Île de la Réunion

One of France's most heart-stopping islands lies in the Indian Ocean, near Madagascar and Mauritius.

The Île de la Réunion is so prized for its virtually unspoiled natural landscapes—from coral reefs to forests enriched by volcanic soil and rugged black and white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters—that it recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It makes a superb destination for more intrepid travelers and offers a different perspective of France, with its distinctive local culture, history, and language (since many of the population speaks Réunion Créole).

Like Martinique and other overseas French departments, Réunion (one of the best islands in France) has a dark history of forced labor and indentured servitude, with the former practice only abolished in 1848. This history deeply informs local culture and identity, with the abolition anniversary celebrated each year in late December. This past is strongly ingrained in local culture and identity, with the abolition anniversary observed each year in late December.

What to Do: For beach and watersports fans, Réunion has it all, from swimming and snorkeling in shallow, warm seas rich in marine life to diving, surfing, waterfalls, and massive lagoons. The beaches of Plage de l'Heritage and Saint-Leu are particularly beautiful. Next, go to Saint-Denis, the island's main city, to explore its bustling streets and sample the island's inventive cuisine, which combines Malagasy, Indian, Chinese, and French traditions. Meanwhile, hikers and climbers will find a plethora of intriguing locations and paths to explore, ranging from tropical woods and Piton de la Fournaise, the island's most renowned active volcano, in the east to savannahs and sugarcane fields in the west.

Location: French overseas island located in the midst of the Indian Ocean, 700 kilometers east of the island of Madagascar, and 200 kilometers South-West of Mauritius.
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5