Grite Daneels: ‘Air Austral and the Tourism board of Réunion planned a study trip to tropical Réunion; or Untamed Travelling if one of the specialists wishes to participate at this destination? Like!
And so we left Charles de Gaulle on a direct flight to Ile de la Réunion. This time no stress about the validity date of my passport, the identity card is sufficient! Even though this natural paradise is 9400km away, we remain within the borders of France. In other words; a piece of Europe off the coast of Africa with the French language, the well-known euro and delicious French wines on a tropical island! Upon arrival at roland garros airport near Saint Denis we are embraced by a pleasant 27 degrees. We immediately set course for one of the highlights, the point of view at “Cap Noir” that gives us a glimpse of the inhospitable “Cirque de Mafate“. We have been warned, this is just one of many moments on this island where we will feel nudig next to so much natural beauty!
We’re traversing the whole island. Despite the small circumference (207km) of the island, Ile de la Réunion is the ideal destination for a tour by hire car. Each stage will surprise you and reveal a different aspect of the island. An island of contrasts and diversity in all areas! One time you drive through a European landscape with vast meadow landscapes and forests. The other time you stay in African atmospheres with savanna, cane sugar plantations and fine forest. The tropical flowers and rainforest are reminiscent of the Asian continent. Not only the vegetation is characterized by contrasts, but also the landscapes. Réunion is a volcanic island and owes its landscape to two volcanoes: the “Piton des Neiges” and the “Piton de la Fournaise”. The “Piton des Neiges” is no longer active and resulted in three Cirques: the breathtaking “Cirque de Mafate”, the green and fertile “Cirque de Salazie” and finally the largest Cirque “Cirque de Cilaos”. Enough to discover! The “Piton de la Fournaise” is still active and dominates the south of the island, also called “The Wild South”: steep rough basalt coasts, black beaches and cooled lava flows. A walk from “Pas de Bellecombe” to the volcano itself takes you to alien atmospheres…
The population reflects a mix of cultures and knows how to charm me with their African hospitality! The cuisine reflects the same mix from India, China, France, Madagascar and the African continent. Visit one of the typical Table d’hôtes and be seduced by Creole cuisine: sample the countless variants in carri’s and enjoy rhum arrangée with your dessert!
We conclude our trip to the coral beaches of the west coast. At the colorful market of St. Paul we enjoy one last time the Creole hospitality and diversity. Then we say goodbye in style with a helicopter flight over the island. It was a real pleasure to represent Untamed Travelling on this gem in the Indian Ocean!
Ile de la Reunion offers something for everyone; from a tour for active people to an unforgettable family trip. Contact us with your wishes and we will be happy to work out a tailor-made quote!’
