Réunion, French overseas department in Indian Ocean, France
Description
Réunion is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, sitting on 2,512 square kilometers between Madagascar and Mauritius and combining mountains, coasts and volcanic terrain. The island rises sharply from the sea with steep slopes, deep valleys and an active volcano in the east, while the west offers gentler beaches and forested hills.
History
Portuguese sailors reached the uninhabited island in 1507, and France began permanent settlement in 1663 with colonists and plantation workers. During the 20th century the territory became fully integrated into the French state system and gained overseas department status with equal representation.
Culture
Locals share roots from France, Madagascar, Africa, India and China, and this blend shapes daily life through food, music and community celebrations. Markets and small shops bring together flavors and crafts from these different traditions, making every neighborhood feel like a living crossroads.
Practical
Flights connect Roland Garros Airport to Paris on a regular schedule, the currency is the euro and the official language is French. Travelers need no special visa if they can enter France, and infrastructure follows mainland European standards with well-maintained coastal roads.
Did you know?
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth and erupts several times a year with fresh lava flows that often remain accessible to visitors. On some days you can watch the glow and movement of lava from a safe distance while the landscape slowly reshapes itself.
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La Réunion is an island shaped by dramatic natural forces. Volcanoes, waterfalls, and mountains define the landscape. The Piton des Neiges rises to 3070 meters and dominates the island. Deep canyons cut through the terrain, crater lakes mirror the sky, and botanical gardens showcase the variety of...
Creole cuisine in Réunion combines African, Indian, Chinese and French influences. Restaurants on the island serve typical dishes such as cari, a stew with meat or fish in tomato sauce with onions and spices, rougail saucisse featuring grilled sausages in spicy sauce, and side dishes including rice,...
Piton de la Fournaise
22.5 km
Piton des Neiges
6 km
Saint-Gilles
28.3 km
Trou de Fer
10.6 km
Église Notre-Dame des Laves
31.1 km
Réunion National Park
3.5 km
Maïdo
16 km
Plage de l'Ermitage
31.8 km
Noor-e-Islam Mosque
29.1 km
Formica Leo
20.1 km
Pont suspendu de la Rivière de l'Est
23 km
Takamaka, Réunion
11.6 km
Dolomieu Crater
23.3 km
Kélonia
25.7 km
Plaine des Sables
17.8 km
Boucan Canot Beach
33.3 km
Niagara Fall
24.7 km
Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island
6 km
Marine De La Réunion
27.9 km
Grand Galet Falls
23.3 km
Littoral Viaduct
30.8 km
Cimetière marin de Saint-Paul
30.5 km
Musée de Villèle
28.5 km
Musée Stella Matutina
25.3 km
St. Denis Cathedral, Réunion
29.4 km
Vierge au parasol
31.1 km
Grand Bénare
10.9 km
Grande Anse, Réunion
26.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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