.svg/35px-Proposed_flag_of_Réunion_(VAR).svg.png){kind=small}
| The meeting ((rcf) La Rényon) | |
 | |
| Takamaka Valley | |
| Flag | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  France |
|---|---|
| Region | Indian Ocean Islands East Africa |
| Prefecture | St Denis |
| Ocean | Indian |
| Minimum altitude | 0 m |
| Maximum altitude | 3 070 m |
| Area | 2 512 km² |
| Population | 850 727 hab. (2015) |
| Density | 338,67 inhab./km² |
| Nice | Reunion |
| Official language | French |
| Other language | Reunion Creole |
| Electricity | 230 V/50 Hz, European plug |
| Postal code | 974xx |
| Telephone prefix | 262 |
| Internet suffix | .D |
| Spindle | UTC 04:00 |
| Location | |
 21 ° 8 ′ 46 ″ S 55 ° 31 ′ 30 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
| Touristic site | |
.jpg/220px-Entrée_de_la_Grande_Mosquée_à_Saint-Denis,_La_Réunion_(2855744982).jpg)
The meeting is an island constituting a region and an overseas department French in L'Indian Ocean, around 700 km to the east of Madagascar and 200 km in the southwest of the island Mauritius.
Reunion was formerly called Bourbon Island, then Bonaparte Island. Discovered in 1632, it was officially French in 1663. Since 1946, it has been a French overseas department.
Privileged travel destination for its tropical climate and the beauty of its volcanic landscapes. Reunion Island is an island but its assets are less its few white sand beaches than its mountain paths with formidable and varied landscapes.
Understand
Geography
Weather
Reunion has a tropical climate. The period from September to mid-December is the most favorable for tourism: the rains are rare there, and the temperature is pleasant in the heights as well as on the coast. You can therefore bathe there just like hiking in the mountains, without being subjected to excessive humidity or heat.
The period from January to March is the wet season, and that's when cyclones occur. This is the best time to go and see the many waterfalls in the East and South.
The island is divided into two parts at the climatic level, offering a great variety in terms of landscapes:
- the Côte-au-vent, receiving humid air from the Indian Ocean, and whose vegetation is much more luxuriant
- the Côte-sous-le-vent, protected by the reliefs of the island and much drier.
History
French counter in the 17th centurye century, Reunion Island remained a colony until 1946 when it became a Department.
Population
The population is of varied origin, each one having brought its traditions. Its name does not have any connection with this meeting of peoples of various origins, but was given during the French revolution. This island brings together a multitude of origins, the population therefore comes mainly from Africa, India, France also and many others.The diversity of origins can also inform you about the different religions practiced in this island . Hinduism, Christianity, Islam are all religious practices which also define the richness of diversity of its inhabitants. It is an ideal place to meet new people and to discover exotic traditions. Being very sociable, the inhabitants welcome you with joy and good humor and will have the pleasure of making you discover their island. You just have to go there to be sure, you won't be disappointed.
Regions
 Map of Reunion Island |
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Cities
- 1 St Denis – The prefecture, having the label "City of Art and History".
- 2 St.Paul – Its beaches, nightclubs, hotels, marine cemetery.
- 3 Saint Pierre – The big city of the South.
- 4 Saint Joseph – The capital of the wild South, its rivers.
- 5 Cilaos (accessible by car from the south of the island, 35 km from Saint-Louis via the Cilaos / national 5 road) – Hikes and ascent of the Piton des Neiges.
- 6 Salazie – City of the circus of the same name, known for its rainy climate, waterfalls and lush forests.
- 7 Sainte-Rose – Notre Dame des lavas, the lava flows
Other destinations
- 1 Mafate Circus – The only one among the three circuses that does not have road access. A paradise for hikers.
Vertices
- 2 Piton des Neiges – The top of the island and allIndian Ocean at 3 070 m of altitude, witnessing the sunrise from this summit is an unforgettable experience.
- 3 Piton de la Fournaise – One of the most active volcanoes in the world, the ascent in a lunar landscape is unique.
Itineraries
- Long-distance hiking trail R1 – The tour of the Piton des neiges passing through the three cirques, made up of 6 stages
- R2 long-distance hiking trail – Crosses the island of Saint-Denis in the North to Saint-Joseph in the South, made up of 13 stages
- Long-distance hiking trail R3 – The Mafate circus tour, made up of 5 stages
To go
Formalities
Reunion is not part of theSchengen area, European Union nationals including France can go there on presentation of their identity card or passport. Foreigners must get, not a Visa Schengen, but a specific short-stay visa. Certain nationalities may be exempt from visa requirements depending on the type of passport.
You are exempt from a visa if you have a valid residence permit or long-stay type D visa issued by a French authority or from another Schengen country.
By plane
- 1 Roland-Garros Airport (formerly Gillot airport) (in Sainte-Marie, in the north of the island, just east of Saint-Denis) – It is the main airport, used by:
- The local company Air Austral which serves several destinations ofAfrica andIndian Ocean (South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte and Seychelles) as well as Paris (Roissy Charles De Gaulle) in mainland France. Air Austral also offers connections with the TGV-Air network to many French provinces and with the Thalys network to Brussels.
