Reunion Island
Photo: Claudio Büttler / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to November (austral winter — dry, cooler, ideal for hiking); whale watching June-October
Language
French (official), Reunion Creole
Currency
Euro (EUR) — Reunion is a French department, fully in the Eurozone
Time Zone
RET (UTC+4)
Airport
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis
Population
~870,000 (island)
Climate
Tropical oceanic; coastal avg 24-30°C, mountain areas 10-20°C; cyclone season Jan-Mar
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — French standards of infrastructure and safety; shark risk in ocean
UNESCO Status
Pitons, Cirques and Remparts — UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, covering 40% of the island
Top Highlights
Piton de la Fournaise
One of the world's most active volcanoes, erupting roughly every 9 months. The hike across the lunar Plaine des Sables to the crater rim takes 5-6 hours round trip. Free access when the volcano is not actively erupting — check the OVPF observatory site before going. Start from Pas de Bellecombe at dawn. Bring warm layers — it's 2,600 m altitude.
Cirque de Mafate
The most remote of Reunion's three cirques — accessible only on foot or by helicopter. No roads, no cars, just tiny ilets (hamlets) connected by hiking trails. The GR R2 trail traverses Mafate in 3-5 days. Stay in gites (mountain lodges, ~40-60 EUR/night with dinner). Book through reunion.fr. The isolation is the point — and it's breathtaking.
Cirque de Cilaos
A spectacular amphitheater of 1,000+ meter cliffs reached by a winding road with 400 hairpin turns. The town of Cilaos is a hiking base, thermal spa resort, and producer of excellent lentils and wine. The canyoning here is world-class — guided half-day trips from ~60-80 EUR. The Piton des Neiges summit hike (3,070 m, Reunion's highest point) starts here.
Helicopter Tour of the Cirques
The iconic Reunion experience — a 45-minute helicopter flight over all three cirques, the volcano, and waterfalls. Operators include Helilagon and Corail Helicopteres, from ~250-350 EUR per person. Book days in advance, especially in peak season. Morning flights have the clearest conditions. The scale of the cirques from above is staggering.
Cirque de Salazie & Trou de Fer
The lushest of the three cirques, with waterfalls cascading from every cliff face. The village of Hell-Bourg (ironic name — it's gorgeous) is a Creole heritage town. The Trou de Fer ('Iron Hole') is a 300 m waterfall plunging into a vertical gorge — viewable via a 3-hour hike through cloud forest or by helicopter.
Vanilla Plantation Visits
Reunion produces some of the world's finest Bourbon vanilla. Visit a plantation in Sainte-Suzanne or Saint-Andre to see the hand-pollination process and 9-month curing method. Tours cost 5-15 EUR. Buy vanilla pods directly — 10-15 EUR for a tube of 5 pods, far cheaper than export prices. The vanilla rum (rhum arrange) is a popular souvenir.
Creole Cuisine
A unique fusion of French, Indian, Chinese, African, and Malagasy flavors. Must-tries: cari poulet (chicken curry with rice, lentils, and rougail), rougail saucisse (spicy sausage stew), bouchons (steamed Chinese dumplings), and samosas. Meals at local restaurants (roulottes and tables d'hotes) cost 10-18 EUR. The Sunday market in Saint-Paul is a food lovers' paradise.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Reunion Island Itinerary
Arrival on Reunion Island
Arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis. Pick up a rental car — essential for exploring. Reunion is a French department, so infrastructure is excellent.
Pick up rental car(45 minutes)
Agencies at the airport. From 25-40 EUR/day. Roads are excellent French-standard tarmac. Mountain roads are narrow and winding. Drive on the right
Drive to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains(1 hour)
Head to the west coast — Reunion's sunniest side with lagoon-protected beaches. The coastal highway is fast
Check into hotel(30 minutes)
LUX* Saint Gilles (~€150-250) or Le Récif (mid-range ~€80). Saint-Gilles has the best beach access
Lagoon beach swim(1.5 hours)
L'Hermitage beach has a coral lagoon with shark nets — safe swimming. Warm Indian Ocean water. The only safe swimming beaches on the island due to shark risk elsewhere
Dinner at a roulotte (food truck) in Saint-Gilles(1 hour)
Roulottes serve Creole food at great prices. Cari poulet (chicken curry), rougail saucisse (spicy sausage stew), samosas. 8-15 EUR for a full meal
Piton de la Fournaise — Active Volcano
Drive across the island to one of the world's most active volcanoes. The moonlike landscape of the Plaine des Sables is from another planet.
