10 Reasons To Visit Reunion Island

10 Reasons To Visit Reunion Island

Paris and Reunion Island are part of the same country, despite existing in completely different time zones… and hemispheres!

Reunion Island is a French territory just east of Madagascar, off of the African coast. Flying from Paris to Reunion is considered a domestic flight and rakes 11 hours in duration. The people of Reunion also speak French and the euro is the currency.

This tropical getaway is heaven on earth, in the middle of the ocean. Sun, sand and sea should be reason enough to go, but I’ll give you 10 more.

1. Winter is Virtually Nonexistent 

Technically summer in Paris is winter in Reunion Island, but cold weather almost never finds its way to the shores.

In Reunion, it’s summery year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°c. The lush green forest life remains bright and dense, and the sea water is never too cold to dip into.

I don’t know about you, but eternal summer is my idea of heaven.

Reunion Island – by Jean-Marc Astesana – Wikimedia Commons

2. It’s a Hikers Paradise 

42% of Reunion Island’s land mass is occupied by the National Park. Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy close to 600km of hiking terrain, with no entrance fees for any of them.

Not to mention the hikes themselves are breathtaking; gorgeous forests amidst vast canyons and the occasional waterfall.

Hikers of all levels of experience are welcome to use the trails, with none of them deemed particularly unsafe for any skill set or lack thereof. 

Reunion Island – by B.navez – Wikimedia Commons

3. The Cuisine will Blow Your Mind

The best way to describe Reunion’s cuisine would be eclectic and truly unique. The food is a beautiful collaboration of classic French foods and Indian, Sri Lankan and North African influence.

The food on Reunion Island is not available elsewhere in France, and is very much part of the island territory.

The island also boasts a healthy fruit and vegetable harvest, so visitors can gorge on the freshest mangoes, guavas, pineapples, coconuts and other tropical fruits.

by John Matthew Flores – Unsplash

4. You’ll Visit One of the World’s Most Active Volcanos 

Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, and Reunion Island is its home.

This volcano is one of the most important attractions on the island, and a popular experience is to hike from the base through to the summit in groups. One can also visit the lava tunnels, though I don’t recommend this if you are prone to claustrophobia.

Those wanting to see the volcano but not keen to do the hike can simply catch one of the helicopter rides from the city center.

Piton de la Fournaise – by Pouyot – Wikimedia Commons

5. There is Phenomenal Marine Life

Life in the ocean surrounding Reunion Island is as alive as the island itself.

Dolphins are known to creep up to the shores to say hello from time to time, and bathers are welcome to free-dive with them without restraint.

There are also occasional whale sightings in the bay.

Reunion Island – by B.navez – Wikimedia Commons

6. There are Many, Many Waterfalls

One major attraction on Reunion Island are the waterfalls. They exist in different zones around the island.

The most well known of them is the Grand Galet: a series of falls that lead to a single swimming basin in the Reunion Nature Reserve. This spot tends to attract all of the tourists in their droves.

In peak seasons it’s sometimes better to head to the Bassin des Aigrettes instead. This waterfall tends to be less chaotic, especially in off seasons.

Reunion Island – by Marie Rouilly – Unsplash

7. Enjoy Vibrant Nightlife in Saint Gilles

Reunion Island comes to life by night. The local people love festive celebration, and the district of Saint Gilles is where you’ll find great bars and restaurants in which to eat, drink and dance the nights away.

Street festivities are common on Reunion Island, as are markets and parades. Reunion Island is also a music-loving place, and there is something for everyone including jazz lounges, live bands and traditional island performances.

Saint Gilles – by Morgane974 – Wikimedia Commons

8. Museums, Museums, Museums

In the unlikely event of a rainy day, Reunion Island has some indoor attractions as well.

The islands many museums are fascinating. They include the Natural History Museum of Reunion Island with a focus on the fauna and flora of the land, & the Musée de Villèle in Saint Gilles with a focus on the colonial history of Reunion.

The musée Léon-Dierx is the old home of a wealthy local. The exhibit is a collection of 19th-century art and history.

9. Taste Some of the World’s Best Rum

Reunion Island is probably the best place for rum-lovers outside of Cuba. This island has been an exporter of sugarcane and rum since the 17th century.

There are now a range of distilleries all producing unique flavored rums for locals and tourists. You can sample them all, or even blend some of your own to take home.

Those who want a proper introduction to the history of rum production in Reunion should visit the La Saga du Rhum museum in Saint Pierre.

by Brenda Godinez – Unsplash

10. Helicopter Rides!

I touched on this earlier when I mentioned that riding a helicopter is an alternative to hiking to the top of the volcano.

You’ll see helicopters flying all over the show while expiring the island; they are one of the most popular tourist past times, and one of the best ways to get from A to B.

The helicopter companies will off your a variety of tours to different island attractions. There are villages and towns in the mountainous zones of the island that are completely inaccessible on foot or by car, so flying in and out is your only way of ever seeing them.

by Jakob Owens – Unsplash