- The company Air France offers up to 12 flights per week from Paris (Orly Ouest) by B777-300ER.
- The company Corsair also offers a daily night flight between this airport and Paris (Orly South).
- The French Bee company (formerly French Blue) has recently been serving Reunion Island with regular flights from Paris Orly.
- The company XL Airways France also provides regular connections for the Roland-Garros airport from Marseille-Marignane airport.
- Moreover, Air Mauritius, in partnership with Air Austral operates daily connections with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Port Louis atMauritius Island. Air Mauritius also offers two weekly connections toRodrigues Island and connections toIndia, theAustralia, theAsia and theEurope...
- Ultimately, Air Madagascar provides connections to Antananarivo, Tamatave, Tuléar, Nosy Bé and other destinations Madagascar.
- 2 Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport (near Saint-Pierre, in the south of the island) – It is an airport international because it serves relatively close foreign destinations:
- TheMauritius Island on ATR 72s fromAir Mauritius and ATR 72s from the local company Air Austral. The private Mauritian company Catovair offers since the end of December 2005 connections with Mauritius during the high season with cheaper rates than its competitors Air Austral and Air Mauritius with his 18-seater B1900.
- Madagascar with an ATR 42 of Air Madagascar.
- But also Paris (Roissy Charles De Gaulle) with a connection at Roland Garros Airport (above) with Air Austral.
- Air Mauritius offers a link to Rodrigues Island.
On a boat
- From Reunion Island, it is possible to come and go by boat from and to L 'Mauritius Island and Madagascar. Two ferries ensure the crossing, The Mauritus Pride and the Mauritius Trochetia. They are operated by SCOAM: 4, avenue du 14-Juillet 1789, 97420, Le Port, tel 0262.42.19.45
- During the year, some cruise ships dock on the island. Check with cruise lines.
Circulate
It is said that there are a lot of cars on the island, and it is true. The road network is saturated at certain times but for tourists, it is enough to take this into account and move in the right direction at the right time. The national road that goes around the island is often two-lane. The rest of the network is made up of ordinary paved roads (one lane in each direction). Opened in 2009, the Tamarins road is the major axis of the west coast, connecting the Étang Salé to Saint-Paul.
Taxis are expensive, especially from the airport (15 € to leave the airport). Car rentals can be done on site or over the internet. Next to the big international rental companies like Hertz Reunion, Rent a Car Reunion or more local Thrifty reunion,ITC Tropicar, small local businesses are offering lower cost vehicles and options like the additional driver for free. Many of them are grouped within the network Rentîles, network of independent rental companies in the French overseas departments and territories. Count on average between € 140 and € 200 per week. Be careful, however, in the very high season (October / November) where prices can double at the last minute.
Finally, there are collective bus and taxi networks. The Cars Jaunes, set up by the government, provide links between towns. Maximum: one passage every half hour on the most used lines. One passage every three hours on the Plains line. Do not drive at night. € 2 per trip. Free for over 60s with a transport card available from yellow bus shops (provide identity photos). There are also multi-urban networks: Citalis North, Kar'Ouest West, Alternéo at the South West, Carsud in the south and Summer in the East ... Times are often indicative: traffic jams can cause significant delays. A full bus does not stop.
Finally, hitchhiking works very well in Reunion.
Make
Discovering Reunion Island means first of all discovering its mountain and its outdoor activities.
Hiking
Reunion offers excellent hikes in an extraordinary variety of landscapes. Among the highlights are the following:
- 4 Piton de la Fournaise (in the east of the island) – An active volcano, after a picturesque road, which can be admired from a parking lot, or during hikes of various durations (up to 8 h).
- Bélouve forest, Trou de fer hike (on foot via the Piton des Neiges or the Salazie / Hell Bourg cirque; by car from Plaine-des-Palmistes) – In a magnificent tropical forest, exotic but well equipped.
For safety reasons, it is strongly advised not to go hiking alone off the busy and easy trails. While some portions, such as the outskirts of Cilaos, for example, can be well attended, you may encounter almost no one elsewhere during the day, even on long-distance hiking trails. A fall, sprain or discomfort could be life threatening.
The west coast (leeward)
It is the driest and sunniest coast sheltered from the spray, hence its name "leeward coast ". It is also the coast that has the most beautiful white or black sand beaches, thanks to the coral reef which also makes you safe from sharks. It is also, given the prevailing heat, the ideal region for sugar cane, the harvest of which was completed a good month before that of the windward coast.
St.Paul, located at 25 km from Saint-Denis, along the sea and a black sand beach where it is recommended not to swim, as it is not protected by a coral reef. But the city, former capital of "Bourbon Island », Has a certain colonial charm. In addition to the old villas, you should not miss the visit to the marine cemetery, located at the exit of the city; a car park located opposite allows parking and you can quietly visit this place where the pirate rests among others "The nozzle ", Last European pirate in the Indian Ocean, real name Olivier Levasseur, whose treasure has never been discovered ... so they say.
