Where to StayHotels: There are 51 classified hotels (French norms) in the main cities, resort towns and villages in Reunion as of 31 December 2012. Their capacity varies but is limited to 200 rooms. The total capacity is 3 990 beds.Rural Hostels, B&B’s, Tables d’hotes with the Gites de France label: Under this label in Reunion there are 84 hostels including 3 leisure cottages, 229 B&B’s, 18 table d’hôtes, 3 country hostels and 5 stop-over cottages. Rooms and seasonal renting with the Clevacances label: Under this label in Reunion there are 54 Clevacances places to rent per week, 13 B&B’s to rent per night for 2 people with a total capacity of 434 beds.Other accommodation: Includes farm stays, campsites, accommodation for hikers, youth hostel and holiday villages.

Local SpecialitiesRéunion is renowned for its varied and exceptional gastronomy, with European, African, Malagasy and Asian influences playing a major part in the dishes.

The traditional dish is the cari and there are as many types of cari as there are ways of preparing them. It can be made with fish, chicken or shrimps, flavoured with curcuma (saffron), ginger and garlic, with tomatoes (depending on the region), lentils, a type of spinach and rougail (a type of chutney). Often cooked over a wood fire, cari is the staple of Réunionese cuisine and when families go on a picnic, they often take their cooking pots along and cook the cari outside. During their culinary tour of the island your clients shouldn’t miss the flavours that are specific to the island, such as the famous chou-chou of Salazie, and the delicious ‘cari bichique’ made with fingerlings that gather at the river mouth of the ravines during certain times of the year. Another popular dish is fresh palm heart salad. Many of the island’s restaurants are also serving unusual vegetables such as elephant ears, black gram, bitter melon, jack fruit and yams. To discover more unusual products, advise your clients to take a stroll in the local markets – Saint-Paul, Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre are the best known.

A true Creole meal ends with a tot of rum, frequently spiced with the rich flavours of local fruit. It is also possible to visit a rum distillery.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Module 2 Accommodation and Dining

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

What to See and DoThe NorthThe North, a mosaic of places to discover: Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Suzanne

Strolling through the city of Saint-Denis is fascinating. The buildings are a true testament to the island’s history. Guided tours such as ‘Les Cases Créoles’ (Creole Houses) or ‘La Compagnie des Indes’ (the East India Trading Company) are reminders that ‘Ile de Bourbon’ was a common stopover for sailors crossing the Indian Ocean.

Walking up the magnificent ‘Rue de Paris’ you’ll come across some beautiful properties, some of which have been transformed into museums, arriving finally at the ‘Jardin de l’Etat’ (State Gardens), a haven of tranquillity with its charming footpaths lined with exotically scented trees. Near the exit, the Natural History Museum exhibits fauna of the Mascarene Islands and, temporarily, charts the journeys of ‘La Pérouse’. You can get to know the town even better on foot or by bicycle, taking in secluded gardens full of flowers, Chinese corner shops, Arab bazaars, Indian linen shops, Malagasy craftwork at the Grand Marché and the charming ‘thru penny’ staircase which leads down to the river.

Immerse yourselves in another Reunionese culture at the Creole cooking workshop in Sainte-Suzanne, where you can learn how to cook yourself a local cari over a wood fire after having shopped at the market for the different spices and ingredients needed for this traditional dish, and finally savour your efforts with an ocean view in the garden of Reunion’s only lighthouse.

Continue your visit down by the sugar cane fields leading up to a fine old sugar estate. The owners of the ‘Maison Chassagne’ welcome you in to relive certain aspects of daily life of that era. After that, a horse drawn carriage takes you round the orchard and, on the way back, learn all about the drying process of vanilla at the Vanilleraie of the ‘Domaine du Grand Hazier’ where the sweet aroma of the fruit of this beautiful orchid hangs in the air. In the same warm spirit, there is a workshop at the ‘Gadiamb’ restaurant in Saint-Denis entitled ‘Let’s speak Creole’, which takes place at sunset, just in time for the aperitif, where you’ll get to grips with the ‘spice’ of the Creole language, learn about household objects used in the past and finish off with a song!

