Reunion – Travel Guide
Discover Réunion, a paradise of volcanic landscapes and lush forests, from the rugged peaks of Piton des Neiges to the tropical beaches of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Indulge in authentic Creole cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like rougail saucisse and cari poulet, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in nature in the UNESCO-listed Cirques and Ramparts of Réunion National Park, home to unique flora and fauna. Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and the cascading waterfalls of Trou de Fer. Experience the cultural richness of Réunion in the vibrant markets of Saint-Denis and the colorful celebrations of Saint-Paul. Réunion Island invites you to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable journey in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
All about Reunion
Reunion FAQ
What is Reunion known for?
The remote Indian Ocean island of Reunion lies between Madagascar and Mauritius, to the east of Africa. As a French overseas territory, it is considered a part of the Eurozone despite its remote geographic location.
The island is most famous for Piton de la Fournaise (literally meaning `Peak of the Furnace`), which is locally known as `le Volcan` (The Volcano). Piton de la Fournaise is more than 500,000 years old and is one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world. Although it’s experienced more than 150 eruptions since the 17th century, according to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, it’s the island’s hottest tourist spot. A website for the territory claims that it’s easy to hike to the top of the mountain, and that `courageous` campers can even spend the night near the rim.
Reunion is known for it’s incredible diversity of landscapes and micro-climates, a melting pot of cultures, beautiful beaches, towering mountains, aquamarine lagoons, breathtaking canyons, colorful towns and villages, and amazing waterfalls. It is a popular destination for adventurers and hikers or for those seeking an active holiday infused with relaxing beaches, beautiful scenery and diverse cultures.
What are the best places to visit in Reunion?
With an active volcano on its south coast (Piton de la Fournaise being the most famous), 17 miles of warm, welcoming beaches in the west, and lots of mountains and forests in between, Reunion Island offers vacation opportunities ranging from relaxing to truly adventurous.
If you’re looking for a place to wind down, you’ll find it on the west coast boasting beautiful lagoons, sandy beaches and laid-back towns. Notable towns to visit in this area are Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu. If you are the kind of person that prefers an adrenaline rush, the possibilities are endless. From hiking Reunion’s unique `cirques`, such as Cirque de Cilaos, one of the three cirques on the island and arguably the most majestic, or exploring the island’s many waterfalls to scuba diving or surfing in the clear waters that surround this tiny 30-mile-wide island, the adventure activities are endless.
How many days should I spend in Reunion?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Reunion?
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.
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.
What is the currency of Reunion?
Reunion is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other European Union countries the currency used is the euro (symbol: €).
Do people speak English in Reunion?
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`d recommend learning some basic phrases just to get around as the English spoken in this country is very poor. Also useful is a good English-French guidebook or to download the offline French language pack with the Google Translate app before coming here.
Best time to visit Reunion
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 March is more humid, with most rain and occasional cyclones in January and February. The interior uplands have an almost temperate climate. It can be cool in the mountains and it’s advisable to have some warm clothing for the evenings.
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Between the east & the west: the eastern slopes of Reunion get the most rainfall whereas the west coast is much drier. There is little difference between day and night temperatures, especially at sea level. However, as the day goes on, clouds tend to form in the mountains that provide the vegetation with the necessary humidity. In order to make the most of the viewpoints and get clear blue skies, it’s best to get an early start.
In general, Réunion can be visited all year round, but the summer months from mid-December to the end of March are subject to some restrictions. Due to sometimes torrential rainfalls, hiking trails and roads on the island can be impassable during this travel season, the air is often humid-hot.
From April the weather calms down quickly and usually offers very pleasant conditions until the end of the year. For active visitors, the entire period from April to mid-December is the best travel season, while seaside visitors and families prefer the main season in the travel season from mid-September to early December.
November – April
Summer on Réunion is between November and the beginning of April, especially between January and March there can be very heavy rainfall, they come in short, but heavy patches. This is also the season for tropical cyclones, which hit the island on average once or twice a year and generally last a few days. This time of year is when the lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls are beautiful.
Events and Festivals
– Divali Festival (November) – As there is a large Indian population in Réunion, it is not surprising that Divali, the Festival of Lights, is held in high regard here. The brightest Hindu festival of the year is celebrated with performances, feasts, and other cultural activities in the main cities.
May – August
During winter, temperatures can fall below freezing in the mountainous areas of Reunion. It’s also the period when the island’s mountain peaks are most likely to be cloud-free: hikers prefer this time of year for that reason. On the coast, temperatures average in the high 70`sF, but the water in rivers and natural pools, and even in the ocean, is cool. Winter is also the ideal time of year for whale-watching. Humpback whales come to Reunion to mate and give birth before returning to the Antarctic with their new-born calves.
Events and Festivals
– Leu Tempo Festival (May) – Often regarded as the best of Réunion’s festivals, the Leu Tempo Festival brings artists from all over the world to take part in the many theatrical performances around Saint-Leu.
– Guava Festival (June) – The Guava fruit takes center stage during reunion’s Guava Festival. The major cities and towns of Réunion all celebrate this event, as markets and street stalls are overflowing with guava products.
– Safiko Musik Festival (June) – Held across three eventful days, the Safiko Musik Festival hosts the best local and international musical talents.
– Bastille Day (July 14) – France celebrates the start of the French Revolution, and since Réunion is a department of France, so too does the island.
Tipping in Reunion
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Euro?
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.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In Restaurants a service charge is often included. If its not then you should tip up to 10% if the service was good. Tipping bartenders is not common or expected.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Most hotels included service charge, otherwise tipping isn’t required.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping taxis drivers on the island isn’t common. You can round up the fare if the service was good. Beware though, catching a taxi is expensive!
Final Thoughts:
Reunion is a small French island, so a lot of the tipping culture comes from there. Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Reunion
What to expect while traveling