Another illustrious character, Leconte de Lisle (1818-1894), a born poet whose bust marks the main entrance to the cemetery. We can also see the tomb of the Barre family (family of Raymond Barre). This daily maintained place is worth the visit (open and free), the tour of all the tombs is essential because all different and flowered.
Prefer your visit on Friday morning to enjoy the market which takes place all day at some distance away. You will be inundated by the abundance of colors and smells, between the flowers, the fruits, the geranium distillery and a whole host of very friendly merchants who offer you goods not only from the island itself, but also from Madagascar. Stock up on souvenirs before going to taste the sweet or savory samosas, corks and other local specialties in one of the bars set up in the middle of the market. Drink a glass of sugar cane juice squeezed on the spot and chew a piece of raw honey. Saint-Paul is also the starting point for the Maïdo (2 205 m) and its panorama on the Mafate circus. Also accessible by the Orangers pipeline, in the heart of the circus.
- Maïdo and the rise of Grand Bénare long hike 7 h along the ridge, view of the three cirques, breathtaking. Without forgetting the vertiginous descent on the Col de la Brèche.
Boucan-Canot, seaside town and considered the most beautiful on the island, is the start of the coral reef and white sand.
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, To 10 km from Saint-Paul, this small town attracts tourists more than any other. The beaches are wide and lined with chic restaurants. The marina allows you to explore the seabed. This place is also the starting point for many sites to visit; the aquarium, the Garden of Eden, the heliport of Hauts-de-Saint-Gilles.
Saint-Leu, To 16 km from Saint-Gilles; this pretty little town, bordered by a lagoon full of fish and a waterfront covered with casuarinas, is a hotspot of paraglider in the meeting. Doing your baptism above the lagoon is a unique chance to embrace an extraordinary landscape. Landing is on the beach near Kélonia, the turtle observatory.
Do not hesitate to drive up the (very winding) road to "Point 800 "To admire the panorama and the flight of the paragliders. There is also a "point 1500 ". Like the helicopter tour of the island, a small duo paragliding flight with an instructor will be an unforgettable moment in your life. When you reach the bottom, on Saint-Leu beach, a shuttle bus will take you back to your starting point.
After the small village of L’Etang-Salé-les-Bains, we arrive at Saint Louis, recognizable by the factory Gol sugar plant, the largest on the island, visible from the highway day and night: the lights make it look like a ship. The factory visit from July to December is by appointment on 02 62 91 29 70 a good month in advance.
From this town, the road crosses the village of River and go up to the Cilaos circus after the 420 or so bends.Another route from this village will take you to Makes where a visit to the astronomical observatory is essential (so as not to die an idiot). The session, which lasts only one hour, is of undoubted interest in understanding our solar system through simple explanations. For example that there are not 12 zodiacal signs but 13 with that of the "Caduceus", forget voluntarily because it represents the sin of the Bible (a story between Adam, Eve, a serpent and an apple), as well as, seen the inclination of the axis of rotation of the Earth on itself compared to that of the Sun, the astronomical signs are not all the twelfth of a year (especially since they are 13), etc ...
Continuing the road by the D20 then the RF1 we arrive at The window which allows a breathtaking and vertiginous panoramic view of the Cilaos circus. On the way, you will not fail to notice the large arums lining the road as well as other vegetation, which in metropolitan France, we only find at florists - and at what price!
The south coast
This coast called Wild south extends from Saint Pierre at Sainte-Rose, but we can distinguish two very different parts from each other.
- A green part of St-Pierre in St-Philippe.
- Another more "volcanic" from St-Philippe to Ste-Rose.
Saint Pierre, a large town behind Saint-Denis, is a must to get to the other side of the island. Either by the road that crosses between the two peaks (des Neiges and de la Fournaise) to reach Saint-Benoît, or to continue along the coast and go around the island. Pierrefonds airport and the Botanical Garden (Jardin Tropica) very complete with its varieties of tropical plants. The fishing port and the Saturday morning market allow you to spend a pleasant and relaxing day.
Saint Joseph, a town with an old-fashioned charm, then the small village of Langevin is the starting point along the Langevin river that we go back (by car) to Grand-Galet to admire the waterfalls of the Grande Ravine.
Shortly before Saint-Philippe, a path on the left (botanical path) leads, after 1,5 km, to the primary forest very dense. A marked path leads you to discover endemic species at the foot of which small signs explain their specificity. Very rare and totally unknown species in the midst of lianas and birdsong. We take full eyes and ears for 1 h 30.
A few kilometers after Saint-Philippe, the oblique road due north and the panorama changes completely. The road crosses between the lava fields, just under the Piton de la Fournaise, which is most often hidden by the mist and where only the black lava flows contrast with the greenery of nature.
Over twenty kilometers you cross different flows, which, like good wine, all have their own appearance depending on the year. From the "blast furnace grime" aspect for the more recent ones to the smooth and very hard aspect for the older ones, certainly due to a more liquid and more abundant magma. The most romantic is to see the vegetation resume in the middle of all this mess.