Drive to Pas de Bellecombe (volcano trailhead)(2.5 hours)
Cross the island via the Route des Plaines. The landscape shifts from tropical to alpine to lunar. The Plaine des Sables is a vast lava field — surreal
Hike to the crater rim(5 hours)
5-6 hour round trip from Pas de Bellecombe. Free access when not actively erupting — check OVPF observatory website. Descend into the Enclos Fouqué caldera and walk across lava fields to the crater rim. Bring warm layers — 2,600 m altitude, cold and windy
Lunch at Gite du Volcan(1 hour)
Mountain lodge near the trailhead. Simple meals — sandwiches, soups. 8-15 EUR. The only food near the volcano
Return to west coast(2.5 hours)
Drive back via the Plaine des Palmistes for a different route through cloud forest
Cirque de Cilaos
Drive to Cilaos — a spectacular mountain amphitheater reached by a road with 400 hairpin turns. Hiking, thermal baths, and lentils.
Drive to Cilaos (400 hairpin turns)(1.5 hours)
The road from the coast to Cilaos is one of the most dramatic in the world — narrow, clinging to cliff faces, with waterfalls everywhere. Not for nervous drivers
Cilaos town walk(1 hour)
A charming thermal spa town surrounded by 1,000+ meter cliffs. The church square, the Maison de la Broderie (embroidery house), and the lentil cooperative
Canyoning or hiking(3 hours)
Canyoning in the Cirque is world-class — guided half-day from 60-80 EUR with operators like Cilaos Aventure. Or hike the Bras Rouge trail (2 hours, moderate)
Thermal baths(1 hour)
Cilaos has thermal springs — Irénée Accot thermal spa. Entry ~5 EUR. Hot mineral water soothes post-hike muscles
Dinner in Cilaos(1.5 hours)
Try Cilaos lentils — unique to this cirque. Cari lentilles or gratin de lentilles at Chez Noël, 12-18 EUR
Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg
The lushest cirque — waterfalls cascading from every cliff. The village of Hell-Bourg is a Creole heritage gem.
Drive to Salazie(1.5 hours)
Via the coast. The approach road passes the spectacular Voile de la Mariée (Bridal Veil) waterfall — pull over and photograph
Hell-Bourg village walk(1.5 hours)
Despite the name, it's gorgeous. Creole heritage houses with ornate balconies and verandas. The Maison Folio garden is a botanical treasure — entry ~5 EUR
Trou de Fer hike(3 hours)
The 'Iron Hole' — a 300 m waterfall into a vertical gorge. The hike through cloud forest is 3 hours return. Muddy but magical. The view into the chasm is vertigo-inducing
Lunch at Le Relais des Cimes in Hell-Bourg(1 hour)
Creole table d'hote (set menu). Cari poulet, rougail, achards (pickled vegetables), rice. 15-20 EUR
Return via chouchou (chayote) fields(1 hour)
Salazie is famous for chouchou — you'll see it everywhere. The drive back passes more waterfalls
Rest Day — Lagoon & Saint-Paul Market
A slower day on the west coast. Sunday market at Saint-Paul (if timing works) and lagoon snorkeling.
Saint-Paul market (Friday and Saturday mornings)(2 hours)
The island's best market. Tropical fruit, spices, vanilla, Creole prepared food, and fabrics. On the waterfront promenade. Try samosas, bonbons piment, and fresh mango
Lagoon snorkeling at L'Hermitage(2 hours)
The coral lagoon has tropical fish, sea turtles, and safe swimming. Snorkel rental from beach shops ~10 EUR
Lunch at a table d'hote in Saint-Gilles(1.5 hours)
Table d'hotes (home-style restaurants) serve Creole meals in family homes. Book through your hotel. 15-25 EUR for a multi-course Creole feast. The most authentic food experience
Vanilla plantation visit(1.5 hours)
Visit a plantation in Sainte-Suzanne or Saint-Andre (east coast, 1 hour drive). See hand-pollination and the 9-month curing process. Tours 5-15 EUR. Buy vanilla pods directly — 10-15 EUR for 5 pods
Helicopter Tour of the Cirques
The iconic Reunion experience — see all three cirques, the volcano, and the waterfalls from above.
