Réunion is home to several best-in-the-world experiences that very few people, aside from the French and a handful of travelati, know about. Local authorities lay emphasis on the island's green image; ecotourism and outdoor activities are encouraged. In 2007, a huge chunk of the rugged interior was classified as a national park, which will go some way to protecting the island's unique cultural and environmental heritage.
Reunion Travel Guide
Full Name
Department of Reunion
Former Name
Bourbon Island
Capital City
Saint-Denis
Government Type
NA
Area Size
total area: 2,510 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +4 hours
Climate
Reunion benefits from a particularly pleasant climate: a tropical climate where the trade winds bring a delectable mildness. Temperatures and rainfall vary according to the altitude and exposure: there can be significant variation from one end of the island to the other. The East side is more humid as it is exposed to the trade winds. The West side, protected by the mountainous landscape, is much drier. The year is divided into two seasons: - The cool dry season lasts from May to October with, from June to August, a Winter that is only Winter in name, except near the mountain peaks. - The hot wet season, from November to April, sees two thirds of the annual rainfall. In any case, it is very sunny all year round, even during the peak of the rainy season, in January and February: it’s an endless summer! The combination of the whims of geography, altitude, and the exposure to the trade winds creates innumerable microclimates that make up the originality of Reunion .
Geography
Réunion, is an island, located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, about 200 km south west of Mauritius, the nearest island. The island is 63 kilometres long; 45 kilometres wide; and covers 2512 square kilometres. It is similar to the island Hawaii insofar as both are located above hotspots in the Earth's crust.
Languages
French (official), Creole widely used
Culture
Great cultural richness has resulted from a history full of movements and meetings. To understand each other, the inhabitants of the colony forged a vernacular language: Creole, derived from Old French, spiced with words from Malagasy, Hindi and Tamali, as colourful as you could wish. In Reunion, the expression of culture is a reflection of its inhabitants: crossed and plural, a little from here, a little from there. Everyone cultivates, in their beliefs as well as in their cuisine, the memory of their origins.
History
The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration, supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians, gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route.
Travel Information
The main airline to serve Réunion is Air France (AF). Other airlines operating to Réunion include Air Madagascar and Corsair International. Air Austral and Air Mauritius operate daily flights between Réunion and Mauritius.Saint-Denis de la Réunion (RUN) (Roland-Garros) is 10km from the town (jounrey time – 20 minutes). Cinor buses run return trips throughout the day between the Roland Garros and Saint Denis. Airport facilities are Banks/bureaux de change, ATMs, bars, restaurant, post office and car hire.Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds (ZSE) is 5km from Saint-Pierre. A shuttle bus service operates to Saint-Peirre, Tampon, Saint-Louis, Entre-Deux, Avirans, Etang-Salé, Saint-Leu, Saint-Philippe, Petite Ile, Saint-Joseph and Cilos. SEMITTEL buses run between the airport and Saint Pierre after the arrival of each plane. Taxi services as well as car hire are available at the airport. Main ports: Port Réunion. Two boats are currently in operation to Mauritius; the Mauritius Pride ferry and the Ahinora Catamaran. Both freight and passenger lines dock at Pointe-des-Galets.
Accommodation
There is a good range of hotels, inns and pensions. Prices are high (and plumbing somewhat basic), but the food is often excellent. Tariffs usually include bed and breakfast, tax and service charges. There are many rooms available in guest houses across the island as well as self-catering studio flats and accommodation in farmhouses.
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA for stays of up to three months except for the following: nationals of Canada, the USA and some EU countries do not usually need a visa but under some circumstances, such as if they are to receive a salary even if their trip is a short stay, they may need a visa. Such circumstances are decided individually. Nationals not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for at least three months beyond applicant's last day of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to above except the following: nationals of EU countries who hold valid national identity cards.
Getting Around
Aero-clubs at Roland-Garros Airport hire planes for flights over the island, which are well worth the price. Four shipping lines run services around the island. Roads are in a fair condition. The main road runs on a north–south axis. Two types of buses operate on the island: urban buses mainly serve the Saint-Denis area; yellow buses connect main towns. Services are excellent, with very comfortable vehicles. Buses stop by request. Taxi ranks can be found in city centres. Taxis can be hired by telephone. There are likely to be extra charges after 2000 Mon-Fri, on Sunday and holidays. Car hire is available from the airport and from car hire firms in Saint-Denis. Camper vans can also be hired. Petrol prices are similar to those in France. An International Driving Permit is recommended, though not legally required.
Health & Safety
Travellers are recommended to take special precautions for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area. Water is safe to drink. Wash fruit and vegetables before eating. There are several hospitals and out-patient clinics. The French national health scheme is in force and there is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Facilities are limited and full health insurance is advised. Most visits to Réunion are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 9 Apr - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 8 May - 1945 Victory Day. 17 May - Ascension. 28 May - Whit Monday. 14 Jul - Bastile Day. 15 Aug - Assumption. 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 11 Nov - Remembrance Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Electricity
220v AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am -12.00noon and 2.00pm - 6.00pm.
Emergency Numbers
15/112(Ambulance) 18(Fire) 17(Police)
