Today we will go on a virtual journey to a tiny island of bliss, lost in the warm waves of the Indian Ocean. It seems to you that you have already traveled all over our small globe? Then a little surprise awaits you. Moreover, it is hidden literally under your very nose - between Mauritius and Madagascar, and its name is Reunion Island. If now you imagined a burning desert and half-educated savages, then you were mistaken again! The French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean is a splinter from the French Republic with all its luxury, glamor and pomposity. But at the same time, it combines African exoticism and the charm of nature.
How to get there?
Even the most diligent A students who studied diligently at school, most likely, find it difficult to show on the map where Reunion Island is located. And all because it is not included in the school curriculum. And an equally unfortunate situation has developed with the majority of domestic tour operators. This is due to the low popularity of the resort among Russians. But the Europeans have long chosen this place for themselves.
Becausewhat if the tour package is not found, but the heart is torn? Everything is simple! Reunion Island, tours to which you will not find in the daytime with fire in the vastness of our homeland, are very popular in Europe. The best way to get there is via Paris, where there are daily flights to Saint-Denis.
By the way, useful information for lovers of independent travel: Reunion is not the case. But more on that below.
Where to rest
The most popular holiday destination is the capital of the island - Saint-Denis. This is a traditional metropolis, luxurious and expensive. Local attractions are mainly architectural ensembles and a botanical garden. Brilliant Paris awaits you here with exotic African scenery in the background.
For a beach holiday, it is better to choose Saint-Gilles-les-Banes. The snow-white sandy beach somewhat spoils the abundance of tourists, but keep in mind that the guests here are mostly we althy Europeans. So, girls, for suitors only here. By the way, for exotic lovers there are beautiful beaches with black volcanic sand.
If you prefer thermal spas, pay attention to Silao. And for lovers of history, Saint-Paul is ideal. The town will easily take you to the colonial past of the island: the architecture, atmosphere and landscapes here are so poetic that they will delight even the most sophisticated traveler.
Climatic features
Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean - although the territory of France, the climate here is much more pleasant. Hot, dry tropicalsummer lasts from November to April. During this period, the temperature is about 30°C during the day and almost the same (25 degrees) at night. Humidity is quite high, which moderates the heat well. Winter differs from summer by only 10 degrees, but no more, and therefore it is also very comfortable for rest.
Transportation
If you plan to rent a car, keep in mind that the traffic here is on the right.
Reunion International Airport "Roland Garros" is located 10 km from Saint-Denis and 51 km from Saint-Gilles. On average, there are 2-3 flights per day from Paris in this direction. In addition, there are a lot of connecting flights (with transfers) from other European capitals with different levels of comfort and cost. The average flight time from Paris is around 11 hours.
Communication
When going on vacation, do not forget to check with your mobile operator whether it supports roaming service on the island, as this is really a rarity. Otherwise, you will have to purchase a SIM card from a local operator, which is quite expensive. Therefore, it is better to use an ordinary landline phone in a hotel.
As for the Internet, there is no problem with this. That is why the optimal means of communication was and remains Skype or Vider.
Visa
Given that Reunion is an island belonging to the French Republic, the visa regime here is appropriate. Therefore, for a document, you should contact the French embassy in your state. A Schengen visa with a validity period of at least 1 year is also suitable. When makingdocuments, note that there are several types of permissions:
- A visa that gives the right to stay exclusively on the island.
- Visa giving the right to stay in all Overseas Possessions of the French Republic, as well as in the continental part of the country.
To obtain a departure permit, you will need the entire standard package of documents, including your travel program, scheduled by day. It is written in English or French. By the way, the amount of medical insurance must be at least 30 thousand euros. And, of course, the consular fee of 1500 rubles. In addition, in order for the child to enter, you will need to prepare a certificate from the school where he studies.
Nevertheless, Reunion Island, where not all residents of our country can afford a vacation, is gaining more and more popularity.
Currency and other financial issues
Reunion as part of Europe, despite its geographical location, belongs to the eurozone. You can carry out currency exchange operations without problems at any bank branch, but the exchange rate here is very unfavorable, and therefore it is better to stock up on euros at home. In addition, in most stores you can pay with an international bank card.
Be prepared for Réunion to be a little overpriced compared to mainland France. On average, a vacation on the island will cost you approximately 4000-4500 euros per person for 2 weeks of stay.
Shopping in Reunion
Shopping in Reunion is a pleasure in itself. Here you can getthe same shopping pleasure as on the mainland. Opening hours of the main shopping centers and shops - from 9.00 to 18.00, with a break from 12.00 to 15.00; Saturday and Sunday are days off. Every year at the beginning of February, the sale season opens in Réunion, lasting at least a month and a half.
