Overview
Réunion is a French overseas department and region situated in the southwestern Indian Ocean, roughly 800 km east of Madagascar and about 200 km southwest of Mauritius. Despite being constitutionally part of France — and therefore part of the European Union — it feels like a world apart, shaped by volcanic geology, a multi-ethnic Creole society, and extraordinarily varied microclimates within a relatively compact island.
The island's interior is dominated by Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active shield volcanoes, and three ancient collapsed calderas known as cirques: Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate. Mafate is accessible only on foot or by helicopter, making it one of the few genuinely roadless inhabited areas in the Indian Ocean region. This geography draws serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
The coastline transitions from dramatic cliffs and black-sand beaches in the south and east to calmer, reef-protected lagoons with white and beige sand in the west and northwest. The western towns of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and L'Hermitage are the main beach resort areas. The administrative and cultural capital, Saint-Denis, sits on the north coast and reflects the island's French colonial and Creole heritage through its architecture and cuisine.
Reunion's population is a blend of descendants from Africa, Madagascar, India (both Tamil and Gujarati communities), China, and Europe, which gives the island a richly layered cultural and culinary identity. Religious sites — Hindu temples, mosques, Catholic churches, and Chinese pagodas — often stand within short distances of one another.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Because Réunion is an integral part of France and the European Union, entry requirements follow French/EU rules and are not the same as for the nearby independent island nations of Mauritius or Madagascar. That said, rules vary significantly depending on your nationality and can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official French immigration authority (immigration.interieur.gouv.fr) well before your trip.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers arriving from non-endemic countries, but standard travel health precautions apply. Dengue fever is present on the island; use mosquito repellent, especially during the wetter months. Chikungunya has historically been a concern here. Consult a travel health clinic before departure. The island has a good public hospital system (CHU de La Réunion) and private clinics, but medical evacuation capability can be relevant for serious injuries in remote hiking areas.
Cyclone Season
The southwestern Indian Ocean cyclone season broadly spans December through March. Cyclones can affect Réunion with little warning. If traveling during this period, monitor Météo-France and Préfecture alerts, know the color-coded alert system (from yellow through red/purple), and follow all official instructions. Many outdoor activities including Piton de la Fournaise access are restricted during alerts.
What to Pack
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots if you plan to trek the cirques or the volcano
- Layers: temperatures vary enormously between sea level and altitude (Cilaos sits at around 1,200 m)
- Sun protection: UV index is high year-round
- Rain gear: the east and interior can receive very heavy rainfall even in the dry season
- European-standard power adapters (Type E plugs, 230V)
Getting There
By Air
Réunion is served by Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Sainte-Marie, just east of Saint-Denis. It is the island's main international airport. A second airport, Pierrefonds (ZSE), near Saint-Pierre in the south, handles some regional flights. Air France operates regular flights from Paris (approximately 11 hours direct), and Air Austral — the island's own carrier — is a major operator connecting Réunion with metropolitan France, Mauritius, Mayotte, Madagascar, and other Indian Ocean destinations. Several airlines connect through Paris or Mauritius from other continents. Verify current route availability and schedules directly with airlines, as services change.
Ferry Links
High-speed ferry services have operated between Réunion and Mauritius historically, but schedules and operators change. Verify current options locally or through the Réunion tourism office before assuming this is available during your travel window.
No Land Borders
As an island, Réunion has no road or rail connections to other territories. All international arrivals are by air or sea.
Getting Around
Car Rental
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore Réunion independently. The road network is generally well maintained, though mountain roads to the cirques — particularly Cilaos — involve long stretches of tight switchbacks. International driving licenses are accepted; drive on the right (French traffic rules apply).
Public Transport (Car Jaune)
Réunion has a public bus network operated under the Car Jaune brand that connects most coastal towns and some inland destinations. Services can be infrequent, especially on weekends and to more remote areas. Verify current timetables via the Car Jaune website or at local bus stations.
Taxis and Ride Hailing
Taxis are available, particularly in Saint-Denis and coastal resort areas, but should be metered or agreed in advance. Verify locally whether ride-hailing apps operate on the island.
Cirque Mafate
The Cirque de Mafate has no road access. Reaching it requires multi-day hiking in on established GR trails or a helicopter flight. Several operators run helicopter tours and transfers; verify availability and pricing locally.
Hiking Trails
Réunion's trail network is extensive and well-signposted. The Piton de la Fournaise trail system is managed by the national park (Parc National de La Réunion). Trail conditions near the volcano depend on current eruptive activity; always check the park's official status updates before setting out.
Things to See & Do
Volcano and National Park
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the main reasons visitors come to Réunion. The shield volcano erupts frequently — sometimes several times a year — and when the summit is open, hiking to the rim of the Dolomieu crater is a remarkable experience. The Maison du Volcan in Bourg-Murat provides interpretive context. Access depends entirely on current eruptive status; check Parc National de La Réunion and the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise before planning.
The Three Cirques
- Cilaos: The most accessible by road, known for its mineral springs, lentils (a local agricultural specialty), and embroidery tradition. The road from Saint-Louis involves over 400 bends and is an experience in itself.
- Salazie: Lush and green, home to the village of Hell-Bourg, considered one of the most picturesque in France, and the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée waterfall.
- Mafate: Roadless and inhabited by a small population in scattered îlets (hamlets). Accessible only by foot or helicopter. Multi-day hikes through Mafate are a highlight for serious trekkers.