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O PA whole range of different walks to enjoy. All along the coast from Saint-Denis to Sainte-Suzanne, there

are footpaths and picnic areas laid out for all those looking to take in some fresh sea air. Up in the hills, at the ‘Maniquet’ waterfall, in the ‘Grand Brûlé’ forest, or off on a walk to ‘Piton Fougères’, you’ll be mesmerised by the stunning views stretching across from Cap Bernard along the horizon to the Sainte-Suzanne river.

Up in La Montagne, have a round of golf or go horse-riding in the Colorado leisure park and in the afternoon stop by at the ‘Jardin de Cendrillon’ (Cinderella’s Garden) to discover the secrets of Reunion’s endemic plants and flowers.

For athletes and thrill-seekers, the island’s only Via Ferrata takes you across the rocky cliff-face of the Niagara waterfall in Sainte-Suzanne where you can also try out Canyonning. From the air, the Sainte Marie Aeronautic Club offers helicopter or microlite flights, by far the best way to admire the ‘Pitons, Cirques and Rampart’s’, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. With headphones on, listen to the pilot’s commentary as you journey into the very heart of nature itself.

As night falls, Saint-Denis has restaurants with cuisine from all over the world on offer, and discreetly comes to life in nightclubs and bars to the beat of Maloya rhythms, a music that has been classified as a cultural heritage. For those who like late nights, the Bowling Club and Casino are good choices, whereas the Discopoly’s club in Sainte Suzanne will suit all night music fans.

Other sites to visitSaint-Denis:

* Nature day to meet the tuit-tuit:Is a two-hour walk with a guide in the reserve of la Roche Ecrite. Visitors discover the fauna and flora and an endemic bird, the tuit-tuit.

* Avenue de la Victoire:While wandering through cobblestone alleys or relaxing on the square in front of the Cathedral, guides tell visitors the story of the East India Company and other anecdotes about the city of Saint Denis.

Sainte-Marie:* The panoramas of the highlands’ roads:

The small roads of the highlands run along rocky foothills and through cool greenery, leading to breath-taking viewpoints and enchanting panoramas.

* Piton Plaine des Fougères:A round-trip hike among tree ferns, goyaviers, eucalyptus and tamarind trees on the highlands with dazzling views of la Roche Écrite, the Rivière des Pluies and the Cirque of Salazie.

Sainte-Suzanne:* Grand Hazier Estate:

Nestled at the end of a driveway lined with royal palm trees, this colonial residence is one of the oldest on the island.

* Waterfall, Pond and River:Year round, the plentiful waters of the East feed the Niagara cascade, the pond of Sainte-Suzanne and the river of the same name.

The West The West, the starting point for all kinds of activities: La Possession, Le Port, Saint-Paul, Trois-Bassins, Saint-Leu

There are numerous hotels and restaurants lining beaches of white or black sand and offering a wide range of services, providing an unforgettable holiday of relaxation and water sports in clear and warm seas all year round.

In order to preserve the delicate balance of this living jewel, a Natural Marine Reserve was created in 2007. It stretches across 3,500 hectares and at the ‘Ermitage’ beach you can don your mask and snorkel and take an underwater tour of the captivating world of the lagoon. At the port of Saint-Gilles there are several dive companies with whom you can go scuba diving, either for your first time or for deeper explorations to encounter diverse and varied schools of fish. Just imagine spotting a honeycomb moray eel or witnessing the elegance of a manta ray!

On top of this, the Saint-Gilles Aquarium has an extraordinary diversity of Reunion’s undersea world on display. The Kélonia Centre in Saint-Leu is the place to find out all about marine turtles which you can observe in vast open-air tanks. The stars of the show remain the increasing number of whales, coming to find romance in Reunion’s tranquil waters during the austral winter. You can spot them from the coast as they leap and frolic with their calves, or even follow them in boats, at a safe distance so as not to disturb them.

Boating enthusiasts can make the most of sea winds all year round. Take a romantic trip out to admire the green flash at sunset, a sailing boat or catamaran to see dolphins or follow the rugged coastline and sail past the discreet creek of ‘Cap Homard’ and its imposing mass of black volcanic rock jutting out into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. For those keen on big-game fishing, companies in the ports of Saint-Gilles or Saint-Leu offer boat trips on the look-out for blue marlin, barracuda and swordfish far out at sea. Water sports enthusiasts are spoiled for choice here, with sailing, canoeing, wave-skiing and kite-surfing on offer all the way down the west coast.

