Welcome to our website dedicated to the island of La Reunion
A destination where nature reveals itself in all its splendor and where Creole culture blends harmoniously with French history. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this small French island offers a unique experience that makes it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Discover Reunion Island like never before with Sous les Étoiles 974, the French-language blog specializing in organizing trips on the intense island. As a must-visit reference for travelers, this site offers you a wealth of valuable information to plan your stay in La Reunion.
From majestic peaks to white sandy beaches, picturesque Creole villages, and lively markets, La Reunion is a true gem where travelers can discover preserved wilderness and remarkable cultural richness. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, water sports fan, or simply looking for a place to relax, La Reunion offers a range of activities to fully enjoy your vacation.
We are delighted to guide you through this unique adventure and share with you all the wonders that this extraordinary island has to offer.
Complete travel guide to discovering Reunion Island
From hiking in the rugged mountains to relaxing on the pristine beaches, this guide will provide you with everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Reunion Island.
Recent Blog Post about Island Of Reunion
Reunion Island is a concentrated version of the best the world has to offer ! Nicknamed “the intense island” or “the island of grand spectacle,” Reunion Island offers a unique diversity of climates, landscapes, and multiculturalism. The conviviality and kindness of the Reunionese people are well-known.
Here are some key facts about Reunion Island, also known as “the intense island” :
Status : a French overseas department and region
Area : 2,512 km²
Population : 850,000 inhabitants
Capital : Saint-Denis
Languages : French and Reunion Creole
Religions : Catholic, Hindu, Chinese, Muslim
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Important things…
About French Reunion Island
Discover the natural wonders of Reunion Island
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800 km east of Madagascar and 200 km from Mauritius, Reunion Island is a tropical island. It is home to a very active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, which has frequent eruptions that offer a spectacular show.
The island’s interior has a chaotic relief dominated by Piton des Neiges, which rises to 3070 m above sea level and is the roof of the Indian Ocean. This region is home to a unique flora and fauna, making Reunion Island a paradise for nature lovers. In 2010, Reunion Island was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its “Pitons, cirques and ramparts”, thanks in part to the creation of the Reunion National Park, which covers 43% of its territory.
Reunion Island also has a rich coastline, with lagoons and white sandy beaches, as well as wilder coasts, cut and beaten by the Indian Ocean.
Important things…
About History of Reunion
A journey through the rich history of La Réunion: from Île Bourbon to the current multicultural society
La Réunion was known to Arabs since the 12th century and was discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century.
It was successively called Dina Morgabim, Santé Apolonia, île Bourbon or île Bonaparte before taking its current name of La Réunion Island after the abolition of slavery in 1848.
It remained a colony until 1946, when it became a department and experienced significant development. La Réunion has a rich history spanning several centuries, particularly marked by its sugar industry. It has leveraged its history and cultural diversity to form an open and tolerant society, which is a true model of living together, rich in cultures and traditions.
La Réunion : Exceptional Geography Featuring Lagoons, Wild Coasts, and Mountains.
The geography and natural heritage of La Réunion Island are exceptional. The beaches and lagoons on the west coast, the wild coasts on the east and south, the three majestic cirques of Salazie, Mafate, and Cilaos in the center of the island, as well as the numerous peaks, waterfalls, and ramparts offer spectacular panoramas and breathtaking views.
The famous active volcano of Piton de la Fournaise is also one of these natural wonders, which has earned the island its nickname of the “island of great spectacle.”
La Réunion’s tropical climate is tempered by the trade winds, making it neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, but climatic conditions and temperatures can vary considerably between the coast and the heights due to the island’s rugged relief, which also creates many microclimates.
The exceptional natural heritage of La Réunion: unique flora and fauna
The natural heritage of the fauna and flora of La Réunion is extraordinary and incomparable, making the island a true treasure and a sanctuary of nature.
Thanks to its isolation and difficulty of access, a large part of its territory has remained in its original state, and nearly half of the island’s surface is protected as the La Réunion National Park.
The Réunionese flora is particularly remarkable, with a large number of endemic species. As for the fauna, it is mainly composed of exceptional terrestrial birds and insects. The reefs, lagoons, and seabed of La Réunion also harbor a remarkable biodiversity, which is subject to special protection within the marine nature reserve.
The unique culture of La Réunion : Between crossbreeding, cuisine, music, and spirituality.
The culture of Reunion Island is shaped by its diversity and cosmopolitanism, resulting in a rich and unique blend of influences. The Creole language is widely spoken, and the island’s culture includes a variety of local products, dishes, and musical styles such as Sega and Maloya. Due to the diverse origins of its population, Reunion Island is home to various religions, including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.
The Chinese community also venerates Guan Di, a warrior hero turned deity. Religious events throughout the year reflect the openness, tolerance, and welcoming nature of the Reunionese people.
Emerging traditions from the island’s history are cherished by locals and are upheld in daily life.
Réunion Island: Discover a unique culture and authentic activities at the heart of the intense island.
The island of La Réunion is abundant in activities, excursions, hiking, and sports to participate in, as well as a unique heritage and culture to discover.
Creole villages are an excellent way to experience the culture and meet locals. Along the coast, there are beaches, water activities, and a lively nightlife, while the highlands offer breathtaking landscapes and refreshing authenticity.
Tourism in La Réunion is different from more common destinations, providing immersion in the preserved Reunionese culture, away from mass tourism. Local culture is still prevalent, from music and dance to cuisine and architecture.
Despite the modern consumer society that has taken root on the island, La Réunion fortunately retains its Creole charm and way of life. This travel blog offers several articles on the possibilities offered by the island of La Réunion, whether for tourists or locals.
La Réunion: A spectacular island with its beaches, cirques, and active volcano.