Helicopter tour(45 minutes)
Helilagon or Corail Helicopteres, 250-350 EUR per person. Book days in advance. Morning flights have the clearest conditions. The scale of the cirques from above is staggering — Mafate is only accessible on foot or by air
Post-flight brunch(1 hour)
Celebrate the flight with a meal at Le Saint-Alexis hotel restaurant. Creole brunch with ocean views
Afternoon at Kelonia Sea Turtle Observatory(1.5 hours)
Saint-Leu. Entry 7 EUR. Rehabilitation center for sea turtles with interactive exhibits. Good for families and turtle lovers
Sunset at Cap La Houssaye(1 hour)
Near Saint-Paul. Rocky headland with views of the coast. The sunset over the Indian Ocean is the best on the west coast
Farewell dinner at Le DCP(1.5 hours)
In Saint-Gilles. One of the island's best restaurants. Créole-French fusion, fresh fish, vanilla-sauced dishes. Mains 18-30 EUR
Departure from Reunion
Final morning. Pick up last vanilla and rhum arrange, then drive to the airport.
Morning beach swim(1 hour)
One last lagoon swim. The warm Indian Ocean is hard to leave
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Vanilla pods, rhum arrange (fruit-infused rum, 5-15 EUR), Reunion spices, and Bourbon Pointu coffee (one of the world's rarest). The Saga du Rhum museum shop in Saint-Pierre is excellent
Drive to Roland Garros Airport and departure(1.5 hours)
Return car at RUN airport. Flights to Paris (11 hours), Mauritius (45 min), or Madagascar. Allow 2 hours before your flight
14-Day Reunion Island Itinerary
Arrival on Reunion
Arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN). Rent a car. Drive to west coast.
Pick up rental car(45 minutes)
From 25-40 EUR/day. Excellent roads
Check into LUX* Saint Gilles(30 minutes)
~€150-250. Or Le Récif ~€80
Lagoon beach swim(1.5 hours)
L'Hermitage — shark nets, safe. Only safe beaches due to shark risk elsewhere
Roulotte dinner(1 hour)
Cari poulet, rougail saucisse. 8-15 EUR
Piton de la Fournaise
One of the world's most active volcanoes. Lunar landscape.
Drive to Pas de Bellecombe(2.5 hours)
Plaine des Sables — lava field from another planet
Crater rim hike(5 hours)
Free when not erupting. Check OVPF. Warm layers for 2,600 m
Lunch at Gite du Volcan(1 hour)
Sandwiches, soups. 8-15 EUR
Cirque de Cilaos
400 hairpin turns to a mountain amphitheater. Canyoning and thermal baths.
Drive to Cilaos(1.5 hours)
Most dramatic road in the world
Cilaos town walk(1 hour)
Thermal spa town. Embroidery house, lentil cooperative
Canyoning(3 hours)
Cilaos Aventure. Half-day from 60-80 EUR
Thermal baths(1 hour)
Irénée Accot. ~5 EUR
Dinner — Cilaos lentils(1.5 hours)
Chez Noël. Cari lentilles 12-18 EUR
Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg
Lushest cirque. Waterfalls, Trou de Fer, Creole heritage.
Drive to Salazie(1.5 hours)
Voile de la Mariée waterfall on approach
Hell-Bourg village(1.5 hours)
Creole houses. Maison Folio garden ~5 EUR
Trou de Fer hike(3 hours)
300 m waterfall into vertical gorge. Muddy but magical
Lunch at Le Relais des Cimes(1 hour)
Creole table d'hote 15-20 EUR
Rest Day — Market & Lagoon
Saint-Paul market and lagoon snorkeling.