In the Seawater Lake of Saint-Paul there is a wonderful expanse of calm water used for international water-skiing competitions. It’s a natural reserve, ideal for dreamy walks to the sound of water and papyrus, leading to the superb ‘Tour des Roches’ where the bay of Saint-Paul can be admired at every turn. Its party night every night, and even more so at the weekend! There’s a wide choice of outings, from restaurants to concerts, gigs at the ‘Kabardok’ in Le Port and the ‘Théâtre de Plein Air’ in Saint-Gilles, artistic shows at the ‘Leconte de Lisle’ centre, ‘La Cerise’ in Saint-Paul, and the ‘Séchoir’ in Saint-Leu. And all year round there are festivals enriching the west’s already exuberant lifestyle such as the Leu Tempo Street Arts, the Grand Boucan Carnival in Saint-Gilles, the Tam-Tam festival in Saint-Paul, the Film Festival at the ‘Cambaie Cinema’ and the ‘Déboussolés’ Jazz / Electro festival...

Outstanding natural beauty accessible to everyone. Up in the hills, the Maïdo is one of the island’s most impressive viewpoints. In the early hours, before a sea of clouds has had the chance to form, you will be amazed by this panorama overlooking the cirque of Mafate. Other than walking, there are other ways to get a different perspective, either on microlite flights taking off from the airstrip in Cambaie or paragliding from the hills of Saint-Leu.

Many tourists take the road leading up to the Maïdo, which is full of sights and aromas: the fragrances of Vétyver and geranium oils distilled by traditional craftsmen, then later on in the day, the delicious smells of restaurants who still cook their cari over a traditional log fire. Other attractions up there include the adventure assault course high up in the branches of cryptomeria trees, or mountain-biking on the same tracks as the Mégavalanche, an annual international downhill race which takes place every December.

A final memorable excursion awaits you once you reach the coast, with a horse-ride across the beige pastels of the savanna, the horizon burning with the setting sun.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Other sites to visit: La Possession:

Hiking:Trips are available to Dos D’Ane to Roche Ecrite (2 days/1 night); Dos D’Ane via piton Grand Bazar; and Chemin des Anglais.

Saint-Paul:The town has fascinating relics of its rich past and also exceptional scenery. There are beautiful white sandy beaches (Boucan-Canot, Ermitage) at the edge of a lagoon. Nearby is Saint-Gilles, the popular seaside resort.

* The Garden of Eden:The park is home to beautiful tropical plants.

* Route Hubert-Delisle:This route has many viewpoints and amazing panoramas and runs high along the west coast of Saint-Paul to Avirons. It was built in the 19th century and snakes from ravine to ravine, its path dotted with historical and cultural heritage.

Saint-Leu:* Conservatoire Botanique National de Mascarin:

The valuable botanical heritage of the Indian Ocean is preserved in this sanctuary. The Colimaçons estate is also a beautiful example of Creole architecture and is important in local history.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

The SouthThe marvels of the Wild South: Etang-Salé, Les Avirons, Saint-Louis, Saint-Pierre, Petite-Ile, Le Tampon, Entre-Deux, Saint-Joseph, Saint-PhilippeLiving life to the full, Saint-Pierre is very representative of the Wild South, characterized by its multi-faceted lifestyles. As a seaside resort, the town faces the sea and the marina caters for all watersports fans. The dynamic ‘capital’ of the south, has a new harbour and beautifully redeveloped sea front.

Along the seafront, the beautiful beaches are lined with restaurants to keep you nourished for the day. The party begins when night falls, with bars, concerts and nightclubs offering a host of opportunities to dance to the hectic rhythms of Maloya music. There are also many festivals and cultural outings, starting with the Sakifo music festival which electrifies the already vibrant town. The town center has a wealth of architectural gems, buildings from the East India Trading Company, traditional Creole houses, and religious sites to visit.

