It is home to the highest peak in the Indian Ocean and one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, the Piton de la Fournaise. In Reunion Island, between two diving sessions, all the paths lead to the Hauts, the crucible of the singularity of the island with a big show! Lunar landscapes of the volcano with lush circuses, the Reunion Island is revealed in all its splendor, including the mixed flavors of a cuisine as fragrant as the local vanilla ...
The must-sees of your trip to Reunion
If it were necessary to retain a place to visit during a trip to Reunion, it would be the volcano Piton de la Fournaise. The ideal is to be at the rendezvous when it spits lava and incandescent projections from the top of its 2632 meters, which occurs several times a year. But even out periods of eruption, the walk to the observation point is well worth a look with its panorama of the lunar desert of the caldera as far as the eye can see!
To climb to the highest peak of the island, if you are well trained, it is the snow peak that you must choose, asleep volcano and roof of the Indian Ocean (3,071 meters). We can also vary the pleasures with a helicopter ride in the Iron Hole, a chasm nearly 300 meters deep dug in the massif of Piton des Neiges where falls a fall on 725 meters of elevation: impressive!
On holiday in Reunion, hiking enthusiasts are filled with 900 kilometers of marked trails and three hiking routes. One of them connects the three cirques, born from the collapse of the Piton des Neiges: 60 kilometers of a stroll through dazzling landscapes. Dominated by the Piton des Neiges, the circus of Cilaos is the driest. You can also savor its beauty by climbing to the large Bénare, the 3rd summit of the island at 2,898 meters, which offers a bonus on a view of the circus Mafate. Accessible only on foot or by helicopter, the Mafate Circus is the wildest and most authentic with its isolated islands (plateaus).
From the top of the Maïdo peak (2,190 meters), accessible by car, its spectacular scenery is particularly impressive. Punctuated by the spectacular waterfall of the Veil of the bride, the circus of Salazie is of an unheard-of luxuriance. With its creole houses and gardens, the village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Head in the clouds, we almost forget that Reunion Island also has its feet in the Indian Ocean.
Near Sainte-Rose, to the east, the Cascades Cove is the link between basalt stone and the sea, creating a real oasis for picnickers between fishing boats and tropical vegetation. On the beach of Roches noirs, we take advantage of the opening on the ocean to swim. And in Saint-Leu, we watch sea turtles swim in Kelonia, environmental awareness center gathering 1,500 m2 of pools fed with seawater.
What to do on the island of Reunion?
The holidays in Reunion are also the promise of strong moments. After climbing the Piton des Neiges, why not spend the night? It's the assurance of admiring an unforgettable sunset (and sunrise!) On the three cirques!
You can also enjoy a dive in the Marine Nature Reserve: a real giant aquarium that is home to more than 3,500 marine species. Or attend the ballet of humpback whales, sperm whales and fin whales aboard a boat. Unless you prefer to swim with dolphins, one of the 22 species of cetaceans on the island!
Culinary trip to Reunion
Between French, Chinese, Malagasy and Indian inspirations, gastronomy in Reunion reflects the intermingling of a culture rich in influences. Typical dishes usually made from pork, poultry or fish such as curry are usually accompanied by rice, grains (beans, lentils ...), brèdes (vegetable shoots), pickles (raw vegetables spicy). ) and rougail tomato, the traditional sauce. Everything is perfumed with spices such as ginger, saffron or turmeric. For dessert, over the seasons, we tasted Victoria pineapple, different varieties of bananas, mangoes (over 50 varieties!), Litchi, guavas or papayas.
But you also have to taste the ti'son cake, the corn flour, and sweet potato cake deliciously flavored with vanilla!