There is a little-known isle in the midst of the Indian Ocean where you can climb an active volcano, surf a perfect wave and sample authentic French cuisine, all in the same day. A visit to Reunion Island, located about 500 miles east of Madagascar in the Southern Hemisphere, will expose you to an international blend of cultures that integrates French, Chinese and Indian influences. You can also experience some of the greatest environmental contrasts possible, with one area of the island lush and humid and the other arid and dry.
Catch the Capital
- Although it is a tropical island surrounded by a temperate sea, Reunion is still undeniably French, and its capital city, Saint-Denis, smoothly integrates that specific European flavor with the diverse local culture. There is an active social scene, with numerous nightclubs, cafes and outdoor bars. Upscale shops line the streets of its business district, and the international ambiance dictates a pricey living standard. The various stores offer wares reflecting traditional French crafts, such as sculpture, as well as locally produced goods like handmade fabrics and jewelry. The town even has its own impressionist art gallery, along with a natural history museum and botanical gardens.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
- Owing to its French influence, it’s a given that authentic European fare is available on the island. Yet, that is only one aspect of Reunion’s exceptionally diverse culinary palette. Representing the local presence of African, Indian and Chinese culture, the restaurant menu choices are nearly endless. Traditional Indian dishes are known as “massales,” while the Chinese preparations are largely Cantonese. Libation choices are just as plentiful. Traditional French wines, both red and white, are produced locally. Rum is also in abundance, with exotic twists of orchid, aniseed and cinnamon typically added to the mix. Many traditional festivals take place throughout the year. The long-running Leu Tempo festival is a springtime extravaganza attracting a crowd typically numbering 30,000 and featuring a huge assembly of theater, music, food and art. The June Sakifo Musik Festival is widely considered to be among the top 25 music gatherings in the world, featuring three days of live performances.
Take a Hike
- One of Reunion’s most notable attractions is the Piton de la Fournaise, reportedly one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The name translates to mean “Peak of the Furnace.” The volcano maintains a condition of constant instability, emitting a noisy, continuous stream of escaping smoke and pressure. Although its last major eruption occurred in 1992, it still makes for an exciting, five-hour ascent to the large crater’s craggy summit. The volcanic cone is just one aspect of Reunion’s remarkable geological landscape. A unique phenomenon of striking beauty are the cirques, which are volcanic valleys formed by weathering, resembling natural rock amphitheaters. The island has several of these elevated valleys, and you can arrange to join a guided sightseeing tour to experience them in person.
Make a Splash
- The shoreline of Reunion is as varied as its environment ashore. On the west side of the island, you will find most of its limited sandy beaches. Because of the prevailing volcanic activity, the sand color can range from black to yellow to white. Most of the coast is composed of shallow reef, which creates some optimum conditions for excellent surf. The challenging left-hander that breaks at Saint Leu on the west coast is generally considered a world-class wave, drawing surfers from around the globe. There are other less intimidating surf spots available to the willing rider. Further up the coast from Saint Leu, the Saint-Gilles region features a reef-protected lagoon, which is favorable to swimming, snorkeling and diving.