In Petite-Île, Reunion’s vegetable garden, learn all the secrets of honey-making at the ‘Maison des Abeilles’. There is also a lovely street lined with charming gardens and homes of craftsmen who imaginatively work all kinds of materials: wood, enameled lava stones, porcelain, bamboo, ironwork sculptures, hand-made jewellery... In Saint-Joseph, the Labyrinth en ‘Champ Thé’ (Enchan-tea’d Labyrinth) guides you through the process for making white tea, from the bush to the cup. Appreciate it - it’s the only tea grown in Reunion! In ‘La Plaine des Grègues’, the culinary exploration goes even deeper. At the Maison du Curcuma (the local equivalent of saffron) find out how this spice is transformed to become the key ingredient for any cari. In the village of ‘Grand Coude’, the ‘Maison Laurina’ exudes the precious aroma of the famous local coffee, ‘Bourbon Pointu’. A little further on, in Saint-Philippe, vanilla is the star of the show. The ‘Mare Longue’ forest, recently classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to a beautiful array of endemic trees; ‘takamaka’, ebony and two types of syzygium trees: the ‘bois de couleur’ and the ‘bois de pomme’. In the ‘Jardin des Parfums et des Epices’ (Perfume and Spice Garden), an enthusiastic guide will show you samples while introducing you to the virtues of biodiversity.

Creole charm and impromptu walks Fields of sugar cane hug the slopes marking the landscape in the South. Saint-Louis marks the birthplace of this part of the island’s agricultural heritage, the most outstanding site being the Gol Sugar Factory you can visit during the sugar harvest. The MADOI (Museum of Decorative Arts of the Indian Ocean) is a real gem situated on a former coffee plantation which was later modified to grow sugar, and is not to be missed. Further on, the ‘Saga Du Rhum’ is located at the ‘Isautier Rum’ distillery in Saint-Pierre, and offers an incisive perspective into the industry, the people, the techniques and the history.

With a forest that lines the shore, ‘Grand Anse’ is the number one spot for Sunday picnics, when families get together for a ‘z’embrocal’ rice dish, a game of cards, and singing and dancing until nightfall- join in and experience an authentic Creole tradition. Etang-Salé is reputed as a great beach spot, both for swimming and for surfing. There are activities for adults and children alike. You can have a round of golf, take the kids to the crocodile park, splash around at the AkOatys waterpark, lounge around in the shade of filaos trees that line the beach of exceptional black sand, a mix of basalt, olivine and coral.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Other sites to visit: Etang-Salé:Etang-Salé is a peaceful sea resort with a huge black sand beach. The forest is criss-crossed by wide alleys in the shade of casuarina trees, acacias and eucalyptus and, higher up are numerous friendly villages.

* Le Gouffre: The abyss (le Gouffre) provides a never-ending spectacle, where the sea roars in and out.* The Dimitile: There are rich flora and the area has an interesting history as the place where runaway slaves hid.

Saint-Pierre:The dynamic ‘capital’ of the south, Saint Pierre has a new harbour and beautifully redeveloped sea front. Its streets tell the story of a thriving culture and history and the modern international airport of Pierrefonds is nearby. Tours about the art and history are accompanied by an official guide from the department of culture and communication. On the tour of ‘the old Saint-Pierre’ visitors learn about the remarkable monuments of the city.Entre-Deux:

* Tour of Creole Houses and Gardens:Visitors can discover the history of Réunion through the architecture of Creole houses.

Saint-Louis:* Gol Sugar Mill:

Visitors can find out the secrets of sugar manufacturing during the sugar cutting season, from July to December, and learn about all the stages required to transform sugar cane into sugar.

Petite-île:* Relais Estate:

Is a popular picnic area at the edge of a primeval forest.Saint-Joseph:

* Manapany-les-Bains:Its natural tidal pool is cut out of basalt, and there are ruins of its wharf. There is a lime kiln and the majestic cliff.

* Valley of the Langevin River:Is a torrent running through sheer banks and is an ideal place for a picnic.

Saint-Philippe:* Forêt de Mare Longue:

The forest is home to many rare species, such as ebony, takamaka, and vanilla and has well signposted botanical hiking trails.

