"Réunion: It's France, but not as we know... " a Reunion Travel Page by JustinJansen

Réunion is a part of France, and is a small island, situated roughly between Madagascar and Mauritius. It is a relaxing mostly jet-set place, and prices are similair with Europe (France). The language spoken is also French, and like common in French speaking country again a complete lack of English language is common here! Most foreigners (except for France) use the rough country side for large trekking. There are over 600km (370 miles) of footpaths leading through the island. Then climate should be your first consideration if you want to experience Réunion at its best. The only time to seriously consider trekking through Réunion's spectacular mountain country is during the dry season from April to September. The downside of climate-related trip planning is that everyone else has the same idea. You're strongly advised to book well in advance, especially during the peak tourist times. April, May and the French school holidays from late July to early September are the busiest times, and in August you risk being left high and dry without accommodation unless you book in advance. This is also high trekking season. The quietest times are during cyclone-prone February and March. The seasons normally change in April and that isn't too bad for a time for a visit; but, for maximum spatial and climatic enjoyment, May and June are probably the best months of all. But due the trekking season weather can be bad in periodes, as we had the first day at Roche-Écrite stunning weather and the next day only rain and clouds could be seen.

Réunion has a large history due as stop-over to the far-east. The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route.
The now 743,981 Reunionese people live in a country of 2,512 sq km with the capitol of Saint Denis.
Periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April) hit the island and Piton de la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano, and while visiting the island it was very active. This mountainous, volcanic island has one active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise; there is a tropical cyclone center at Saint-Denis, which is the monitoring station for the whole of the Indian Ocean
The highest top of the island is 3,069 m. Reunion is an active part of France and falls within the French Law. The formal name is Department of Reunion and localy known as Ile de la Reunion.

As we expierenced it is one of the most undamaged island in the area, only 65 % of the native forest have been cleared! I vistited Reunion on 11 and 12 september 2004! Due that it is for large parts not destroyed many bird species are extinct on the island:

Réunion Flightless Ibis
Réunion Night-Heron
Réunion Gallinule
Réunion Pigeon
Mauritius Grey Parrot
Réunion Owl
Réunion Starling

About the same ammount now survives on the island. These are Reunion Bulbul, Reunion Cuckoo Shrike, Reunion Olive White-eye, Reunion Grey-white-eye and Reunion Stonechat.

Some nice nature parts to visit are:

- The most beautiful cirque (A special feature on Réunion are the so-called cirques – large volcanic valleys surrounded by mountains, creating a natural amphitheatre of about 10km (6 miles) in diameter) is probably Salazie, with its magnificent waterfalls, especially those known as Le Voile de la Mariée (The Bride’s Veil) near Hell-Bourg.
- Cilaos, once infamous as a refuge for escaped slaves, is a lovely mountain area rising to about 1220m (4000ft) with impressive views from Le Bras Sec and Îlet à Cordres.
- There is a day-trip to Grand-Îlet, taking in some spectacularly rugged scenery.
- Piton des Neiges is the highest point on the island and is an enjoyable hike from Hell-Bourg.
- Mafate is the most secluded of the valleys, unconnected by any road with the outside world.