Overview
Réunion is a French overseas department and region located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 800 km east of Madagascar and about 200 km southwest of Mauritius. Despite its relatively small size — around 2,500 sq km — the island packs in extraordinary geographic variety: a still-active shield volcano (Piton de la Fournaise), three spectacular calderas called cirques (Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie), lush rainforest, and a coastline that ranges from black lava beaches in the south to white-sand lagoons in the west.
Because Réunion is an integral part of France and the European Union, visitors arrive in a place where French law, the euro, and French-standard infrastructure apply — making it feel, in administrative terms, like metropolitan France transplanted to the tropics. Yet its culture is a vivid blend of African, South Asian, East Asian, and European influences, expressed through its food, music (notably maloya and séga), festivals, and everyday life.
The island is notably less developed for mass tourism than neighbouring Mauritius, which can be both a strength and a limitation. Expect fewer all-inclusive resorts and more authentic local experiences, but also fewer English speakers and less tourism-oriented convenience outside major towns.
Before You Go
Visas and entry
Because Réunion is a full overseas department of France, the same entry rules that apply to metropolitan France apply here. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals may enter with a national identity card. For nationals of all other countries, requirements vary. Do not rely on summaries — check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official French immigration authority website for current, country-specific requirements before booking.
Health
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers, but consult your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance. The island has experienced periodic outbreaks of chikungunya and dengue fever, both mosquito-borne; use repellent and cover up at dawn and dusk. Standard French healthcare applies, with hospitals in Saint-Denis and Saint-Pierre. EU health insurance cards (EHIC/EHIC successor cards) are valid here. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors.
What to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the coast; warm layers for altitude (Piton des Neiges summit is cold)
- Good hiking boots with ankle support if you plan to walk the cirques or volcano
- High-SPF sunscreen — UV levels are intense at tropical latitudes
- Insect repellent
- Reef-safe sunscreen if swimming in lagoons
Getting There
By air
Réunion is served by Roland Garros Airport (RUN) near Saint-Denis in the north, and by Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE) near Saint-Pierre in the south, which handles a smaller number of regional flights. Roland Garros is the main international gateway.
Air France operates direct flights from Paris (approximately 11 hours). Air Austral, the island's own carrier, connects Réunion with metropolitan France as well as regional Indian Ocean destinations including Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, and the Comoros. Confirm current routes and schedules directly with airlines or a booking platform, as these change seasonally.
By sea
There is no regular passenger ferry service between Réunion and Mauritius or other neighbouring islands suitable for independent travellers. Cruise ships occasionally call at Port-Réunion in Pointe-des-Galets; verify itineraries with individual cruise lines.
Getting Around
Car rental
Renting a car is by far the most practical way to explore Réunion independently. Roads are generally well-maintained and signposted in French. Drive on the right. You will need a valid driving licence from your home country (an international driving permit is advisable for non-EU licence holders). Book in advance during school holidays.
Bus (Car Jaune)
Réunion has an island-wide public bus network operated under the Car Jaune brand. Buses connect major towns and some inland areas. Coverage is reasonable between urban centres but limited to the cirques and more remote areas. Verify current routes, timetables, and fares on the official Car Jaune website or locally.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Licensed taxis are available at airports and in towns. Agree on a fare or ensure the meter is used. Ride-hailing apps available in metropolitan France may have limited coverage here — verify locally.
Inter-island flights
Short flights between Réunion and Mauritius (around 45 minutes) are available via Air Austral and Air Mauritius. This is the standard way to combine both islands in a single trip.
Things to See & Do
Hiking the cirques
The three cirques — Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie — are ancient calderas carved by erosion, now filled with dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and small villages. Mafate is only accessible on foot or by helicopter. The Parc National de La Réunion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers much of this interior and is one of the island's defining attractions. Trails range from gentle walks to multi-day routes; hire a local guide for remote areas.
Piton de la Fournaise
One of the world's most active volcanoes, Piton de la Fournaise (2,632 m) is located in the island's southeast. When conditions permit, visitors can hike to the crater rim. Check the Observatoire Volcanologique du Piton de la Fournaise (OVPF) for current alert levels before attempting any approach — access is restricted during eruptions.
Beaches and lagoons
The west coast (around Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and L'Hermitage) has the island's most sheltered lagoon, protected by a coral reef. Swimming inside the lagoon is generally safe. The east and south coasts have dramatic volcanic scenery but strong currents; always follow local guidance.
