Reunion is a breathtaking volcanic island located in the Indian Ocean. It is an overseas territory of France and is characterised by stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and colourful Creole culture. Parts of the island, including its pitons, cirques and remparts, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features an active volcano, lush mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls and various ecosystems, from tropical beaches to alpine peaks. The island has a unique position as a crossroads of African, Indian, Chinese and European influences, providing a rich and colourful cultural tapestry in its food, celebrations and warm hospitality. Continue reading to take a virtual tour of the highlights of Reunion.

How to reach Reunion?

• By air: Travellers can book direct flights to Reunion Island from Chennai and arrive at Roland Garros Airport (RUN), also known as Saint-Denis Gillot Airport. The flight duration between these cities is approximately 6.5 hours. From the airport, travellers can get cabs and shuttles to the city centre. As Reunion is a French territory, visa requirements follow French/EU regulations. Indian passport holders are generally required to obtain a Reunion-specific French visa, unless travelling under the officially approved short-stay visa-waiver arrangement (typically up to 15 days and subject to strict conditions).
• Getting around/local transport in Reunion: In addition to scenic beauty, Reunion has numerous ways for visitors to experience the island. One option is the "Car Jaune," the public bus service. The Car Jaune provides service to all major towns on the island and most tourist destinations. Regular routes operate between Saint Denis, Saint Pierre and Saint Gilles. Travellers who want to explore the island with more flexibility should rent a car. Car rentals are available at both airports and in most towns, allowing travellers to access many remote hiking trails and secluded beaches. Taxis are available, but they can be cost-prohibitive for long-distance trips. Overall, Reunion Island has well-maintained roadways. However, some mountainous routes can be very steep and winding, requiring extra caution when driving.

The island of Reunion has many unique shopping experiences with products ranging from freshly picked vanilla pods to exotic spices. The primary shopping areas of the island include:

• Local Markets: Shoppers looking for authentic reunion culture can visit the colourful, vibrant local markets on the island. The largest of these, the Friday and Saturday markets held in Saint-Paul, has hundreds of vendors selling everything from tropical fruits and vegetables to Creole crafts, clothing and street food. The many displays of colourful turmeric, saffron, vanilla and cinnamon spices create a truly sensory experience. Other great markets to explore are the Wednesday and Saturday markets in Saint-Pierre, where you can find a wide selection of seafood and flowers.
• Shopping Centres and Boutiques: For those looking to shop in a more modern, contemporary way, major shopping centres are located in both Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. The Grand Marché in Saint-Pierre and the Bourbon Gallery in Saint-Denis carry many of the same international product brands as well as electronic devices, fashionable clothing and other locally produced goods. Beach towns like Saint-Gilles and Saint-Leu have many shops selling beachwear and surf gear, as well as galleries featuring art by local artists. You can also find many locally produced items like artisanal jewellery made from volcanic stone and honey from Reunion Island.

Reunion Island has many more highlights to discover besides the well-known tourist sites, and here are other ways to make your visit even better:

• Kelonia Sea Turtle Observatory: This centre, located in Saint-Leu, is dedicated to the conservation and education of sea turtles. Its mission is to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles back into the wild. The centre also has interactive exhibits featuring information on the biology, migration patterns, and conservation efforts of green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles.
• Piton Maïdo Viewpoint: The Piton Maïdo is located at 2203 meters above sea level and offers the most breathtaking panoramic view of Reunion Island and the Cirque de Mafate. Visitors can access the viewpoint by car and enjoy a spectacular sunrise view as the cirque emerges out of the morning mist. This is also the launch point for many paragliders, and numerous hiking trails start at the Piton Maïdo viewpoint.
• Domaine du Café Grillé: At this plantation located in Saint Joseph, you can see firsthand how coffee and vanilla crops are grown, processed and derived historically from this geographical region. The plantation offers guided tours of its history and the production of coffee and vanilla.
• Maison du Coco: Discover everything about coconuts at this unique attraction in Saint-Philippe. The Maison du Coco explains coconut palm cultivation, demonstrates traditional processing methods, and offers tastings. Learn about the "tree of life" and its uses in Creole culture. The site includes a museum, workshop demonstrations, and a shop selling coconut-based products.