* Le Jardin des Parfums et des épices:The garden of fragrances and spices.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

The EastEnjoy the rivers and the forests: Saint-André, Bras-Panon, Saint-Benoit, Sainte-Rose

The east is particularly verdant and encompasses over half the total surface area of the perimeter classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In summer, the rivers and pools have always been popular places to relax, take a cool dip or have picnics.

It’s a paradise for white water enthusiasts of all levels: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, canoe-rafting, kayak jumping and canyoning.... quite a full program! There are also numerous walks to take in the east, crossing primary and tropical forests. One of the most impressive is the mythical footpath of ‘Takamaka’, the valley formed by the tumultuous ‘Rivière des Marsouins’.

You can also walk around the ‘Grand Etang’, a natural expanse of water set in untouched surroundings with a host of different bird species to observe, most notably the Reunion harrier as it searches for its prey. The ‘Rivière du Mât’ is also great for horse-riding or quad-biking. These rivers keep the fishermen busy all year round, and in the right season you can spend hours watching them placing their nets to catch small fry called ‘bichiques’, a rare delicacy specific to a tasty cari.

Coming back to the coast, Bras-canot is full of pleasure during the lychee season, not only along the shores of the ‘Rivière des Marsouins’ but also in the orchards of the ‘Comptoir Mélissa’, not forgetting the vanilla in Bras-Panon. Within these extensive fields of sugar cane, you can also visit the ‘Bois Rouge’ sugar factory during the harvest period and the distilleries all year round. The rich and varied cultural heritage in the east is also a fine testimony to Indo-Creole history.

Saint-Benoît:This town, with its modern buildings, stretches out from the coastline all the way to the piton des Neiges, the ‘roof’ of Réunion. It has many natural attractions in its rolling sugar cane fields, luxuriant orchards, ponds, cascades and primeval forests. The rapids of the Rivière des Roches, du Mât and des Marsouins, are a fabulous playground for white water sportsmen.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Other sites to visit: Sainte-Rose: The bridge of the Rivière de l’Est:Is suspended from steel cables and is only accessible on foot. Built at the end of the 19th century, this beautiful work of art is 106m long and 45m high.Anse des Cascades: Palm trees, monkey puzzle trees, tree ferns, orchids and crystal-clear waterfalls. The lava flows and the Notre Dame des Laves Church:When La Fournaise volcano erupts it leaves a trail of anthracite lava in incredible shapes. On one occasion the lava reached the small church of piton Sainte-Rose.Bras-Panon: Vanilla Co-operative: Réunion’s vanilla is reputed to be the best in the world. The only co-operative on the island explains the different stages that the orchid has to go through to get from the vine to dishes.Saint-André: Temple of the Small Bazaar:Is one of the most beautiful temples on the island. Recently renovated, its architecture is original and grandiose. Savanna Distillery and the Bois Rouge Sugar Mill: Bois-Rouge treats all the sugarcane grown in the north and east of the island. It can be visited all year round.

The Cirques (caldeira) The Cirques: Cilaos, Mafate, SalazieSome of the world’s most unique sites, the Cirques are born from the erosion and the collapse of the Piton des neiges’s walls and the volcano. We gave them the name of “Cirques” because of their circular appearance.

Cilaos: Cilaos, classified as a natural heritage site (UNESCO) is the only one of the three cirques which has a round shape. In the shadow of the ‘Piton des Neiges’, the island’s highest summit at 3,071m, this cirque is of unparalleled beauty. The town itself is a mountain resort with many sports on offer, housing multiple facilities dotted around the countryside - you’ll be surprised to even find a Basque pelota court. It is also the starting point for over 80km of footpaths, ranging from the easy (around the cryptomeria forest) to the more difficult (the ascension of the ‘Piton des Neiges’ itself).

