Between volcano and ocean, Réunion Island is part, like Martinique and Guadeloupe, of the
French overseas departments. But it is not part of the West Indies. Indeed, Reunion Island is
not located in the Atlantic Ocean but in the Indian Ocean. It is located in south-eastern
Africa, between Madagascar and Mauritius Island. With its area of 2512 km2 and its mixed
population, Reunion Island offers an unprecedented diversity of cultures and landscapes. Let’s see the iconic places of Reunion Island!

The iconic volcano of Reunion Island: The Piton de la Fournaise

The Piton de la Fouraise is a volcano located in the heart of the peninsula and culminates at
2 612m. The still active volcano always offers to inhabitants and tourists a magnificent show
when eruptions happend. For the most intrepids, a hiking path allows you to go to the top of
the volcano to appreciate a breathtaking view above the clouds.

The Piton des Neiges: highest peak on Reunion Island

The highest point of the island with its 3 070m, the Piton des Neiges, located in the Plaines
des Cafres, is the only place on the island where it is possible to observe snow at certain
period of the year. Very popular place for local population to observe the sunrise, it is
possible, if you are frightened neither by camping or the cold, to sleep along the marked path
on the mountain in order to attend, in the morning, the appearance of the solar star.

The Cirque of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie: between nature and traditions

The name « Crique » (‘circus’ in English) – has nothing to do with the traditional circus tent and
clowns. In Reunion Island, a cirque is actually a crevasse created by the collapse of a
volcano thousands of years ago. Inhabited by slaves escaped from the plantations, the
different cirques of the island offers a traditional Creole life experience. To access these
sites, you will first have to take the car. For the Cirque de Cilaos for example, you will have
to take the so-called ‘400 bends road’. For access to the other Cirques, you will need to be
patient because they are only accessible on foot, via a hiking path. But a great reward will
await you at the end of these paths: a valley dotted with small Creole huts surrounded by
mountains and tropical forests. Many activities are organized in those iconic places of Reunion Island throughout the year such
as yoga retreats, hiking, as well as initiations to local beliefs such as fire walking.

The Bridal Veil Waterfall: the iconic waterfall

The Bridal Veil Waterfall is, like its name depicts, a waterfall located in the Cirque de Salazie.
This impressive waterfall owes its name to a local legend called « The Legend of the Cursed
Lovers”. According to this legend, a man from a wealthy family fell in love with a young
woman from a modest one. When asking for her hand, the young woman’s father firmly
opposed the marriage. Only listening to their hearts, the two lovers made the decision to
defy the father’s decision. The young woman’s father, armed with a sword, interrupted the
ceremony, determined to separate his daughter from this man. The two lovers managed to
escape through the mountainous area of the Cirque. In their escape, the young woman
slipped and fell from the mountain. Its veil would have hung along the floor, thus giving its
name to the waterfall.

If the Reunion Island is known for its pleasant climate and its fine sandy beaches, it is also
and above all an island of traditions and sharings. It offers tourists and locals alike an
exceptional natural show all along the year. Ideal holiday destination for sports enthusiasts
and bon vivant alike, Reunion Island will make you dream.

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