When going home, do not forget about souvenirs: wicker decor elements, world-famous French perfumes, jewelry.
Local food
Reunion is a gourmet paradise! The local cuisine is quite loyal to the delicate stomachs of Europeans, but is so unusual that gastronomic ecstasy is guaranteed for you. As always in the tropics, there is an abundance of spices and spices in the dishes, in particular, curry, ginger, garlic and cloves. Like lemon juice, they all disinfect food in extremely hot and humid climates.
Another feature is the abundance of seafood, sometimes very unusual in appearance and taste, such as barracuda. All this is generously poured with rugay - a spicy sweet and sour aromatic sauce based on tomatoes. Pieces of exotic tropical fruits are placed in almost all dishes.
From drinks you will be offered, though familiar, but extraordinarily tasty juices and coffee. But for lovers of alcohol, we strongly recommend rum punch, prepared according to ancient recipes of brave pirates.
Entertainment in Reunion
After traveling the whole world, having seen enough of all the curiosities, you have finally chosen Reunion - an island of surfing, diving, trekking and justbeach holiday. A place where the developed European civilization is harmoniously combined with the antiquities and exotics of Africa. In addition, there are a number of historical sites that showcase Réunion's exciting past.
The coast of Reunion Island is ideal for both passive and active holidays. Velvet sand beckons you to lie down, and the hot tropical sun promises a stunning bronze tan. By the way, black volcanic sand on the beaches has become a local curiosity. He looks amazing.
The island is surrounded on all sides by coral reefs, and therefore is ideal for lovers of underwater beauty: here you will find the bottom topography (underwater gorges and caves) and unique living creatures. Sharks should not be particularly afraid, a much more real danger is strong undercurrents.
Surfers should stop off on the island's east coast for amazing waves.
The main object of trekking is picturesque volcanic valleys with lava fields. Where else can you walk along the edge of the mouth of an active volcano. By the way, eruptions are quite frequent here, but they are completely safe. If you want to look into the crater of the volcano, be prepared to climb 3,000 meters through the lava flows. But the view from the top will richly reward your efforts and perseverance.
Given the popularity of various festivals amongtourists, tour operators even compiled a rating of the most festive destinations, where Reunion Island takes its place of honor. Indeed, in addition to the traditional Christmas and New Year celebrations (according to all conceivable and inconceivable calendars), festivals of harvest, flowers, pineapple and others are held here. And the local holiday of Malabar takes place according to ancient Indian traditions and even includes a ritual of sacrifice.
Reunion Island: photos and attractions
Perhaps the best thing about the island is its nature. The Botanical Garden and the Museum of Natural History, the Salazi mountain valley and the Bassin Komoran waterfalls, the coral farm and the nursery of sea turtles - what else do you need for a good sightseeing vacation?
But do not forget that Reunion is an island of volcanic origin, and therefore its main highlight is, of course, volcanoes: Piton de Neige and Piton de la Fournaise. By the way, this is where you can watch the spectacular show of the volcano eruption, being in complete safety.
Due to the difficulties with transport and the remoteness of most sightseeing objects from civilization, independent trips around the island are practically meaningless. However, helicopter tours are very popular. The price of such a flight is about 200 euros per person, but there are much more emotions and impressions.
Useful information
- The official language is French. The local population often uses Creole (a dialect of French) in everyday life. splendid knowledgeEnglish will not help you here at all, since it is practically not used.
- The vast majority of residents are Christians, Catholics.
- Customs requirements on the island are identical to European ones.
- In order to call an ambulance, you must dial the number 15, the police - 17.
- When planning your trip, avoid the period from December to February - this is the season of cyclones. If you still want to celebrate the New Year on the island, keep an eye on the weather forecast: in an orange cyclone, try to stock up on food, water and a flashlight and it’s better not to go outside. And in a red cyclone, in no case should you leave the premises and it is not recommended to use a mobile phone.
- Be sure to use quality mosquito repellents. Reunion is an island, although it is European, but first of all it is still the tropics with a bunch of outlandish and dangerous infectious diseases.
- Vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria, tetanus and diphtheria is recommended before travel. Despite the fact that, according to tour operators, malaria on the island has been completely eradicated, doctors confirm that isolated cases among tourists still occur regularly.
- Tap water, although considered clean, is not worth drinking.
- While enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, be mindful of currents, ebbs and flows.
- Sharks are rare in Reunion, but surfers, divers, and even just swimmers meet them from time to time. Be careful.
- Some restrictions may apply on the island during wintertraffic.
Reunion Island, reviews of which are not easy to find on the Internet, is an amazing cocktail of European comfort, tropical nature and African wildness in one bottle with notes of antiquity and the aroma of adventure. Everyone who has been here once is shocked by the virgin nature and amazing landscapes.