Saint-Paul market(2 hours)
Friday/Saturday mornings. Fruit, spices, vanilla, samosas
Lagoon snorkeling(2 hours)
L'Hermitage coral lagoon. Snorkel rental ~10 EUR
Table d'hote lunch(1.5 hours)
Home-style Creole. 15-25 EUR
Vanilla plantation visit(1.5 hours)
Sainte-Suzanne. Hand-pollination. 5-15 EUR tour. Pods 10-15 EUR for 5
Helicopter Tour
See all three cirques, volcano, and waterfalls from above.
Helicopter tour(45 minutes)
Helilagon 250-350 EUR. Morning for clarity. Mafate from above
Kelonia Sea Turtle Observatory(1.5 hours)
Saint-Leu. 7 EUR. Turtle rehabilitation
Dinner at Le DCP(1.5 hours)
Créole-French fusion. 18-30 EUR
Piton des Neiges Summit
Reunion's highest point (3,070 m). The ultimate island hike — overnight at a mountain gite.
Hike to Gite de la Caverne Dufour(5 hours)
Steep ascent through forest then above treeline. Book the gite at reunion.fr well in advance. ~40-60 EUR with dinner. Shared dormitory
Sunset from the gite(1 hour)
Above the clouds at 2,480 m. The sea of clouds below is unforgettable
Early dinner and sleep(2 hours)
Simple gite dinner. Sleep early — summit alarm at 3 AM
Summit & Descent
Pre-dawn summit push for sunrise at 3,070 m. Descent to Cilaos.
Summit push (3 AM start)(3 hours)
Headlamp hike to the summit. Arrive for sunrise over the Indian Ocean. On clear days you can see Mauritius and the curvature of the Earth. Bitterly cold — bring all layers
Descent to Cilaos(5 hours)
Long descent. Knees will feel it. The reward is a hot shower and cold beer at the bottom
Late lunch in Cilaos(1 hour)
Post-summit appetite. Double portion of everything
Rest Day — Beach & Recovery
Full recovery day after the summit.
Sleep in late(3 hours)
Your legs will insist
Beach morning(3 hours)
Lagoon floating. Zero effort
Sunset at Boucan Canot beach(1 hour)
Upscale beach with restaurant terraces
Cirque de Mafate Trek — Day 1
Enter the car-free Cirque de Mafate on foot. 2-3 days of trekking through the most remote cirque.
Drive to Col des Boeufs trailhead(1 hour)
The most common entry to Mafate. Park at the col (1,940 m)
Hike to La Nouvelle(4 hours)
Descend into Mafate. The trail drops 900 m through cloud forest into the cirque. La Nouvelle is a tiny hamlet with gites
Check into gite(30 minutes)
Book at reunion.fr. ~40-60 EUR with dinner. Simple but welcoming
Afternoon exploration(2 hours)
Walk around La Nouvelle. The isolation is the point — no roads, no cars, just mountains and sky
Gite dinner and stars(2 hours)
Communal Creole dinner. Fall asleep to total silence
Mafate Trek — Day 2
Hike between ilets (hamlets) in the cirque. Aurere or Ilet a Malheur.
Trek La Nouvelle to Aurere(5 hours)
Cross the cirque on footpaths. Pass through terraced farms, mango groves, and stream crossings. The vertical walls of the cirque are ever-present
Lunch at Aurere gite(1 hour)
Simple but hearty
Explore Aurere village(1.5 hours)
One of Mafate's most picturesque hamlets. School, church, community garden. Totally self-sufficient
Gite dinner(2 hours)
Share stories with other trekkers. The international mix of hikers in Mafate is part of the magic
Mafate Trek — Exit
Morning hike out of Mafate. Afternoon recovery on the coast.
Hike Aurere to Riviere des Galets(4 hours)
Descend through the dramatic gorge to the coast at Le Port. The river crossing can be knee-deep after rain
Taxi to hotel(30 minutes)
Arrange a taxi from Le Port back to Saint-Gilles
Hot shower and pool(2 hours)
After 3 days of gites and hiking, hot water is luxury
Celebration dinner(1.5 hours)
You've traversed the car-free cirque. Treat yourself to the best restaurant you can find
South Coast — Saint-Pierre & Wild Side
Drive to the wild south coast. Saint-Pierre, lava flows, and the Saga du Rhum.