Shark awareness
Réunion has experienced a higher-than-average number of shark incidents in recent years, particularly for surfing and swimming in unprotected waters. Pay close attention to local warnings, signage, and any designated bathing zones. This is not a reason to avoid the island, but it requires informed caution.
Culture and heritage
- Visit Saint-Denis, the capital, to see Creole architecture, the Musée de Villèle (history of the plantation era), and the covered market (Marché Forain de Saint-Denis)
- Attend a maloya or séga performance — these traditional music and dance forms reflect the island's multicultural heritage
- Explore Tamil temples, mosques, Chinese pagodas, and Catholic churches, often within walking distance of each other
Food & Drink
Creole cuisine
Réunionnais cuisine is one of the island's genuine highlights. The foundational dish is rougail — a spiced tomato-based sauce often served with sausages (rougail saucisses), salt cod, or prawns — accompanied by rice, lentils, and a fiery condiment called piment. Carry (local spelling for curry) is equally ubiquitous, reflecting the island's South Asian heritage.
What to try
- Rougail saucisses — considered the national dish by many locals
- Bichiques — tiny fish (juvenile eels) caught seasonally in rivers, a prized local delicacy
- Palmiste — heart of palm, served in salads
- Bonbon coco — coconut sweets sold at markets
- Rhum arrangé — rum infused with local fruits, vanilla, and spices; widely produced by families and sold at roadside stalls and markets
Eating out
Look for tables d'hôtes (home restaurants, often run by gîte owners in the cirques) for the most authentic and often most affordable local meals. These typically need to be booked in advance. Standard French cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are common in towns. Chinese restaurants are also widespread, reflecting the island's Chinese-Réunionnais community.
Alcohol and tap water
Alcohol is freely available. Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas; verify locally in more remote mountain zones.
Practical Information
Money
Réunion uses the euro. ATMs are widely available in towns. Card payments are accepted at hotels, supermarkets, and many restaurants. In remote areas (especially Mafate) carry sufficient cash.
Communications
France's country code (+262 for Réunion's local prefix) applies. EU mobile roaming rules apply for EU SIM cards. Visitors from outside the EU should check roaming charges with their provider or purchase a local SIM on arrival. Internet connectivity is generally good in towns; more limited in the cirques.
Electricity
Standard French/European sockets (Type E, 230V/50Hz). Bring an adapter if your devices use different plugs.
Emergency numbers
Réunion uses standard French emergency numbers. As a French department, European emergency number 112 applies. Verify specific numbers for police (17), fire (18), and medical emergencies (15/SAMU) before travelling, as these follow the metropolitan French system.
Postal services and amenities
La Poste operates on the island. Supermarkets (including major French chains) are found in the main towns.
Safety
Réunion is generally a safe destination with low rates of violent crime against tourists. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings in busy areas and do not leave valuables visible in rental cars.
Natural hazards
The island's greatest safety risks are natural. Cyclone season runs roughly December through April; monitor alerts from Météo-France Réunion if travelling during this period. Volcanic activity can close hiking routes with little warning — always check the OVPF alert level. Flash floods occur in the cirques and can be sudden; heed local and park authority warnings. Ocean currents outside protected lagoons can be extremely strong.
Shark risk
As noted under Things to Do, the island has a documented elevated shark risk in open coastal waters. Observe all local restrictions on swimming and surfing outside designated zones. This risk is real but manageable with awareness.
Hiking safety
Some trails in the interior are remote and can be technically demanding. Register your hiking plans with local authorities (mairies/town halls) for multi-day routes, carry adequate water and food, and never hike alone in very remote areas without informing someone of your itinerary.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Réunion's culture is shaped by centuries of migration and coexistence. The island was uninhabited when French settlers arrived in the 17th century and was subsequently populated by enslaved people from Madagascar and East Africa, indentured labourers from South India and China, and European colonists. This layered history has produced a population and culture of remarkable diversity, often described locally as a "living together" (vivre ensemble) that, while not without tensions, is a source of genuine local pride.
The Creole language — Réunionnais Creole, based on French with significant African, Malagasy, and South Asian influences — is spoken by most of the population in everyday life, though French is the language of education, government, and media. Visitors who speak French will find communication comfortable; English is less commonly spoken outside of tourist-facing businesses, particularly in the interior.
Religious diversity is evident and visible: Catholic churches, Tamil Koviels (temples), mosques, and Chinese pagodas are all active parts of community life. Major Hindu and Tamil festivals, including Dipavali and fire-walking ceremonies (Cavadee), are observed publicly and visitors may respectfully observe — ask locally about appropriate conduct. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites regardless of faith tradition.
