The island of Réunion is a tiny bit of France with a tropical
twist situated 500 miles (805km) east of Madagascar, deep in the
heart of the Indian Ocean. Nicknamed 'l'Île Intense', Réunion is a
dramatic, mountainous paradise created and shaped by volcanoes. The
scent of vanilla, stretches of black sand beaches, forest-covered
peaks, rushing waterfalls and an incredibly diverse and friendly
population makes this overseas
départementof France an idyllic destination.
The history of the island is reflected in its people. The
Portuguese stumbled across the unoccupied island in 1513, but it
was the French that descended in 1646 and stayed put. French exiles
and colonists, Malagasy slaves, Chinese indentured labourers,
Indians and Pakistanis have subsequently created a rich melting pot
of culture, as well as the island's most widely spoken language,
Réunion Creole.
Réunion was hard hit with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869,
as it lost significance as a stopover on the East Indies trade
route, and today it relies heavily on mainland France for financial
support. Its main industries are sugarcane, rum, vanilla, geranium
oil for perfumes and not surprisingly, tourism. An interesting
facet of the island's economy is the enormous gap between rich and
poor; its high unemployment rate contrasting with an affluent
elite. One's immediate impression of the place, however, is that
the groups seem to live relatively equably side-by-side, with
plenty of racial and religious mixing. That is not to say there has
not been conflict caused by such socio-economic disparity, as seen
in riots 15 years ago.
Réunion is home to one of the world's most active volcanoes, le
Piton de la Fournaise, and has three major cirques: Cilaos, Mafate
and Salazie. This provides breathtaking scenery and world-class
trekking and canyoneering, with plenty of footpaths and daredevil
drops to choose from. The island's beaches are not given the credit
they deserve - the black volcanic sands at Etang-Salé are a treat
(though the sand can be scorching in summer), the warm Indian Ocean
is the colour of absinthe and the abundance of underwater creatures
makes snorkelling a must. The popular St Gilles-les-Bains offers
classic palm-fringed shores on a wide lagoon and Saint Leu has
incredible surfing. For those who venture inland, small mountain
villages, lush forests, rich birdlife and flora can be found.
Delicious local cuisine, local fusion music and dance, and
quintessentially French sophistication are served up side-by-side
in Réunion. Outdoor activities and plenty of relaxation are
combined with a welcoming people and a magnificent backdrop, making
Reunion indeed 'l'Île Intense'.
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