Cilaos is not just a mountain resort, it is also a spa town. The spa itself is the only one of its kind on the island, and has been open since the 19th century. Bottled sparkling water from Cilaos can be found in shops and restaurants all over Reunion, and is great for quenching your thirst. Full of surprises, the cirque is also the kingdom of wine and lentils. And why not learn about embroidery, wine-making or copper engraving for a memorable end to your day, just as the cotton shroud of clouds descends from the steep mountainside.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Salazie: The cirque of Salazie has the easiest access, and hoves into view from the very first bends of the road leading in. The first aspect to captivate you is the sight of lush verdant mountainsides covered with strips of solidified volcanic ash over ten metres thick - a geological phenomenon dating back over 180,000 years! Now they are home to Barau’s Petrels, who at nightfall all appear in cacophonous unison to fight over their favourite nesting-places. Further on there is ‘Le Voile de la Mariée’, arguably Reunion’s most beautiful waterfall, which flows all year round down a hillside covered in chayote fruit and watercress. It is a truly splendid sight, attracting many photography enthusiasts.

Arriving in Hell-Bourg, you’ll be instantly charmed by this village of pretty Creole houses. Full of flowers and lush vegetation, this picturesque scene is both wild and refined. The ‘Piton d’Anchaing’ stands out in the middle of the cirque, a huge imposing rock separate from the rest - its outline looks a little like the silhouette of an ancestor resting in peace.

There are plenty of hikes and treks offering ever-changing panoramas of Mafate and Salazie, the forest of ‘Belouve’, the ‘Trou de Fer’ (a natural funnel 250m high) Terre Plate (which isn’t flat as the French name suggests) and the Source Manouilh... you’re spoiled for choice. For thrill seekers, the various Canyonning opportunities should fit the bill. In the village itself, you can take a tour of the Creole houses, the ‘Maison Folio’, an old stately home where the rich would come for ‘a change of air’ and the garden with its abundance of aromatic plants and stunning colours. Do take the time to relax in this charming village, to go trout fishing, have a walk beyond the little bridge with vines of the chayote plant entwined around its framework, and carry on down to the ruins of the original spa where you will hear nothing but the trickling stream.

Mafate: Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site. Mafate cannot be reached by car, but over a hundred footpaths lead the way to the cirque’s inhabited villages: the easiest way to get to ‘la Nouvelle’ and ‘Marla’ is via the ‘Col des Boeufs’, and ‘Aurere’ via ‘La Rivière des Galets’. These stunning treks follow forestry paths and lead into villages where time has stood still. As during times gone by, you are surrounded by nature, enjoying the warm hospitality of villagers who are delighted to welcome you. It is hard to describe the beauty of the cirques; they really are something to be experienced.

The Plains and the Volcano La Plaine des Palmistes, La Plaine des Cafres, Le VolcanThe plateau of ‘La Plaine des Palmistes’ is at 1,000 m altitude, and an ideal place to stop off. As well as local handcraft, you can appreciate all kinds of work exhibited by artists at the ‘Domaine des Tourelles’. There are many hikes leading off from here, into primary forests with Indian tree ferns and, season permitting, why not treat your taste buds with the delicious strawberry guava, a small red acidic fruit.

The road leading to the volcano winds its way up through Le Tampon and onto the high plateaus of ‘La Plaine des Cafres’. You’ll be surprised as the scenery transforms into peaceful meadows with grazing cows and little volcanoes dotted around like animals frolicking in an alpine scene. Don’t miss the ‘Maison du Volcan’* (currently being renovated) center in Bourg-Murat - here you can learn about volcanoes from all over the world. The Museum is also a tribute to the eminent volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, who helped set up the museum.

After this, the road carries on in wide loops up towards the Piton de la Fournaise. The total silence is apt for such a magical place. The Plaine des Sables, covered in orangey-brown scorry, stretches out in front of you as if you had journeyed to the moon. The bumpy road lined with miniature bushes leads up to the Pas de Bellecombe. You’ve arrived! The volcano in front of you is dormant. If the weather is good you can attempt to reach the summit. This tricky climb takes you across solidified lava to the crater’s summit where your efforts are well rewarded: a panorama of the whole island and the sea’s horizon.

And finally, coming back to the coast, make sure you drive along the ‘Route des laves.’ It’s a mind blowing sight of lava flow after lava flow, wide streams that have poured and twisted their way down the mountainside and into the sea. Sometimes vegetation has grown all over them, sometimes just the first green shoots are timidly pushing the way up through the chaotic basalt. Signposts indicate the different eruptions of the Piton de la Fournaise, giving you an idea of how long it has taken for the vegetation to grow.

