Piton de la Fournaise volcano
One of the most active volcanoes in the world, explored through a lunar landscape of lava flows and trails leading to the edge of its crater.
Réunion Island
A volcanic island rising from the Indian Ocean, Réunion Island packs in spectacular scenery: the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise, the towering cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, and a protected lagoon along the west coast. A destination for hiking and raw, untamed nature.
Why visit Réunion Island?
Réunion Island stands out for the extreme diversity of its landscapes within a compact territory: an active volcano, mountain cirques listed as a World Heritage site, rainforests and a coral lagoon. A French overseas department, it combines tropical escape with the euro as currency and French as its official language, plus a renowned network of hiking trails.
What to discover on Réunion Island?
At the island's heart, the three cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie form a natural amphitheater of cliffs and peaks, reachable on foot or by road depending on the location. Mafate, inaccessible by car, can only be explored on foot, winding between isolated hamlets and waterfalls. Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, dominates the southeast of the island with trails exploring its crater and lava flows.
Along the coast, the western shore concentrates sandy beaches and a lagoon protected by a coral reef, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the east coast and the wild south reveal rawer landscapes of volcanic cliffs and rainforest. Inland, Piton des Neiges, the island's highest peak, draws hikers for its sunrise views. Creole culture, blending African, Indian, European and Chinese influences, is reflected in the local cuisine, markets and festivals.
Cities to visit in Réunion
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Réunion in pictures
The must-sees
Volcano, cirques, lagoon and hiking: here is what not to miss on Réunion Island.
The Mafate cirque
Accessible only on foot or by helicopter, this isolated cirque shelters inhabited hamlets and some of the island's most popular hiking trails.
The Cilaos cirque
A mountain village surrounded by steep cliffs, known for its thermal baths, high-altitude vineyards and trails leading to Piton des Neiges.
The western lagoon
Protected by a coral reef, the west coast offers sandy beaches and calm waters ideal for swimming and exploring the seabed.
Piton des Neiges
The island's highest peak, this extinct volcano is climbed on a multi-hour hike rewarded with a panoramic view over the whole island.
The Salazie cirque
The lushest of the cirques, famous for waterfalls such as Voile de la Mariée and Creole villages nestled between its cliffs.
Practical information
- Capital
- Saint-Denis (prefecture)
- Area
- About 2,512 km²
- Population
- About 870,000 inhabitants
- Languages
- French, Réunion Creole
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Climate
- Tropical, tempered by the terrain
- Best season
- May to November (dry season)
Frequently asked questions
When to visit Réunion Island?
The dry season, from May to November, is the most favorable period, with cooler and less humid weather. The hot, cyclone-prone season runs from December to April, with a higher risk of heavy rain.
Do you need a passport to visit Réunion Island?
As a French department, a valid ID is enough for French nationals. Other nationalities should check France's entry requirements, since Réunion Island is part of French territory but outside the Schengen area.
How many days are needed to visit Réunion Island?
About ten days allows you to discover the main cirques, the volcano and the coastline. Two weeks leave more time for hiking, especially in the Mafate cirque.
Can you climb Piton de la Fournaise?
Yes, a marked trail leads to the edge of the crater from Pas de Bellecombe, subject to access being authorized depending on volcanic activity. It is recommended to start early in the morning for clearer skies.
How do you get around Réunion Island?
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the island at your own pace, as mountain roads are winding. The Mafate cirque can only be reached on foot or by helicopter.
Is Réunion Island suitable for families?
Yes, the island offers activities suited to all ages, from lagoon beaches to accessible hikes and the discovery of Creole culture, with well-developed tourist infrastructure.
Plan your trip to Réunion
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
