Reunion Island – Travel Guide
One of France’s four overseas departments, Reunion Island is a three-million-year-old volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean. It is a beautiful mix of French, Asian and African influences. Towering mountains, breathtaking canyons, aquamarine lagoons, colorful towns and villages and stunning waterfalls can all be found on this spectacular island. Particularly famous for the beauty of its landscapes making trekking on Reunion island a dream activity.
All about Reunion Island
Getting Around Reunion Island
By Car
The most popular way of travelling around the country is by self-drive as this gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the different regions of the island. The roads are in good condition although they become narrower in the remote areas. You drive on the right, as you would in France. Alternatively, you can hire an expert guide for the day, which is great fun as you learn a lot at the same time.
Car rentals are extremely popular in Réunion, and rates are reasonable. Rates start at around €35 per day (including third-party liability insurance and unlimited miles) and can drop to as low as €25 per day if you rent for an extended period. Arranging your car rental before you leave home is usually cheaper than a walk-in rental.
All major car rental companies have a desk at the airports. There are also plenty of independent operators around the island. They are cheaper than international companies but their rental cars are usually older. Most offer delivery to the airport for a surcharge.
Like mainland France, Réunion keeps to the right side of the road. The road system on the island is excellent and well signposted. Opened in June 2009, the Route des Tamarins is a 21-mile, four-lane expressway that connects St-Paul to Étang-Salé and branches onto the existing RN1. It creates a direct route between the two biggest cities, St-Denis in the north and St-Pierre in the south. The massive New Coastal Road (Nouvelle Route du Littoral) between St-Denis and La Possession is due to open in 2021.
There are some gorgeous drives as you cruise along the island’s dramatic roads. Stunning views aside, motoring around Réunion can be fairly hair-raising on occasion with some narrow, and hairpin bends, and rocky outcrops or sugar-cane fields that prevent you from spotting oncoming traffic.
By Bus
Intercity bus travel around the island is offered by Car Jaune (‘Yellow Bus,’ buses are easily recognizable by their yellow color). There are 13 lines. Apart from these buses there are also local buses. Most lines operate between 6am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, with a limited number of services on Sunday. You can buy a ticket from the driver as you board (except in the main bus stations, where you get them at vending machines). To get the bus to stop, you ring the bell or clap your hands twice loudly.
Car Jaune offers regional minibus services for several areas on the island; they run from St-Benoît, St-Joseph, Ste-Rose, St-Leu and St-Paul. These complicated local routes can be somewhat confusing, particularly if you don’t speak much French. The most used routes for visitors are the buses from St-André to Salazie, Salazie to Hell-Bourg, Grand Îlet and Le Bélier, and the buses from St-Louis to Cilaos, Îlet à Cordes and Bras-Sec.
By Bicycle
We do not recommend traveling by bicycle as a means of transportation. The traffic and the steep and precarious nature of the mountain roads does not make for a bike friendly way to get around.
By Taxi
Hailing a taxi on the island is fairly expensive, especially when leaving the airport (expect to pay around €15).
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More About Reunion Island
By Hiking
Reunion Island has 600 miles of hiking trails, with a dynamic variety of landscapes for an island. The cirques, plains and volcano have been classified as a french national natural park. The best hikes are probably in the Mafate cirque and on the volcano (Piton de la Fournaise).
By Aircraft
Some helicopter and airplane companies offer touristic flights. These depart very early in the morning (in order to avoid clouds and fog at altitude).
Reunion Island FAQ
What Country does Reunion Island belong to?
The remote Indian Ocean island of Reunion lies between Madagascar and Mauritius, to the east of Africa. As a French overseas territory, and is considered a part of the Eurozone despite its remote geographic location.
How do I get to Reunion Island?
The Roland Garros Airport in Saint Denis is Réunion Island’s main point of entry. The car rental agencies are all located in a separate building opposite the main terminal. Exit the Arrivals Hall and cross the road towards the parking area to access the car rental offices.
How do I get around the island?
Réunion is an easy destination to get around. Transport is reasonably priced and reliable, but be prepared for traffic jams near the main cities.
The most popular way of travelling around the country is by self-drive as this gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the different regions of the island. The roads are in good condition although they become narrower in the remote areas. You drive on the right, as you would in France. Alternatively, you can hire an expert guide for the day, which is great fun as you learn a lot at the same time.
