La Réunion

A volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, Réunion is a concentrate of landscapes of rare intensity, which earns it the nickname of the intense island. At its heart, the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, unfolds frozen lava flows and lunar panoramas, while the three cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, offer dizzying scenery of ramparts and peaks.

A true hiking paradise, the island has more than a thousand kilometres of trails, including the legendary GR R2 that crosses it from end to end. Here you can go canyoning in crystal-clear waterfalls, paragliding above the Saint-Leu lagoon, mountain biking, surfing and diving. The Ermitage lagoon, protected by a coral reef, invites swimming and snorkelling.

A land of mixed heritage, Réunion blends African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and European influences. This diversity is reflected in its Tamil temples, mosques and churches, its lively open-air markets and its tasty cuisine: fragrant curries, rougails, samosas and infused rums.

Saint-Denis, the capital, charms with its Creole houses and its tropical atmosphere, while the highland villages reveal an authentic art of living. Between volcano, mountains, beaches and lagoons, accessible all year round, Réunion combines adventure, Creole culture and unique flavours for active and refreshing holidays at the end of the world.

To discover Réunion, combine the west coast and its lagoons, the inland cirques and the volcano to the east. The island can be visited all year round, with the austral winter (May to November) ideal for hiking. A helicopter flight over the cirques, the climb up the Piton de la Fournaise, swimming at the Ermitage lagoon, the Saint-Paul market, the volcano road and the Creole highland villages are among the must-dos. What to do in Réunion in a week or more? The intense island suits families as much as athletes and culture lovers. Between adventure, beaches and mixed flavours, it promises a journey rich in sensations and discoveries.