After the village of White wood, a little tour Anse des Cascades is needed. A beautiful road descends, on your right, to the oceanfront. The site is magnificent, and the park made up of palm trees.Elephant feet " worth the detour. It is a very popular place on weekends: the Reunionese traditionally come there to picnic with their family.
Take the road for 2 or 3 kilometers and stop at Notre-Dame-des-Laves is needed. It is, in Réunion, one of the most renowned sites. Even if you don't believe in miracles, the lava phenomenon surrounding the chapel is spectacular.
About 3 km before Sainte-Rose, to the Ravine-Glissant, a small hiking trail runs along the ocean to Anse des Cascades, passing halfway past the site of Notre-Dame-des-Laves. This very easy hike is located in the middle of a vegetation that grows on the lava flows of 1977. You will cross forests of bananas, very dense vacoas, bamboo, trees covered with lianas, along huge blocks of basalt where the waves crash into each other. The walk is definitely worth it, and can be done at any time of the day. (Don't forget the water to drink!).
The city of Sainte-Rose, where you can stock up on food and drink, marks the end of this rugged coastline and the start of the east coast.
East cost
From Sainte-Rose the coast returns to the east, that is to say side of the wind and the daily spray. The climate is very favorable to the cultivation of lychees and Victoria pineapples, whose fields border the road.
You will not miss a stop (the parking lot is large enough for your car) at Hanging bridge who straddles the East River, to stretch your legs and admire this beautiful work that belongs to history.
Do not miss the visit to the church of Saint Anne whose sculptures are sure to appeal to you. This baroque-style building is classified as a historical monument. The interior is also astonishing with its naive frescoes and paintings, with pastel tones, a bit like Hindu temples.
The end of this coast is the town of St. Benedict which marks the beginning of the coast "in the wind"; just as humid and verdant.
The north coast (windward)
Extending from St. Benedict at St Denis, this coast is said "in the wind "And receives daily ocean spray. The foothills of the mountain receive on average 6 meters of water per year, which explains the lush vegetation and the sugar cane fields.
St. Benedict is a big city that has all the infrastructure of a modern city, unfortunately concrete has replaced traditional houses too much.
The entrance to the city is marked by the Rivière du Mât Distillery, which like its two other sisters, is only open during the sugar season (May to December), reservation at 06 92 67 46 41.
The town center is very commercial and the Saturday morning market is a must for stocking up on fruit, ... which can be found for sale, more or less "wild", all along the roads of the island. The coast does not have a beach, but the walk along the coast is pleasant despite the rubbish and dried branches littering the ground (there is no shortage of the unemployed!).
Passed the crossroads which, on the left rises to the Plaine-des-Palmistes by the N3, continue until the exit of Saint-Benoît and take the tourist route D53 which leads to Takamaka circus. Beautiful narrow road that winds up the mountainside, along the Marsouins River, to the belvedere of the EDF station where - if the mist has not lifted - you will have a magnificent view of the falls. From there, a path takes you along the cliff, in the middle of the vegetation, to the basin, where the less cautious can swim.
Back on the N2 road (motorway), towards Saint-Denis, the city of Bras-Panon offers several interesting sites through the sugar cane fields to the ponds and waterfalls that descend the cliffs. The vanilla cooperative will welcome you and, in order not to die silly, you will learn all the secrets about growing vanilla.
Passed the fork that leads to Circus of Salazie, the city of St. Andrew stretches across the ocean. The busy and congested streets of the city center are well stocked with shops and the flower market is worth a visit. The road along the coast will take you to Colossus, witness to the presence of a large population of Tamil origin.
The brand new Colossus Amusement Park Stretching out to the sea, you can take beautiful walks and enjoy the shops that line the entrance and the parking lot.
At the exit of the city, the Savanna Distillery or Bois-Rouge sugar mill will welcome you for an organized tour of its facilities (make an appointment in advance on 02 62 46 91 63). After passing the vats of rum distillers, where the charm of the smells of distillation will move you, the guides will make you taste different varieties of rum, which you can buy as well as a whole lot of products made from sugar cane. The tourist visit is open all year round except Sundays and public holidays (from January to July, only the distillery can be visited). When you leave the factory, you will not fail to admire the superb Tamil temple in the same style as the Colossus (unfortunately forbidden to visit).
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Sainte-Suzanne and the river of the same name, allows you to visit and walk along its course, admiring the various waterfalls. The Beef Basin, where a picnic by the waterfall will enchant you. Going down the course of the river, the Niagara Falls and especially the splendid Nicole Basin, which can be found on all the souvenir photos of Reunion, will make you regret leaving the island (if you are a "metro").
You will not leave Sainte-Suzanne before making a short visit to the Domaine du Grand Hazier (by appointment on 02 62 52 32 81) where we find an old colonial house and the former slave rooms, all unfortunately poorly maintained.
After Sainte Marie, here we go again St Denis, the capital which as such is of only relative interest ... except for those passionate about traffic jams and exhaust gas fumes. The city is still worth a quick half-day visit before you get back on the plane ... just to get back into the mix.