Piton des Neiges: You have to be an experienced mountain climber to reach the highest spot on the island and the ascent from Cilaos is the most popular. It is better to plan for one night at the mountain refuge, some 3km from the summit, to see the sunrise on Le Piton. The thermal spa Irénée Accot offers medical care as well as fitness and beauty treatments such as hydro-massage baths, algae packs and water jet showers.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

Activities

World of AdventureFor those who like more than just lazing on the beach, Réunion is a playground for sportsmen keen on thrilling activities.

The French Forestry Commission has more than 1200km of signposted hiking trails, from short strolls to extreme hikes, the two ‘pitons’ and the cirques of Salazie, Cilaos and Mafate abound in magical spots. Lovers of canyoning, mountain biking or mountain climbing will all find something to their taste. Deep-sea fishing, catamaran trips, surfing, sail boarding and kite surfing are also available and can be enjoyed under the supervision of professionals.

The easy four-hour hike to Roche Ecrite starts at the Brulé above Saint Denis. It’s best to start early in the morning, walking through forests and volcanic rock trails to reach the top of Roche Ecrite.

At 2 277m it dominates the cirques of Salazie and Mafate and offers a magnificent view of the island.Visitors can discover the unique landscape created when lava flowed for more than a month in 2007. The

140,000 million cubic metres of lava from the volcano destroyed everything in its path. Two observation sites have been built – the first, on the side of Le Tremblet, gives a view of the entrance to the lava tunnel. The other, towards the Grand Brulé, affords a 360-degree view of the lava flow, from the top of the mountain to the ocean.Other sights well worth a visit are the volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, and the Trou de Fer, a 250m-deep abyss. In the WaterCanyoning, White-water Sports and Rafting: Canyoning is possible throughout the island and white-water sports and rafting take place mostly in the east. Scuba Diving: Parrot fish, angel fish, cornet and clown fish can all be seen in the clear waters around Réunion. There is a selection of sites suitable for training as well as deep diving. There’s a good chance of seeing turtles, dolphins and manta rays and, in winter, to perhaps hear the whales calling.Underwater World:With 150 species of coral and 500 species of fish, the island’s coral reef is one of the richest in the world. Specially equipped boats make it possible to observe these marvels without getting into the water, with dolphins, turtles or whales sometimes swimming alongside.Deep-sea Fishing: Marlin, swordfish, sharks, wahoos, tuna, barracuda are there in abundance all year round. The island has a ‘no kill’ policy to preserve its fish resources.Sea Cruises: Visitors can enjoy the pleasure of cruising the open sea on a square rigger, a catamaran or a comfortable launch.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P

On LandHiking: With two extra-long hiking trails, more than 1000km of marked out paths and breathtaking panoramas, Réunion deserves its reputation as a hiker’s paradise. From short walks with the family to longer hikes with mountain lodges and resting places, there is something everyone.Rock Climbing: The island is a top-class destination for mountain climbers. There are 20 climbing sites and numerous training sites for beginners. Golf: There are three golf courses, which complement each other with their different technical levels.Acrobatic Expeditions: Climbing trees, balancing at the end of a zip line and crossing rope bridges are some of the excursions available in the island’s superb forest.Horse Riding: The horse trails let enthusiasts gallop on the beach or walk their horse on the slopes of the volcano, taking in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island. Mountain Bike Outings: There are almost 1500km of signposted and safe tracks and a dozen stations hire out bikes and organise guided excursions. 4x4 Excursions: The wild heights are a perfect playground for excursions in 4x4s. While strictly respecting the environment and the tranquillity of its inhabitants, these tours offer a different way to discover nature and the history and heritage of the island.

In the AirHelicopter: Discovering the island by helicopter is an exciting experience - flying over the volcano, hovering above remote canyons and landing in the middle of an otherwise inaccessible cirque. Several different itineraries take visitors over the island’s most spectacular sights. Microlights: Light, manoeuvrable and agile, microlights make it possible to approach the most remote areas of the island. It is also a good way to watch dolphins and whales. Paragliding: With exceptional launch spots and optimal flying conditions year-round, Réunion is an outstanding destination for paragliding. After a short dual flight, even beginners can soar like a bird.

T R A V E L I N F O W O R K S H O P