with plenty of footpaths and daredevil drops to choose from. The island's beaches are not given the credit they deserve - the black volcanic sands at Etang-Salé are a treat (though the sand can be scorching in summer), the warm Indian Ocean is the color of absinthe and the abundance of underwater creatures makes snorkeling a must. The popular St Gilles-les-Bains offers classic palm-fringed shores on a wide lagoon and Saint Leu has incredible surfing. For those who venture inland, small mountain villages, lush forests, rich birdlife and flora can be found.Delicious local cuisine, local fusion music and dance, and quintessentially French sophistication are served up side-by-side in Reunion. Outdoor activities and plenty of relaxation are combined with a welcoming people and a magnificent backdrop, making Reunion indeed 'l'Île Intense'.

CLIMATE IN REUNION

Reunion's climate is tropical, with temperatures affected by elevation. The average coastal temperature is between 64°F and 88°F (18-31°C), with temperatures dropping in the interior. Humidity is high. The island has two seasons: summer and winter. November to April is hot and rainy, while May to November is usually dry and cool and is the popular time for travel to Reunion. The cyclone season runs from mid-November to mid-April and the island is occasionally affected.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

Passports must be valid for length of intended stay. Travelers must have proof of return or onward tickets, sufficient funds or lodging certificate and all travel documents needed for onward journey.

Americans: US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three months; a valid passport is required.
UK nationals: UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three months; a valid passport is required.

Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to three months; a valid passport is required.
Australians: Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to one month; a valid passport is required.
South Africans: South African nationals require a visa to travel to French Overseas Departments, including Reunion. A Schengen visa is valid for Reunion, provided the Schengen visa is endorsed "also valid for Reunion". A valid passport is required.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require a visa for three months; a valid passport is required.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for three months; a valid passport is required.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN REUNION

Musée Léon Dierx
City/Region: Saint-Denis
The Musée Léon Dierx houses an impressive collection of Modern Art, with works by some of the great masters of the genre such as Gauguin, Matisse, Picasso, Vlaminck and Morisot. Much of the collection was once that of the French art dealer, Reunion-born Ambroise Vollard, and was donated to the museum by Vollard's brother, Lucien, after Ambroise's death in 1939. The Museum is a must for art lovers, and the curious, alike.

Natural History Museum
City/Region: Saint-Denis
The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum) opened its doors in 1855 and was the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. The museum houses fascinating exhibits of the region's creatures, from shells to rare birds and mammals, as well as books and engravings. In 1945 and 1948, cyclones destroyed much of the museum's collection and it was forced to close its doors for several years, but today it boasts roughly 42,000 specimens. The museum is within the State Gardens (Jardin de l'Etat) - a beautiful botanical garden home to roughly 50 species of trees from around the world and numerous beautiful plants, ponds and walkways. A particular favorite in the gardens are the flowering lotus plants.

The Cirques
City/Region: Saint-Denis
Reunion is a place of spectacular natural beauty and one of its must-sees are its three main cirques, Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. A cirque (or caldera) is a natural amphitheater, created by a volcano collapsing in on itself. Salazie is perhaps the most striking, covered with roughly 100 waterfalls, most notably The Bride's Veil (Le Voile de la Mariée) near Hell-Bourg, as well as lush vegetation. Cilaos has long been the site of a spa resort, boasting thermal baths for the wealthy inhabitants of the area in the 1800s. It was also once a refuge for runaway slaves. Today it is still known for the Irene Accot Thermal Center. Mafate is the most remote of the cirques and its name is derived from the Malagasy for 'lethal,' illustrating the difficulty of accessing the area. Mafate is dotted with tiny hamlets (the largest is La Nouvelle) and there are no proper roads, so the only access is on foot. The cirques provide unparalleled hiking opportunities and unspoiled wilderness, and are within a few hours of Saint-Denis.

Piton de la Fournaise
City/Region: Saint-Denis
Reunion's shield volcano last erupted in July 2006 and is currently one of the world's most active, along with Kilauea in Hawaii. The volcano is spectacular and is one of the island's principal attractions, rising 8,565 feet (2,611m) above sea level. High cliffs, deep craters, le grand brûlé (the burnt slopes) and lava streams create a stunning scene. In the past, lava streams have flown into the sea, destroying the main highway along the way. Eruptions usually occur within the caldera and therefore pose little threat to people. The walk to the summit takes roughly five hours and it is well worth finding out before hand about weather conditions as cloud cover can roll in quickly, preventing hikers from being able to make the climb. An alternative way to explore the area is by helicopter, although this is a more expensive option. Saint Paul, former capital of the island, is the closest town to the volcano and has a lovely street market (on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings), two miles (3km) of black-sand beaches, fine examples of traditional Creole houses, a seaside cemetery and other historic sites.

Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
City/Region: Saint-Denis
Close to Saint-Paul on the north western side of the island, Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains is a highly popular weekend destination, offering a beautiful 12-mile (20km) lagoon and gorgeous white, sandy beaches. Saint-Gilles was once a sleepy fishing village, but now it is Reunion's most popular resort, filling up with those seeking sun and fun. Snorkeling, diving and swimming are a must, but those tired of the beach can head to the Garden of Eden, a lovely botanical garden with roughly 700 species of tropical plants. Saint-Gilles has plenty of hotels and restaurants, though these tend to get very crowded at peak holiday periods and weekends.