Cross road from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Benoît
At the end of Saint Pierre, take the highway lined with multicolored bougainvilleas, gigantic laurels and "flamboyant" reds, yellow-orange and purple, to Buffer where continuing straight ahead the road takes you to the center of the island. From there, the road winds between deep water-flow ditches (be careful when keeping to the right!), Passing through neighborhoods with bizarre names like the Eleventh, etc. until Nineteenth; then it is the village of Plaine-des-Cafres. There, in the center of the village, the D70 on 4 km takes you to Bois-Court (1 345 m) where the belvedere dominates the valley of Big pool. The parking lot, recognizable by the strange hydraulic clock stuck in the middle, allows you to leave the car for a moment so that you can admire the scenery. The pretty waterfall of bridal veil which sits at the bottom of the pool invites you to make the effort to 1 h 30 descent on 670 m and the 30 min that separate you from this gem. The bravest will go further in the basin to the islet, the others will rework the tedious ascent for more than 2 h 30.
2 km and here you are at Bourg Murat where is the Volcano House. A visit to this museum is essential to understand the volcanic system of our planet. From there, a marked path leads you to the Piton de la Fournaise.
The road winds up to Bellevue Pass at 1 606 m then go down to the Plaine-des-Palmistes, a long village, remarkable for its colonial-style town hall. This charming altitude village protects you from mosquitoes and allows you to go from the side of the Bébour Forest and Belouve, then the famous Iron Hole (see above).
Nevertheless, closer and visible from the road, the beautiful Baby Bottle Waterfall high of its 240 meters is the most beautiful waterfall on the island. A path starts from the center of the village, but you can also take the small path next to the town hall and after 1,5 km park at the side of the road and take the path in front of the waterfall marked with the sign "Private property" in red on a white background, perched in a tree.
The relatively muddy course in the middle of extremely dense vegetation presents no difficulty, apart from crossing the torrent which requires a little balance and which causes general hilarity among all adventurers.
Take the road in the direction of St. Benedict for, either of Pont-Payet either Belt Path, take the road on the left and go to Large Pond and go around it in about 2 h - 3 h taking the time to admire the lush vegetation and wade through the mud a bit.
Outdoor sports
- Escalation
- Mountain biking
- Canyoning – Due to its geology and rapid erosion, Reunion Island has become a Mecca of canyoning. Large broken ones regularly punctuate very aerial and majestic course. The most famous sites are the canyon of yellow flower in Cilaos, the canyon of white hole in Salazie and the famous Iron Hole reserved for insiders.
- Paragliding – There are several providers including Saint-Leu, a mythical spot due to its view of the lagoon. Magnificent colors are present on this flight.
- Horse riding
Speak
French is understood by all, and mostly spoken, even among Réunionese, interspersed with expressions in Creole. Pure Creole is also widely practiced, but less and less. Tourism professionals and a few locals occasionally speak English, and more rarely German and Spanish. In some communities, other languages are also spoken such as Chinese, Urdu, etc.
When you are asked "Koman i lé?" (How are you?), The usual response is "Hey!" (How are you !).
Buy
The currency of Reunion Island (France) is the euro (€, EUR)
For everyday purchases, you should know that the stores are open from 9 h - 12 h and14 h - 18 h. Supermarkets open continuously from 9 h - 20 h (except Monday morning, but they are generally open on Sunday morning).
To buy traditional objects from the Indian Ocean area, you have to go to fairground markets or covered markets. There are also shops.
For fruits and vegetables, besides the roadside, there are the so-called fairground markets with the bazaars. You can find all the delicacies there, depending on the season. The most famous is that of Saint-Paul on Friday morning and afternoon as well as Saturday morning.
Here are some gift ideas to bring back:
- a t-shirt: there are many local brands
- spices: massalé, cumin ...
- a local music record
- a book or DVD presenting the last eruption of the volcano
- local fruits: lychees (in December), "longanis" (in January), mangoes, pineapples, pitayas ...
- country cheeses
- a cookbook
- wine and lentils from Cilaos
- embroidery by Salazie
- many artisanal souvenirs
La Réunion est une île offrant tellement de cadeaux et de souvenirs plein la tête qu'il est impossible de faire une liste complète.
Eat
La cuisine réunionnaise est un mélange d'influences françaises, chinoises, mais principalement indiennes...
Le plat typique est le cari : une viande (ou un poisson) cuite en sauce avec un accompagnement de riz blanc et de "grains" (des haricots rouges, des lentilles ou des pois du Cap cuits en sauce). Le petit pot que vous apporte le serveur du restaurant contient du rougail, un condiment froid souvent pimenté.
The rougail saucisse est très répandu également, c'est un cari de saucisse fumée, mais il manque un ingrédient alors on appelle ça « rougail ».
Les pâtisseries réunionnaise sous souvent assez compactes et très sucrée. Le Gâteau Patate est aux patates douces, pas aux pommes de terre. Gâteau manioc pour un peu de variété sans s'éloigner du concept de base. En sucrerie, on trouve un excellent bonbon coco ou un bonbon miel qui vous rappellera des souvenirs si vous êtes passé par le sous-continent Indien.
Pour le repas de midi, le moins cher consiste à acheter un cari à emporter dans une barquette : de 4 à 6 €.
