VANILLA PLANTATION: La Vanilleraie is a vanilla preparation workshop situated at the heart of the authentic Creole estate of Le Grand Hazier in Sainte Suzanne (listed in the register of historic monuments). In this unique setting, in the shade of hundred year-old flamboyant trees, tours are offered and vanilla is sold in all its forms (pods, powder, extract and vanilla derivatives). Tour of the vanilla plantation and its different varieties of vanilla plants, in addition to tours of the vanilla preparation plant and discovery of the secrets of the manufacture of this sweet-tasting spice. The guided tours give detailed information about the plant and processing of the pods, while also covering the history of vanilla cultivation on La Réunion and the key role of Edmond Albius in its development. Finally, the screening of a ten-minute film shows the different stages in the production of the pods. Processed using a traditional, 150 year-old manufacturing process, vanilla pods embody both tradition and quality. Awarded silver medals at the French national agricultural fair in 2008 and 2010 and gold medal in 2011, La Vanilleraie sells an exceptional product: genuine La Réunion Bourbon Vanilla. Shop open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hourly visits at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. http://www.lavanilleraie.com/

RHUM FACTORY: Right from the start, even in the garden in front of the Saga du Rhum, the scene is set. The mosaic of various traditional varieties of sugar-cane, with their colourful names, is planted opposite a row of barrels : for generations, sugar-cane has been giving the world a delicious drink : rum. http://www.sagadurhum.fr/-Visit-.html

ST PAUL MARKET: Saint-Paul market which opens on Fridays and Saturdays is famed to be the most beautiful market of Reunion Island. This open market is located on the waterfront of the city and is undoubtedly the most touristic market on the island. The market is the best place to discover Reunion Island’s culinary culture and traditions. Over 300 exhibitors offer local products, spices, fruits and vegetables. Saint-Paul market is also the best place to find souvenir gifts of Reunion Island.

TAKAMAKA: The Takamaka Valley deeply lacerates the eastern planet of the Piton des Neiges massif. It impresses the landscape with its steep ramparts, thus enclosing one of the longest streams on the island, the Rivière des Marsouins. Extending the plateau of Bébour in a setting of waterfalls, the valley drains water imbibing upstream the mountain forests, rich in remarkable biodiversity. The small road that goes up to it opens at its terminus on a panorama of great nature, an integral part of the heart of the national park and the World Heritage property. The ubiquitous water, is captured to produce electricity. It supplies two power plants made invisible, by an astonishing underground implantation, imposed by the very rugged relief. It is therefore advisable to be well informed about the weather and the prefectural arrests, to be equipped for the hike without forgetting water, a cap and a cover before going there.

MAIDO: The Maïdo is located on the heights of Saint-Paul. This site offers an exceptional point of view on the islets of the cirque of Mafate and on the west coast. To get there you will cross a forest of Tamarins, for a pleasant stroll in the heart of nature Reunion. The site of Maïdo is the starting point of many excursions to Mafate, but also to the Grand Bénare, third highest peak of the island with its 2,898 meters of altitude.

PITON DE LA FOURNAISE: Le Piton de La Fournaise is one of the most active volcanos of the planet. The volcano is the most visited place of Reunion Island and probably the most thrilling attraction of the Indian Ocean too. This mythic volcano can be visited by helicopter or microlight planes, but the best way to discover the volcano is the hard way, trekking!
The massive Piton de la Fournaise is our number one pick for many reasons. Amongst the reasons, the view from above, those who made it to the top will tell you about the outstanding view over the rest of the island!

MAFATE: Mafate is one of the three famous calderas found at the heart of Reunion Island. The caldera of Mafate is home to a small village of the same name. A very uncommon village as it is located almost 2000 metres above sea level. If you are looking to spend a day in an unusual place, Mafate is definitely worth it. The caldera is sort of incommunicado with the rest of the world. No roads, no chance to come across a car or a bus, the only way to visit Mafate is by walk.

CILAOS: Cilaos is a caldera located next to Mafate, but unlike its neighbour, Cilaos is accessible by road. However, you can still trek to reach its top. Cilaos is famous for its impressive canyons and waterfalls where numerous extreme sports activities like canyoning (canyoneering), rock climbing can be practised. In fact, Cilaos is considered to be an advanced location for canyoning, a world-class site to discover hidden gorges and slide down waterfalls. Besides these electrifying activities, you will also discover the small village of Cilaos, well-known for traditional products like lentils or its old-style sugarcane rum!

