Reunion Island, France - Travel Guide

Reunion Island is a breathtaking volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, offering a unique blend of French and Creole cultures. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful coastal areas perfect for hiking, canyoning, and paragliding.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

Ile de la RéunionMascarene IslandsIndian OceanSaint-DenisPiton de la Fournaise

🇫🇷 Country Information: France

CapitalParis

CurrencyEuro (€)

LanguageFrench , English, German, Spanish, Italian

Phone Code+33

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as service charge is usually included, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated in restaurants and cafes
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but a small tip is appreciated for long rides or extra help with luggage
For hotel staff, a few euros for housekeeping or porters is customary

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Cash is still common, especially for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress respectfully, especially in religious sites
Greet people with "Bonjour"
Eating customs involve using cutlery, keeping hands on the table (not in lap), and waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat
It is polite to say "Bon appétit" before a meal

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. France is generally considered LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including same-sex marriage and adoption.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, with penalties for possession and consumption of illegal drugs

Special Laws

It is illegal to smoke in public indoor spaces and on public transport
Be aware of varying rules for drones
Jaywalking can result in a fine

Common Phrases

NoNon (NOHN)

YesOui (WEE)

HelloBonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse mePardon (par-DOHN)

Thank youMerci (mer-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Cyclone season: Jan
Mar
Warmest months: Jan
Mar
Coolest months: Jul
Aug

Getting There

Fly directly to Roland Garros Airport (RUN) from Europe (e
g
, Paris), Mauritius, or other Indian Ocean islands
Flight times vary (e
g
, Paris to Reunion \~11h, Mauritius to Reunion \~45min)
Cost depends on origin and season

Getting Around

Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the island
Public buses connect major towns, but services can be limited in rural areas
Taxis are available but can be expensive
No ride
sharing apps like Uber are widely used

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid vaccinations are often advised
No specific malaria risk in Reunion Island
Consider motion sickness remedies for winding mountain roads
Consult a doctor before travel for personalized advice

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available
Major providers include Orange, SFR, and Free Mobile
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are likely to work with local networks

Local Cuisine

Cari Poulet must_try

This is a quintessential Creole dish featuring chicken slowly simmered in a rich sauce of onions, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and tomatoes. It is genera

Bouchons street_food

These are small, steamed dumplings, similar to Chinese Siumai, filled with minced pork or chicken. Originating from the island's Chinese community, bo

Rougail Saucisses regional_speciality

A robust and spicy dish where Creole sausages are cooked in a tomato-based sauce spiced with onions, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. This flavorful

Bonbons Piment snack

Savory fried balls made from split peas, spices, and a generous amount of chili. These crispy, flavorful snacks are highly addictive and are commonly

Samoussas street_food

Triangular fried pastries filled with various savory stuffings like seasoned meat, fish, or vegetables. Brought to the island by Indian immigrants, th

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (especially in Cirques and coastal areas) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

High-quality or unique accommodations, particularly gîtes in the mountainous Cirques (like Cilaos, Mafate, Salazie) and popular beach towns, book out quickly due to limited supply and high demand during peak seasons.

Pitons des Neiges Sunrise Hike Gîte Reservation Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

The Gîte de la Caverne Dufour, the overnight stop for the sunrise hike on Pitons des Neiges, has extremely limited beds and is essential for breaking up the long ascent.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Helicopter Tours (Volcano/Cirques flyover) tour_or_activity

Book 2 weeks–2 months in advance

These are highly popular activities with limited seating per flight, and prime morning slots (best for visibility) sell out quickly. Booking ahead secures your preferred date and time.

Rental Car (Automatic Transmission) logistics_other

Book 1–3 months in advance

While manual cars are abundant, the supply of automatic transmission vehicles is limited on the island and they are essential for travelers uncomfortable driving manual on the steep, winding mountain roads. Overall car supply can be tight during peak season.

Fun Facts

1. Reunion Island holds world records for extreme rainfall, including the greatest twenty-four-hour rainfall ever recorded during Cyclone Gamede in 2007, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.
2. The island is home to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes, which has erupted over 100 times since 1640 and frequently shapes the landscape.
3. The highest peak on the island, the dormant volcano Piton des Neiges, translates to "peak of snows," even though the island has a tropical climate.
4. La Réunion is a mix of cultures, with its population having roots in African, Indian, European, Chinese, and Malagasy descent, resulting in a vibrant blend seen in festivals like Dipavali (Diwali).

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