Tout le long des routes, on trouve des camions-bars ou autres petites échoppes vendant des sandwichs, plats, boissons et également des mets très appréciés par les Réunionnais (et les touristes !):
- des samoussas and nems.
- des bonbons piments, des beignets salés et épicés.
- des piments farcis.
- des bouchons, des bouchées de viande entourées de pâte de riz cuite à la vapeur, d'origine de la région de Canton in China, assaisonnée avec du siave (nom local pour la sauce de soja).
Bonbons piment
Bouchons, frites et limonade Cot
Quelques grandes enseignes sont présentes : McDonald's, Quick, Les Trois Brasseurs ...
Restaurants "haut de gamme" :
- le Labourdonnais, à Saint-Denis
- le restaurant de l'Hôtel Saint-Alexis, à Boucan-Canot
- l'Hémisphère sud, à l'Aéroport international Roland Garros à Gillot, Sainte-Marie.
- Là-bas Ter la, et ses produits locaux originalement travaillés, à Saint Paul
- et bien d'autres à découvrir...
Un petit conseil de "routard":
- Levé avec le soleil à 5 h, petit déjeuner composé d'une salade de fruits "papaye, mangue, ananas Victoria et litchis (de décembre à janvier)", fromage blanc et pain de la veille, café noir.
- Pour la route, litchis (de décembre à janvier) à volonté et croissant.
- Pour la rando, litchis - pendant la saison - et eau plate en abondance.
- Déjeuner dans la nature - dans les hauts en été, près de la côte en hiver - pain frais, saucisson, fromage, ananas, Dodo (bière locale) et eau.
- Souper avec un (ou deux ou trois) rhum(s) arrangé(s), plats typiques réunionnais, vin rouge et au dodo (le lit, pas la bière!).
Have a drink / Go out
Si vous cherchez les endroits les plus réputés, vous les trouverez à Saint-Gilles-les-Bains sur la côte ouest et à Saint-Pierre dans le Sud. Ce sont des stations balnéaires avec de nombreuses boîtes de nuits et de nombreux bars branchés où vous n'aurez aucune peine à assister à un spectacle de Mayola, ou danser le Sega. Sur St Denis, l'espace piéton aménagé autour de la cathédrale, offre de nombreux restaurants et bars animés. Le dimanche soir à partir de 18h, les "rondavelles" du bord de mer, offrent des concerts gratuits, de quoi bien finir la semaine autour d'un cocktail ou d'une bière locale, autour de "tapas" locaux : bonbons piment, samoussas, bouchons et autres nems locales...
Maloya
Maloya – 
Genre musical inscrit au patrimoine culturel immatériel de l'UNESCO depuis 2009.
Le rhum
Le rhum blanc, des marques telles que Charrette ou Isautier, n'est jamais bu pur. En apéritif, on le sert en « planteur » (mélangé à du jus de fruit) ou « punch » (aromatisé par macération court et mélangé à du sirop de sucre). En digestif, on le boit « arrangé » (macération longue).
La bière
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Les brasseurs et les bières qu'on peut retrouver sur l'île sont les suivants :
- la brasserie de Bourbon, Saint-Denis, Saint-Pierre :
- La Bourbon (aussi appelée la Dodo, annoncée partout par un « La dodo lé là ! »),
- La Blanche de Bourbon (bière de froment dite « d'été »),
- Bourbon la Rousse (bière maltée),
- La Bourbon de Noël (aromatisée aux litchis),
- La 974 (en référence au numéro de département),
- Grand Merkal (en référence à la sorcière des contes enfantins Grand'Mère Kal)
- Dynamalt,
- Guinness,
- Buckler,
- Heineken.
- la brasserie SOREBRA, Saint-Louis :
- Fischer Réunion (blonde sous licence Fisher),
- Saint-Louis (blonde),
- Freschy (aromatisée pêche ou framboise).
- l'enseigne Trois Brasseurs (microbrasserie) est également présente.
- La brasserie PICARO, Saint Joseph Vincendo :
- Picaro Ambrée 6.0%
- Picaro Ananas 5.0%
- Picaro Blanche 4.5%
- Picaro Blonde 5.5%
- Picaro Brune 7.5%
- Picaro Stout 5.0%
- Picaro Triple 9.0%
- Picaro Extra 9.5%
Le vin
Le "vin de Cilaos" traditionnel est un vin cuit très sucré assez rustique. Vous en trouverez facilement dans le cirque de Cilaos et au bord des routes, mais pas dans les supermarchés : la légalité de ce commerce est discutable, mais les gendarmes laissent perdurer cette tradition.
Depuis 2004, les "Chais de Cilaos" vendent des vins modernes (trois vins de pays et un vin de table) : blanc doux, blanc sec, rosé et rouge. Les Chais peuvent être visités. Les amateurs iront à Cilaos à l'occasion de la fête de la lentille en novembre ou pour la Saint-Vincent en février. On peut en acheter à l'office de tourisme de Cilaos.
Sodas
La limonade Cot, produite localement, est une boisson emblématique de La Réunion. La version d'origine et la plus répandue est le « Cot citron », mais il y a également d'autres variétés. On peut la trouver un peu partout.