Drive to Saint-Pierre(1 hour)
Reunion's second city. More authentic and less touristy than Saint-Gilles
Saint-Pierre Saturday market(2 hours)
If Saturday — one of the best markets in the Indian Ocean. Food, crafts, spices
Saga du Rhum museum(1.5 hours)
Entry 9 EUR. History of rum on Reunion. Tasting included. Excellent shop
Cap Méchant lava cliffs(1 hour)
Where fresh lava flows meet the Indian Ocean. The black basalt cliffs are dramatic, especially when waves crash
Dinner in Saint-Pierre(1.5 hours)
Chez Jo. Creole cuisine with sea views. 15-25 EUR
Departure from Reunion
Final morning. Vanilla, rhum arrange, and airport.
Morning lagoon swim(1 hour)
Last warm Indian Ocean swim
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Vanilla, rhum arrange, Bourbon Pointu coffee, spices
Drive to RUN airport(1.5 hours)
Return car. Flights to Paris, Mauritius, Madagascar
21-Day Reunion Island Itinerary
Arrival on Reunion
Arrive at RUN. Rental car. West coast.
Rental car(45 minutes)
25-40 EUR/day
LUX* Saint Gilles(30 minutes)
~€150-250
Lagoon swim(1.5 hours)
L'Hermitage. Shark-netted
Roulotte dinner(1 hour)
Cari poulet 8-15 EUR
Piton de la Fournaise
Active volcano. Lunar landscape.
Crater rim hike(5 hours)
Free when not erupting. Check OVPF. Warm layers
Cirque de Cilaos
400 hairpin turns. Canyoning. Thermal baths.
Canyoning(3 hours)
60-80 EUR
Thermal baths(1 hour)
~5 EUR
Cirque de Salazie & Hell-Bourg
Lushest cirque. Trou de Fer. Creole heritage.
Rest Day — Market & Lagoon
Saint-Paul market and snorkeling.
Helicopter Tour
All three cirques from above.
Helicopter(45 minutes)
250-350 EUR
Piton des Neiges — Day 1
Hike to mountain gite for tomorrow's summit.
Hike to Gite Caverne Dufour(5 hours)
Book at reunion.fr. 40-60 EUR with dinner
Piton des Neiges Summit
3,070 m at sunrise. Reunion's highest point.
Summit push (3 AM)(3 hours)
Headlamp. Sunrise over Indian Ocean. Possibly see Mauritius
Rest Day — Beach Recovery
Full rest after summit.
Enter Cirque de Mafate — Day 1
Car-free cirque. Trek in to La Nouvelle.
Hike to La Nouvelle(4 hours)
Descend 900 m through cloud forest
Check into gite(30 minutes)
40-60 EUR with dinner at reunion.fr
Mafate — Day 2
Trek between ilets.
Mafate — Day 3 & Exit
Hike out. Recovery on coast.
Rest Day — Full Beach
Complete recovery.
South Coast — Saint-Pierre
Wild south coast. Saga du Rhum. Lava cliffs.
Saga du Rhum(1.5 hours)
9 EUR. Tasting included
East Coast — Wild Side
The wilder, wetter east coast with waterfalls and vanilla.
Drive to Sainte-Anne(1.5 hours)
The east coast is lusher and less touristy
Takamaka viewpoint and waterfall(1.5 hours)
One of Reunion's most dramatic viewpoints — cascading water into a deep gorge
Vanilla cooperative visit(1.5 hours)
See the hand-pollination process. Buy directly
Diving or Whale Watching
Scuba diving in the lagoon or whale watching (Jun-Oct).
Scuba diving at Saint-Gilles(3 hours)
Several dive operators. Single dive from ~50 EUR. The coral lagoon has turtles, rays, and tropical fish
OR Whale watching (seasonal)(3 hours)
Jun-Oct. Humpback whales breed in Reunion's waters. Boat trips ~50-80 EUR from Saint-Gilles
Maido Viewpoint & Forest
Drive to the Maido viewpoint for the most famous sunrise on Reunion — overlooking the entire Cirque de Mafate.
