Réunion Island: what to do, what to see…

• The Maïdo Located at 2 190 meters above sea level, the Maïdo Peak is one of the most spectacular views of the Mafate Circus. This natural site, accessible by car, offers a remarkable panorama of the cirque of Mafate and the west coast of the island. A must-see excursion!

• The volcano of Piton de la Fournaise It is the star of the tourist sites of Reunion. Since August 2014, at the Plaine des Cafres, the Cité du Volcan reveals the secrets of this huge mountain at 2,631 meters, whose silhouette is still present, in full effervescence...

• The Iron Hole This geological depression of the Piton des Neiges massif is a chasm nearly 300 meters deep. The rivers which engulf there form a fall of 725 meters in altitude, giving a river, the Arm of Cavern, which flows into the Mast River. Discover the Iron Hole by helicopter and you will be full of emotions!

• The snow peak At 3,071m, this sleeping volcano is the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. It is accessible by hiking trails. Its ascent, which requires a good physical condition, is from Cilaos. Overnight at the shelter allows you to be at the top at dawn .

• Cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate The majestic cirque de Cilaos is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. Accessible by a single road, the circus of Salazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gateway to the Cirque de Mafate, inhabited heart of the National Park of Reunion. So many beautiful sites to discover for nature lovers.

• The observatory of sea turtles of Kelonia Ancient species of over 230 million years, the turtle is a highly protected species in Reunion. In Saint-Leu is the center of studies and discoveries of sea turtles of Kelonia. There are marine and terrestrial turtles in breeding, or care for pollution, fishing and injury.

• The spectacular Bridal Veil waterfall The waterfall of the Veil of the Bride owes its name to the visual effect of the long waterfalls, with the vaporous effect, when the flow is important. The legend says that a tragedy took place there: a young bride on the run slipped into a precipice, losing her veil during her fall....

• The beach of Roches Noires The supervised bathing area, open to the ocean, is deeper than a lagoon bathing area, in the absence of a coral reef. With its fine sand and white, it is the ideal place for the fans of idleness and sunbathing. Nearby: cafes, restaurants, discotheques, etc ...

• Cascades Cove The Anse des Cascades is home to a fishing port and many small waterfalls that are not always fed. Picnic areas are located on this site are very pleasant and quiet ..

• Greater Benare At an altitude of 2,898 meters, the Grand Bénare is considered the third highest mountain peak on Reunion Island, after the Piton des Neiges and the Gros Morne.

• Admire the sunrise from the Piton des Neiges After the ascent of the Piton des Neiges, spend the night at the shelter of the Cave Refuge Dufour , be at the top at dawn, to attend the sunrise and awakening of the three cirques: Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos.

• A flight in the air, aboard a helicopter Helicopter rides are proposed above the cirques of Salazie, Mafate and Cilaos, of the Hole of Iron, the lagoons, and also of the volcano, including after an eruption ...

• Scuba diving in one of the nature reserves Reunion has as many wonders on land as sea. You need just a mask to immerse yourself in a real natural aquarium, accessible to all, scuba divers, and lovers of deep sea. Fish and corals waltz in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.

• Jump into the water while canyoning or rafting The East and the South Wild are favorite playgrounds for lovers of white water in a multitude of natural pools, beginners or extreme sports. In gorges in the heart of the forests, spectacular cliffs welcome kayaks, canorafts, rafts, hydro speeds, ...

• Stroll through the fairground market of Saint-Paul This colorful market brings together more than 300 exhibitors on Friday all day and Saturday morning on the waterfront of the city: sale of local products, spices, fruits, vegetables, clothing, crafts, animals ... Small tip to enjoy better: go there on a Friday morning!

• Visit a Tamil temple and witness a walk on fire Every year, from December to January, the main steps on fire (tikouli) glorify the purity of the Hindu goddess Pandialé who braved the flames to prove her fidelity. After 17 days of Lent, rites and prayers, the penitents are ready to face the test of fire in exchange for a divine grace...

• Do the circuit of the Creole huts of Entre-Deux In the Creole village of Hell-Bourg, in the heart of the Saliazie circus, the resort has kept all its charms around the old baths. Authentic Creole houses, gardens, modest boxes or bourgeois villas, the circuit will seduce travelers in search of authentic discoveries.

• Watch dolphins and whales off the coast Swimming with whales and / or dolphins: this is a child's dream that can be realized in Reunion Island! Put yourself in the water gently and observe the animals in their natural environment, gently so as not to disturb them: what an unforgettable sensation!

• Discover the Wild South and Laves Route The Laves road crosses the Grand Brûlé, the coastal part of the last volcanic caldera formed by the Piton de la Fournaise, Enclos Fouqué. Signs indicate the lava flows that swept it during the eruptions of Piton de La Fournaise. Its layout is thus regularly modified ... An absolute must-see!

• Sway on Maloya Music, song and dance at the same time, Maloya is at the heart of the traditions of the island. Since 2009, it appears in the list of Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It expresses the pain and revolt of the slaves of Malagasy and African origin, in the sugar plantations of Reunion.

• Brèdes • Rougail • Babafigue • Beignets de Chouchou • Bouchons • Creole sarcives • Bonbons Piments • Manioc crepe • Dodo beer • Gratin de Chouchou

• Bourbon vanilla • Rum • White tea • Cilaos lace and embroidery • Lychee wood objects • Lava rock objects • A tamarind wood lamp • Tamarind paste