Beaches and Lagoon
The protected lagoon on Réunion's western coast (from La Saline-les-Bains southward toward Saint-Leu) offers calm snorkeling and swimming. A shark risk is present on unprotected coasts; always observe local swimming flags and restrictions. The Reunion Island Surf Tourism area and Pointe au Sel are well-regarded spots.
Cultural Sites
- The historic center of Saint-Denis, with colonial Creole architecture along rue de Paris and the Natural History Museum
- Hindu temples (kovils) particularly visible in areas with strong Tamil heritage such as Saint-André
- The Jardin de l'État botanical garden in Saint-Denis
Outdoor Activities
Beyond hiking, the island offers canyoning (particularly around Cilaos and Salazie), mountain biking, paragliding (Saint-Leu is a well-regarded site), and whale watching during the austral winter months when humpback whales migrate through local waters. Verify seasonal availability with local operators.
Food & Drink
Creole Cuisine
Réunionnais Creole cooking is the heart of the island's food culture. The emblematic dish is rougail saucisses — a tomato-based stew with smoked sausages, served over rice with beans (grains) and a spicy condiment called rougail. Other staples include cari (curry), which reflects the island's Indian heritage and appears with chicken, pork, fish, or vegetable combinations. Grains — lentils, kidney beans, or flageolets — almost always accompany the main dish.
Cilaos lentils have a recognized reputation for quality and appear on menus throughout the island. Freshwater crayfish (chevrettes), when seasonally available, are a local delicacy served grilled or in cari.
Street Food and Markets
Local markets — particularly the Grand Marché in Saint-Denis — are good places to sample rougail, bouchons (steamed pork dumplings reflecting Chinese influence), samossas (adapted from Indian cooking), and fresh tropical fruits. Eating at small family-run restaurants called tables d'hôtes is one of the most authentic ways to experience the cuisine.
Drink
Rhum arrangé — locally produced rum infused with tropical fruits, spices, or vanilla — is the island's signature drink and available everywhere. Dodo is the local lager beer, brewed on the island. Local fruit juices, particularly passion fruit and guava, are widely available. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas; verify locally in more remote zones.
Practical Information
Money
Réunion uses the euro. ATMs (distributeurs) are widely available in towns. Card payment is accepted in most hotels, supermarkets, and larger restaurants, but smaller local restaurants and market vendors may prefer cash.
Phone and Internet
Reunion uses French mobile standards (4G LTE coverage is good in coastal and urban areas; more limited in deep mountain terrain). European SIM cards generally work without roaming charges due to EU regulations; verify with your provider. Local SIM cards are available from operators including SFR Réunion and Orange Réunion. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.
Emergency Numbers
As part of France, standard French emergency numbers apply: 15 (SAMU medical emergencies), 17 (police), 18 (fire/pompiers), and 112 (pan-European emergency number, works from mobile phones). Verify these are current locally on arrival.
Electricity
Type E plugs, 230V/50Hz — same as metropolitan France. Non-European travelers should bring appropriate adapters.
Time Zone
UTC+4 year-round. Réunion does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset relative to Europe varies seasonally.
Safety
General Safety
Réunion is generally considered safe for travelers by regional standards. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas, beach parking lots, and markets — keep valuables secure and do not leave items visible in parked cars, particularly at trailheads.
Swimming and Ocean Safety
Shark incidents have occurred in Réunion's waters. Surfing and swimming are prohibited on unprotected coasts outside designated and supervised zones. Always follow local beach flags and signs, and consult current local advisories. The lagoon areas with reef protection on the west coast are generally considered safer for swimming.
Hiking Safety
Treks into the cirques and onto the volcano can be demanding. Weather changes rapidly in the mountains. Always carry adequate water, food, appropriate clothing, and a fully charged phone. Inform someone of your itinerary. Some trails require guides for safety, particularly in Mafate for first-timers. Check with the national park or a local guide agency before undertaking difficult routes.
Natural Hazards
Beyond cyclones and volcanic activity, heavy rainfall can cause flash floods and landslides, particularly in the cirques and along the east coast. Hélipad closures and trail shutdowns can occur with little notice. Monitor local official communications (Préfecture de La Réunion) during your stay.
Local Culture & Etiquette
A Multi-Ethnic Society
Réunion's population of roughly 900,000 draws from diverse ancestral backgrounds — African and Malagasy, Indian (both Tamil and Muslim Gujarati, referred to locally as Zarabes), Chinese, and European (called Zoreils for metropolitan French and Créoles for those born on the island). This diversity is reflected in religious practice, food, festivals, and daily life without the strict ethnic tensions found in some plural societies, though social dynamics have their own local complexities.
Language
French is the language of government, education, and official life. Réunion Creole (Kréol Réyoné) is widely spoken in everyday contexts and should not be confused with other Indian Ocean Creoles — it is distinct in phonology and vocabulary. Learning a few basic French phrases goes a long way, as English is not as widely spoken as in Mauritius, particularly outside resort areas.
Religion and Festivals
The island is predominantly Catholic, but Hindu festivals such as Diwali, the Cavadee procession, and the fire-walking ceremony (Marche sur le feu) are observed and visible. Chinese New Year is celebrated in communities with Chinese heritage. Respect for religious sites across all traditions — removing shoes when required, dressing modestly — is expected and appreciated.
Arts and Music
Maloya — a music and dance form rooted in the experience of enslaved people brought to the island — was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. Séga is another popular music tradition shared with neighboring islands. Local artists and cultural events are worth seeking out during your stay.