Pre-dawn drive to Maido(1 hour)
Leave at 4 AM for sunrise. The viewpoint at 2,200 m overlooks the entire Cirque de Mafate. Arrive early — it clouds over quickly
Sunrise at Maido(1 hour)
The mist fills the cirque and the peaks emerge like islands. Mafate's tiny hamlets are visible far below. Bring warm layers
Tamarind forest walk(2 hours)
The endemic tamarin des hauts trees create an atmospheric forest below the viewpoint
Rest Day — Spa & Local Culture
Full pampering day.
Full spa afternoon(3 hours)
Hotel spa or thalassotherapy center
Dipavali or temple visit(1.5 hours)
Visit a Tamil temple — Reunion has a significant Indian community. Temple du Colosse in Saint-Andre is impressive
Grand Bassin (Lost Valley)
Hike down to the 'Lost Valley' — a isolated hamlet accessible only on foot, at the bottom of a 700 m cliff.
Hike down to Grand Bassin(2 hours)
Steep descent 500+ meters on a well-maintained path. The hamlet below has a waterfall, a few houses, and complete isolation
Hike back up(2.5 hours)
The ascent is the hard part. Bring water
Final Full Day — Farewell Reunion
Last full day. Revisit favorites.
Farewell dinner — Creole feast(2 hours)
Cari, rougail, bouchons, samosas, rhum arrange. Everything Reunion in one meal
Departure from Reunion
Final morning. Vanilla, rhum, airport.
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Vanilla, rhum arrange, Bourbon Pointu coffee, spices
Drive to RUN airport(1.5 hours)
Return car. Allow 2 hours before flight
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Same Rules as France — Schengen Zone
Reunion is a fully integrated French department, so EU/EEA citizens need only an ID card. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days (same as mainland France). Non-Schengen visitors may need a specific 'DOM-TOM' mention on their visa — confirm with the French consulate.
transport
Rent a Car — Public Transport Is Limited
A rental car is essential for exploring Reunion. Rates start at 25-40 EUR/day from agencies at Roland Garros Airport (RUN). Roads are excellent French-standard tarmac but mountain roads are narrow and winding. The coastal highway connecting Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre, and Saint-Paul is efficient. No railway exists. Car Jaune buses cover main coastal towns but not the cirques.
Hiking Is the Main Activity — Come Prepared
Reunion has over 900 km of marked trails, including the GR R1 (cirques circuit) and GR R2 (coast to coast via the volcano). Register multi-day hikes at the ONF (Office National des Forets). Book gites at reunion.fr well in advance — popular ones fill up months ahead. Bring waterproof layers, headlamp, and sun protection. Trails are well-maintained but steep.
Budget
French Prices in the Indian Ocean
Reunion uses the Euro and prices are comparable to mainland France — sometimes 10-20% higher due to import costs. Gites (mountain lodges): 40-60 EUR/night with dinner. Hotels: 60-150 EUR. Supermarkets are well-stocked (Leclerc, Carrefour). Self-catering saves significantly. Budget travelers should plan for 60-100 EUR/day.
Rhum Arrange Is the Signature Souvenir
Local rum infused with fruits, vanilla, or spices is found everywhere — from supermarkets (5-15 EUR) to artisanal producers. Visit the Saga du Rhum museum in Saint-Pierre (entry 9 EUR) or Distillerie Savanna for tastings. Reunion's sugarcane rum (rhum agricole) is excellent. You can bring up to 1 liter duty-free to mainland Europe.
Safety
No Ocean Swimming on the West Coast — Shark Risk
Reunion has experienced a series of bull shark attacks since 2011, and swimming and surfing are banned on most beaches outside the lagoon-protected areas (Saint-Gilles, l'Hermitage, Boucan Canot with shark nets). Obey the flags — red means no entry. The lagoon beaches on the west coast are safe and beautiful. This is not a beach-centric destination — the mountains are the star.
Local Customs
Creole Culture Blends Many Traditions
Reunion's population is a mix of French, African, Indian (Tamil and Gujarati), Chinese, and Malagasy heritage. This diversity is reflected in the food, festivals, and architecture. Hindu temples, Catholic churches, and mosques stand side by side. The island celebrates both French national holidays and local ones like the Fete de la Musique and Dipavali (Diwali).
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