Part of the Mascarene Archipelago, along with Mauritius and Rodrigues, Reunion Island lies in the southwestern Indian Ocean, about 500 mi/800 km east of Madagascar. The island itself is 128 mi/205 km around and contains two mountain ranges. The highest point, Piton des Neiges (10,069 ft/3,069 m), is an inactive volcano in the east-central portion of the island, and 8,630-ft/2,630-m La Fournaise (The Furnace), an active volcano, dominates the eastern end of the island. Reunion also has three cirques, or natural mountain basins, which were formed by erosion of the Piton des Neiges.
Reunion also includes other smaller islands that serve primarily as meteorological stations, with no tourist accommodations—only Reunion is inhabited.
Reunion is believed to be a result of two volcanic eruptions about 2.5 million years ago. Though Arabs visited the island during the Middle Ages, it remained uninhabited until the mid-1500s when it was discovered by the Portuguese, who were followed by Dutch, British and French explorers. It was declared French territory in 1649 and, except for a short British period of occupation in the early 19th century (1810-1815), has remained under French administration to this day.
Inhabitants are descended mainly from French settlers and varied groups of African slaves and indentured Indian workers. The island's unique Creole culture reflects Arab, Chinese, French and Indian influences.
Reunion was a major stopover on East Indies trade routes—coffee, sugar, vanilla and the like shaped the island's political and socio-economic history. However, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost Reunion its strategic importance in world trade. World War II brought the island further troubles—the islet was obligated to send supplies to France at its own expense, resulting in a weakened economy.
In 1946, however, the country experienced a rebirth: Its status was elevated from colony to overseas department of France, opening the door to equal sociopolitical benefits with France. Until the early 1990s, the people of Reunion were content with this status. Then in February 1991, a spate of anti-government riots and unrest rocked the department, as residents demanded autonomy. By 1993, the unrest had subsided, although lingering tensions still persist.
Starting in the mid-1990s and continuing till today, Reunion has experienced tremendous growth in its tourism industry, overtaking sugarcane as the island's major exchange earner.
Reunion's main attractions are rambles (trekking and hiking), beautiful waterfalls, bird-watching, mountain climbing, deep-sea fishing, yachting, volcanoes, horseback riding, golfing, wild orchids, historic sites and monuments, windsurfing, unique culture and delicious food.
Reunion will appeal to travelers who love untouristy islands with striking (almost South Pacific-type) scenery. Don't go if you can't do without immaculate surroundings, efficient service, varied nightlife and shopping. And don't go if you are on a limited budget or if you feel uncomfortable in countries where English isn't commonly spoken.
Reunion is a very young island: It is believed to have emerged from the deep sea about two and a half million years ago. This accounts for its lack of deep lagoons—there hasn't been time for the sea to carve them out.
As in all French-influenced lands, fresh baguettes and excellent coffee abound.
Though Reunion has the highest standard of living of all the Indian Ocean islands, the gap between the well-off and the poor is noticeably large and has often led to some social tensions.
Sections of an old rail line, originally built for transporting sugar across the island, are being adapted for use as a tourist attraction. The line winds through the island's mountainous terrain and a tunnel 6 mi/10 km long (third-longest land tunnel in the world) and crosses two spectacular bridges.
Noted figure skater Surya Bonaly was born in Reunion.
Riviere-des-Pluies, southeast of St. Denis, is the home of the locally famous Black Virgin. Pilgrims flock to the village to pay homage to the shrine.
There are 370 mi/595 km of meandering, well-maintained footpaths on the island, the longest trail being the 50-mi/80-km GRR1 Rambler (it includes all three of the natural cirques). Other trails vary in length and difficulty, so ask about them locally before you start off.
Just before slavery was abolished in 1848, African slaves numbered 60,000 out of a total population of 100,000.
The island is the world's largest producer of geraniums. The production of perfume bases from flowers is, after tourism and the production of sugarcane, rated among the most important industries of the island. Some of the geranium farms can be visited.
The island's multiethnic population guarantees a variety of interesting festivals. In October or November, Indian residents celebrate Dipavali (a festival of lights to celebrate the triumph of good over evil). Multiple times a year, Tamils celebrate Cavadee (including body piercing and the March of the Fire ceremony, during which goats and chickens are sacrificed). Muslims celebrate Ramadan (date varies); the Chinese celebrate the New Year (February-March); and the French celebrate French and Christian holidays.
Mount Piton de La Fournaise is still active and flares up quite often. As enchanting as the astounding sight of cascading lava may seem, it is a thing to watch out for before checking into the mountainous inland. It is known to have erupted close to 160 times since 1640. A modern volcano observatory is currently monitoring its activities closely.