The Intercity bus travel around the island is offered by Car Jaune (‘Yellow Bus,’ buses are easily recognizable by their yellow color). There are 13 lines. Apart from these buses there are also local buses. Most lines operate between 6 am and 7 pm Monday to Saturday, with a limited number of services on Sunday. You can buy a ticket from teh driver as you board (except in the main bus stations, where you get them at vending machines). To get the bus to stop, you ring the bell or clap your hands twice loudly.
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More About Reunion Island
Is Reunion Island safe to visit for tourists?
Réunion Island is part of Europe, and is a safe island. However you do need to apply common sense: avoid walking alone at night, in isolated areas, do not show that you have large sums of money or valuable objects.
Do not swim unless there is a lifeguard. Being that Reunion Island is in the middle of the warm Indian Ocean, there is an abnormally large population of sharks that circles the waters around Reunion. There have been a number of recorded shark attacks. In 2013, all open-water swimming and surfing in Reunion was banned.
I don’t speak French Creole. Is English widely spoken?
French is the main language, with Creole as the second choice. Some English is spoken but the road signs and information will all be in French. It’s useful to understand some French as English fluency is rare. We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the local cuisine like?
The local cuisine blends influences from Africa, India, China, and Europe. As an island the cuisine includes a wide variety of local fish. If you prefer more western-style food, you can find this in both gourmet and fast food establishments across the island. There are also a wide variety of local fruits, vegetables, herbs and other ingredients not usually found in French mainland cuisine such as Manioc, Mangue (mango), Goyavier (guava), Chevaquines (dried shrimp), Baba-figue (banana flowers which are stuffed and fried), Songe, and Ti-jacques (jack fruit).
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Réunion has a hot sub-tropical climate with sea temperatures that rarely drop below 73°F. The dry season is May to October, with temperatures 68-77°F. November to April is more humid, with most rain and occasional cyclones in January and February.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, plan your Reunion Island itinerary around the shoulder season. Temperatures in April, May, and September are still warm, and you don’t have to worry about those pesky cyclones. Prices for hotels have yet to skyrocket, and you’ll find fewer tourists hogging the hiking trails or all the good spots on the beach.
During the cyclonic season (November to April), you should check cyclone warnings shown in newspapers or broadcast by the radio or TV.
What currency is used in Reunion Island?
Reunion is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other European Union countries the currency used is the euro (symbol: €).
It is compulsory, for the large majority of businesses, to post prices in windows. Hotels and restaurants must have their rates visible from outside.
Most shops accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) but most of them require a minimum amount for credit cards payments (usually €15).
There are a number of ATM machines (called `gabier`) which don’t charge you for using them.
What are some popular areas for shopping?
Shopping on Reunion Island has not been influenced by modernity. Most of the shopping takes place at the markets and streets that offer local products rather than international brand-name items. The main items for sale are local handicrafts and African-influenced products, mostly found in the markets rather than stores. Wooden handicrafts are popular, and clothing made from local producers are always high on shoppers’ agendas. Embroidery, woven objects, and hand-made jewelry are some of the other products sold within the Grand Market.
Popular markets include: Saint-Pierre Market, held on Fridays and Saturdays, this is one of the largest operating markets on the island; Grand Market Saint-Denis, often regarded as the most popular shopping spot; and St Paul’s Street Market, another popular and high regarded market offer a huge range of goods.
Most shops are closed on Sunday.
Most supermarkets are open from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, Monday to Saturday. Some of them are open on Sunday morning.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency services: 112 (which can be dialed by any mobile phone, even if not connected to a GSM network).
Hospitals: Three main hospitals are on the island, Saint Denis (North), Saint Paul (West) and Saint Pierre (South) and small medical centers and clinics are spread across the island. It is also easy to find pharmacies.
Top Attractions
Saint Gilles
It is the site of the island’s most popular resort and attracts a good many tourists in search of relaxation.
Saint Denis
It’s great to stroll around this lovely town to check out its beautiful architecture and visit its markets.
Mafate Cirque
Renowned for its cirques (natural circular rocky hollows of volcanic origin), notably the Mafate Cirque, which is without question, the most famous.
Saint Pierre
The second most important town on Reunion’s south coast and walking distance of places that need to be seen to be believed.
Unique Experiences
The Hidden Majesty of Cascade de Grand-Galet.
A dramatic curtain of waterfalls plunges into a crystal-clear basin, surrounded by lush jungle and basalt cliffs — nature’s cathedral in Réunion’s wild south. Perfect for a dip, a photo, or a moment of awe.
Le Barachois Promenade Walking Tour.
Stroll beneath cannons and century-old banyan trees along the oceanfront, where waves crash and locals gather for music, food trucks, and golden sunsets. History and island life meet in the salty breeze.
What to expect while traveling
