La Réunion – the French tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean

A dreamlike volcanic landscape with dense rainforest, beaches with white or black sand, crystal-clear lagoons and a fascinating kingdom of animals: Discover La Réunion, a dreamlike travel destination and ideal for a relaxing beach holiday after your safari in Africa. And if you like it more active: an individual trekking trip on La Réunion is also an unforgettable experience.

That’s why La Réunion will not only inspire you with beaches:

On the French island you can climb volcanoes, hike through dense lush rainforests, explore breathtaking canyons, take boat trips, scuba diving and snorkeling tours. Immerse yourself in the French-Creole culture in the cities and markets and let yourself be enchanted! Whether trekking, rafting, climbing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, canyoning – here you can have both an active holiday and a paradisiacal bathing holiday.

Where is La Réunion and what are its special features?

The island of La Réunion is part of the Mascaren archipelago in the Indian Ocean and is almost 800 kilometers off the east coast of Madagascar. The island has been part of Europe as a French overseas department since 1946. The local currency here is the euro, so you can be very relaxed here.

The best travel time: The climate and the best travel time for La Réunion

Reunion Island has a tropical climate all year round, so you can leave your winter jacket at home. From January to March is the rainy season, heavy rain and high waves can occur here. April is comfortable but humid. The ideal travel time for La Réunion is from May to August and from September to November is the high season on La Réunion. The rainy season begins in December, but it can also be wonderful here between December and April, because then the island is empty and you travel far away from the summer tourists.

Who lives on La Réunion?

La Réunion is considered the France of the Indian Ocean. A colorful mixture of French, African, Chinese and Indian people lives here. The islanders mainly speak Creole – a simplified form of French with Indian, African and Malagasy influences. The official language is French, but English is also spoken in many areas. The population is largely Catholic, but there are also Hindu, Chinese and Muslim customs.

Travel Tips and Sights:
The highlights of La Reunion

1. Piton de la Fournaise
   The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the last active volcanoes on the island – and at the same time one of the most active in the world. You don’t have to worry if you want to explore it on a hike. Discover a fascinating lunar landscape at an altitude of 2,500 meters. From up here you can also enjoy a stunning all-round view of the island and the sea.
2. Piton de Neige
   A sunrise at Piton de Neige, on the “roof of the Indian Ocean” – unforgettable! With the sunrise tour, the ascent to the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean takes place in time for sunrise!
3. Lava Tunnel Tour
   In and under the island there are numerous tunnels formed by lava flows. Take a tour with a guide and discover, for example, the Tunnel Bleu (Blue Tunnel), which is estimated to be 22,000 years old.
4. Rainforest Forest de la Bélouve
   You can explore the fairytale rainforest via wooden steps, wooden paths and narrow paths. In about 1.5 hours you will reach the viewing platform with a breathtaking view of the Trou de Fer gorge full of waterfalls and rainforest.
5. Watch whales and dolphins
   On La Réunion you can see whales in the wild: between June and September is the ideal time to observe the gentle giants on the south coast. You can even watch them directly from the island or from a boat. Especially when observing wild animals, we attach great importance to sustainability and the protection of animals – just like the island of La Réunion. If you want to watch whales from the boat, it is advisable to choose the smaller and quieter boats of the diving schools and to pay attention to the certificate “Observation Certifiée Responsable des Cétacés à la Réunion”. The boats do not approach the whales closer than 50 to 100 meters so as not to stress or disturb them.
6. Weekly market in St. Paul
   Every Friday and Saturday there is a market right by the sea. Local fruits and vegetables, colorful clothes, souvenirs, you can shop to your heart’s content here.

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