Housing
Portail touristique officiel de La Réunion: reunion.fr [1] pour trouver toutes les adresses, hôtels, gîtes...
Learn
Des baptêmes de plongée et de parapente sont proposés par les nombreuses associations de ce genre. Il y a aussi des cours pour tous les niveaux.
Communicate
Post
La Poste applique à La Réunion les mêmes tarifs qu'en métropole pour les lettres pour le courrier national (Réunion vers métropole ou vice-versa). Pour le courrier international (vers la Suisse, la Belgique, le Canada...), le tarif est uniformément de 0,9 €, sauf pour les pays proches (Maurice, Madagascar...). Par contre, le transport des paquets est facturé assez cher.
Les gens d'affaires trouveront Chronopost, UPS et DHL.
Phone
Pour appeler La Réunion depuis la France métropolitaine : composer les 10 chiffres tout simplement. Les numéros fixes sont du type 02 62 xx xx xx et les numéros mobiles sont du type 06 92 xx xx xx.
Pour appeler La Réunion depuis l'étranger : faire votre code d'accès à l'international (souvent le 00 ou " " sur un mobile) puis 262 et les neuf derniers chiffres. Par exemple, pour consulter les horaires des avions à Gillot, faites le 02 62 28 16 16 depuis la France métropolitaine et 00 262 2 62 28 16 16 (ou 262 2 62 28 16 16) depuis l'étranger. Dans l'autre sens, c'est-à-dire de La Réunion vers l'étranger, il faut faire le 00 (ou " ") suivi de l'indicatif international du pays de destination, puis du numéro du correspondant (ex.: appel de La Réunion vers Maurice: 00 230 2554789).
Quatre opérateurs de GSM se partagent le marché :
- Orange, l'opérateur national
- SRR, filiale de SFR
- Only, un opérateur des DOM
- Free mobile, filiale de FREE
Since June 15, 2017, "European roaming" has been introduced. It allows all SIM card holders belonging to one of the European member countries to maintain the same pricing conditions as in the country of origin.
Telephone calls and Internet browsing are valid at no additional cost in all European countries, unless authorized by national authorities (generally minor operators) or when a data Gbit threshold is exceeded, which increases year by year. To use this service, simply activate the roaming option on your mobile phone.
The participating countries are those ofEuropean Union (Germany, Autriche, Belgique, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, UK, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and some Oversea territories (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).
Internet
Vous trouverez des cybercafés et cyberbases et médiathèques, plus studieux.
Depuis peu, la Région Réunion a financé la mise en place de Hotspots gratuits sur plusieurs sites touristiques.
To work
Fêtes et jours fériés
| Date | Nom | Signification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 janvier 2022 | Jour de l’an | Premier jour de l’année. |
| 18 avril 2022 | Lundi de Pâques | Pâques |
| 1 mai 2021 | Fête du Travail | Commémore la ratification de la journée de travail de 8 h ; traditionnellement le jour de nombreuses manifestations syndicales et politiques en France. (La dénomination « fête du Travail » est officialisée le 29 avril 1948). |
| 8 mai 2021 | Fête de la Victoire | Commémoration de la "capitulation sans condition" de l'Allemagne nazie mettant fin à la Seconde Guerre mondiale en Europe (1945). |
| 13 mai 2021 | Jeudi de l'Ascension | Fête chrétienne célébrant la montée de Jésus aux cieux |
| 24 mai 2021 | Lundi de Pentecôte | Lundi férié (seul le dimanche garde une signification religieuse particulière). |
| 14 juillet 2021 | Fête nationale française | Commémoration de la Fête de la Fédération du 14 juillet 1790 (elle-même anniversaire de la prise de la Bastille en 1789). |
| 15 août 2021 | Assomption | Fête catholique célébrant la montée de la Vierge Marie aux cieux |
| 1 novembre 2021 | Toussaint | Fête de tous les saints de l’Église catholique |
| 11 novembre 2021 | Armistice de 1918 | Commémoration de l’armistice mettant fin à la Première Guerre mondiale |
| 20 décembre 2021 | Abolition de l’esclavage | |
| 25 décembre 2021 | Noël | Fête chrétienne célébrant la naissance de Jésus de Nazareth |
Manage the day-to-day
Health
La Réunion est aussi bien équipée que n'importe quel département français : des hôpitaux, des cliniques, des médecins ...
European citizens
Citizens ofEuropean Union (EU), who fall unexpectedly ill during a temporary stay, studies or a professional stay, are entitled to the same medical care as in their country of residence. It is always useful to take the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which constitutes physical proof of your insurance in an EU country. However, if you do not have the card with you or if you cannot use it (as in the case of private assistance), you are still entitled to treatment, but you are obliged to pay the costs on the spot. , then you will ask for a refund on your return.
The countries in which health coverage is provided are all those that are members of theEuropean Union (Germany, Autriche, Belgique, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary , Ireland , Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), those ofEuropean Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), the Suisse, the UK and the Oversea territories member of the European Union (Azores, Canary Islands, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Madeira, Martinique, Mayotte, The meeting, Saint-Martin).