VOILE DE LA MARIEE: Voile de la Mariée is one of the many natural treasures of Reunion Island. This waterfall is famous for the optical illusion it produces, the falls take the appearance the veils of a bride! Several chutes form this waterfall which end up in a natural pool surrounded by sumptuous flora. When visiting the calderas, Voile de la Mariée is a must-stop. The best way to get there is by crossing the small village of Hell-Bourg on your way to Salazie caldera.

ST DENIS: Also known as the old city, Saint-Denis is the capital city of Reunion Island. Located in the north, the capital City hosts the main administrative centres of the island. From a historical point of view, Saint-Denis is very important to Reunion Island with its numerous museums and cultural monuments.

ERMITAGE BEACH: Reunion Island is not just about mountains, calderas and vertiginous peaks. The west coast of the island is blessed with some amazing beaches. Ermitage (or l’Hermitage as pronounced by locals) beach is the longest beach of Reunion Island. Nearly two kilometres of white sand to lay down your towel and enjoy a sunbath.
The beach of Ermitage is the perfect place to spend some time and enjoy the tropical side of the island. Ermitage beach is lined with filaos (casuarina trees) providing some shade and is protected by a coral reef.

BOUCAN CANOT BEACH: Boucan Canot is another well-known beach of the west coast of Reunion Island. This touristic beach of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains is ideal for tanning, bathing, snorkelling, surfing and other sensational leisure activities. Unlike Ermitage beach, Boucan Canot can be crowded especially during weekends. However, during weekdays, the beach is very calm.

EDEN GARDEN: Eden garden is a beautiful botanical garden of 2.5 hectares which includes more than 700 species of plants. You will discover through a stroll of two hours a wide variety of tropical fauna and flora including some endemic species of Reunion Island.
Even though it is located at the heart of Saint-Gilles, Eden garden is one of the quietest places in the city. If you like plants and calmness, we definitely recommend this botanical garden.

AQUARIUM OF REUNION ISLAND: Discover the abundant marine life of the Indian Ocean in this aquarium located in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. The aquarium encompasses more than 500 species of fish and natural coral reefs nestled in more than 600 000 litres of water.The aquarium is a great alternative to discover aquatic life as a replacement for diving and also a great activity on rainy days!

Jardin des Parfums et des Epices (Le)

• Discovery over 1500 species of scented, spice and medicinal plants, examples of fine cabinetwork, ornaments, and much more besides

• A private garden open to the public since 1989, providing visitors with a glimpse of the many gifts nature has bestowed upon La Réunion, flora and fauna alike. Scented plants such as geraniums, vetiver and Ylang-Ylang, spices plants such as clove trees, cardamom and vanilla, ferns, orchids, palm trees, fruit trees, and much more besides… The Jardin des Parfums et des Epices is located in Mare Longue, on an 800-year-old lava flow in the midst of the forest. Guided visits are by appointment only and last around 1½ hours. For group rates, contact the guide. Sampling of seasonal fruits at end of visit.

CULTURAL EVENTS

Reunion Island is a land of diversity that is reputed across the world for its mixed culture and the harmonious rapport between its peoples. Here in the bewitching heart of nature, populations, traditions and spirituality unite. This mix can be seen and felt throughout the island’s history and in many aspects of the local way of life. It is a melting pot which has left a legacy of festivals and cults now deep-rooted in Reunion’s culture and very much part of the islanders’ lives throughout the year.

20th December festivities

Although the feeling of togetherness is celebrated all year round on Reunion Island, during special events or moments when the residents simply get together, the melting pot takes on a whole new meaning during the festivities of 20th December. This date is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery. So every 20th December brings the inhabitants together to commemorate and celebrate the shaping of Reunion culture by multiple influences.

Cavadee

On Reunion Island, the Tamil god Marouga is celebrated every year by a procession that’s as magnificent as it is impressive. Followers embark on long marches in the streets of the towns to do penance and purify their souls. This ancestral ritual came to the island with the Tamil community and is appreciated as much by the penitents as the visitors who come to watch this sumptuous parade.

Guan Di

Every year, the streets of Saint-Denis burst into colour as fantastical creatures parade around the city. During the festival of Guan Di, a god warrior from Chinese mythology, you can attend this extravagant ceremony held over two days of dance, prayer, offerings, and tastings of delicious Chinese dishes.

Fire walking

In December and January, an impressive fire-walking event takes place on the island. Performed in honour of the Hindu goddess Draupadi, the fire walks are generally accompanied by parades, prayers and offerings.

Chinese New Year