Réunion Island, French overseas island in Indian Ocean, France.
Réunion is an island in the Indian Ocean with an elongated shape and two major volcanic massifs that shape its landscape. The land displays varied terrain from coastal areas to mountainous regions inland.
Portuguese sailors discovered the originally uninhabited island in the early 1500s, before French settlers established a colony there in the 17th century. This early French settlement shaped the island permanently.
The island blends African, European, and Asian traditions in its daily speech, cooking, and celebrations. Visitors notice this mix in how people use public spaces and in local customs.
The capital city Saint-Denis on the northern coast offers the main entry point with an international airport. Visitors find connections there to many places around the Indian Ocean.
Piton de la Fournaise ranks among the world's most active volcanoes and shows regular volcanic activity. These eruptions make it a memorable place for observation and exploration.
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