Maladies
Il n'y a plus de malaria depuis des décennies ni aucune des maladies que l'on peut retrouver sous les tropiques ; les traditionnelles vaccinations avant de prendre le départ sont donc inutiles.
Une épidémie de Chikungunya a frappé La Réunion d'octobre 2005 à juillet 2006. Ce virus est transporté par les piqures du moustique "Aedes Albopictus", un petit moustique rayé noir et blanc, appelé aussi "moustique tigre", actif surtout de novembre à avril en basse altitude. La maladie cause de la fièvre et de la fatigue (1 à 3 jours) et des douleurs articulaires (une semaine à trois mois, voire plus selon les individus, voire avec rechutes). Le seul moyen d'éviter une contamination est de se protéger des moustiques : lotions répulsives, moustiquaires, climatisation et vêtements.
Soleil
Attention aux coups de soleil qui vous guettent pendant vos premiers jours, et surtout lors de la marche pour voir le volcan (il fait froid, donc pas de sensation de brûlure; et en plus les radiations sont plus intenses vu l'altitude) ! N'hésitez pas à vous couvrir de vêtements légers malgré la chaleur. Venez avec votre crème solaire. Elle est un peu chère à la Réunion.
Animaux
Il n'y a aucun animal terrestre dangereux (à part les moustiques, les scolopendres, et quelques guêpes) ; mais dans l'eau certaines rencontres (rares) peuvent être (très) douloureuses ou urticantes : lisez bien les panneaux d'information à l'entrée des plages et évitez de vous baigner sans sandales ou palmes (poisson pierre, oursins). Ne vous baignez pas là où personne ne se baigne, en particulier les plages sans lagon (les vagues se brisent sur la plage): il y a une raison (courants, requins). Après un cyclone il est également déconseillé de se baigner tant que l'eau est trouble (maladies de peau, requins).
security
 | ATTENTION : Depuis 2011 le nombre d’attaques de requins sur les côtes réunionnaises est en forte augmentation. Toutes les activités nautiques sont menacées y compris la baignade (en effet, une attaque a eu lieu à 5 mètres du bord sur un nageur). Le site http://www.info-requin.re/ apporte de nombreuses informations relatives à la présence de requins aux abords de l’île. Consultez-le si vous désirez pratiquer une activité nautique lors de votre séjour sur l’île. Le lagon situé autour de Saint-Gilles-les-Bains (commune de Saint-Paul) permet de se baigner et de nager sans aucun danger. Il existe également des zones aménagées spécialement avec des rochers sur certaines plages. |
 | Numéro d'appel d'urgence : Police :17 Ambulance:15 Firefighter :18 |
Le département est plus tranquille que la métropole : le grand banditisme est inexistant, la violence urbaine assez faible. Il convient toutefois de rester prudent après le coucher du soleil en particulier dans les grandes villes Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul and Saint-Pierre. Évitez quand même d'afficher des signes extérieurs de richesse le soir ou de vous mettre en situation illégale qui vous empêcherait de porter plainte.
Volcanisme
Le volcan entre de temps en temps en éruption. Mais pas d'inquiétude : les coulées de lave sont de type liquide, lentes, et elles passent toujours dans le sud-est de l'île, peu habité. Les alertes sont efficaces et les forces de l'ordre bloquent les routes coupées par la lave.
Cyclones
La saison des cyclones correspond à l'été austral (octobre à avril), mais là non plus il n'y a pas de gros danger. Les cyclones sont repérés plusieurs jours à l'avance et des bulletins d'alertes sont diffusés à la radio. Il est difficile de ne pas en entendre parler, car le cyclone devient le principal sujet de discussion des habitants. Pendant le passage du cyclone restez à l'intérieur pendant toute la durée du phénomène.
Conseils gouvernementaux aux voyageurs
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Belgique (Service Public Fédéral Affaires étrangères, Commerce extérieur et Coopération au développement)
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Respect
Les Réunionnais sont assez ouverts envers les métropolitains. Malgré tout, une minorité considère la France avec plus ou moins de mépris. Restez simplement à l'écart des comportement anti-sociaux.
De votre côté, vous pouvez contribuer à la bonne image des « zoreils » en étant généralement respectueux des petites différences, parfois embarrassantes, qui subsistent entre la Métropole et l'Outremer.
Les Réunionnais appellent souvent la Métropole « la France ». Tout le monde est au courant que c'est la France ici aussi, inutile de le rappeler. C'est juste une expression.
Les Réunionnais ont souvent une fierté nationaliste qui semble un peu déplacée. C'est un phénomène insulaire qui est assez difficile à expliquer à des continentaux. N'en croyez pas pour autant que le Réunionnais qui clame sur tous les toits la supériorité de La Réunion est xénophobe. C'est compliqué... Une bonne chose à savoir : Il n'y a pas de sentiment indépendantiste à La Réunion.
Bien entendu, respectez les lieux et veillez à la propreté des sites. Même si vous voyez un Réunionnais jeter ses ordures par la fenêtre de sa voiture.
