If you’re a nature lover
it’s a place
you’ll adore!
E
xperience Reunion in the heart of nature and its riches: discover Reunion the “green� way!
Looking to visit... the cirques?
T
he heart of Reunion consists of three mountainous basins born out of the collapse of the walls of Piton des Neiges and its tormented geological history: these are the cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie. Let’s go to the cirques! You get to Cilaos, the southernmost cirque, via the “road of 400 bends”! Fragile stomachs beware! But rest assured, the winding road is soon forgotten as the landscape that awaits you is spectacular! The charming village of Cilaos, located at the
foot of the Piton des Neiges, is renowned for its embroidery, springwater and thermal baths, vineyards and lentils. Mafate is the only cirque, in the west, accessible only on foot or by helicopter. It’s a paradise for hikers, away from the bustle and heat of the coast. Salazie, in the east, is full of all levels of hiking trails, a mountain bike centre and numerous pools on whose shores it’s good to have a picnic, not forgetting the well preserved traditional architecture.
Want to know all about the endemic species?
B
oth an ocean tropical island and a large volcanic mountain, Reunion has an infinite variety of natural landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Its geological history, made up of successive eruptions and massive collapses, provides a unique landscape made up of volcanic peaks and monumental cirques with steep ramparts which have featured since 2010 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area covered lies in the heart of Reunion’s National Park, whose agents offer, during their “Park Meetings” which take place several times a
month, landscape talks in which they explain the geological formation of the island and the dynamics of how its vegetation conquered the land. The National Park Building also welcomes to La Plaine des Palmistes all lovers of these types of landscapes, this exceptional fauna and flora: acknowledged as one of 30 global biodiversity hotspots, the Park is home to some 43 species of vertebrates, 2000 species of invertebrates, and 1600 native plant species (of which 30% are endemic).
Looking for authentic nature?
T
here are lots of discovery trails and natural areas looked after by local players such as the ONF, or as part of green projects where visitors young and old can discover the flora and fauna of our island. On your way, you can also stop off in one of the 31 hiking lodges before setting off again on further explorations, perhaps accompanied by a local “péi” guide for a journey of a few hours to several days, immersed in the heart of nature and Reunion’s traditions. Many discovery products are offered by the guides, restaurateurs and lodge operators
such as “One day ... one forest”, “Authentic lands” etc. And we expect that each stage will be punctuated with a tasting of all that goes to make up Reunion’s cuisine: curries, chutneys, massalés and other honey sweets, all against a background of Maloya or traditional tales “zistwar Ti Zan Grandyab ou Gran Mèr Kale*”!
*Stories of Little John, Grand Devil or Grandma Kale.
Want to dive into the Marine Nature Reserve?
R
eunion Island is bordered on the west coast by coral reefs that form a natural barrier against the onslaught of the sea for the island’s bathing areas. Home to remarkable biodiversity (over 3500 species), these reefs form a remarkable natural heritage that’s been protected since 2007 by the Marine Nature Reserve which extends for 40 km of coastline from Cap La Houssaye in St Paul, to Roche aux Oiseaux in Etang Salé.
This unique marine heritage can also be visited with an experienced guide from the Reserve using the underwater Ermitage trail which reveals all the treasures of this unspoilt coral reef. Over 45 to 60 minutes, visitors equipped with flippers, mask and snorkel from 8 years and above can set off to discover a trail that’s truly unique! You’ll see boxfish, lionfish, picassos, surgeon fish and other blue-tailed mullet, blue trevally and groupers!
Want to see our friends the animals more closely?
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eunion offers numerous opportunities for those who love our animal friends! Go to Kélonia, the marine turtle observatory in St Leu to find out all about these marine reptiles that nest on our shores; unless you’d prefer to visit the countless marine species that inhabit the St Gilles Aquarium, or perhaps watch the dolphins play in St Paul’s Bay, or the whales that come each southern winter to give birth to their young along Reunion’s western and southern shores. And if you prefer your nature watching to be land-based, the cheeky little tec-tecs*
are sure to escort you along the trails, and you’re also sure to come across the beautiful “green zoizo” and “virgin zoizo”. Numerous Reunion associations work to protect nature and wildlife, such as Globice or Abyss for cetaceans, Séor for birds and Srepen for the conservation of natural environments.
*The Reunion stonechat or tec-tec is a forest bird endemic to the island.
Whatever you desire, Reunion and its inhabitants with their generous and genuine hospitality will open their doors to what looks remarkably like paradise! Tour operators specialising in ecotourism, partners of Reunion Island Tourism, offer various types of stays.
Find these deals at
Reunion National Park: www.reunion-parcnational.fr ONF: www.onf.fr/la-reunion Marine Nature Reserve: www.reservemarinereunion.fr Globice: www.globice.org Abyss: www.fondationabyss.blogspot.com SĂŠor: www.seor.fr Srepen: www.rne.re
4 rue Jules Thirel, Immeuble La Balance Bâtiment B - 97460 Saint-Paul Reunion Island Tel. +33 (0)810 160 000 - Fax: +262 (0)2 62 21 00 21 contact@reunion.fr Paris Branch Tel. +33 (0)140 750 279 - Fax: +33 (0)140 750 273 irtparis@reunion.fr
Edited by Reunion Island Tourism Board - December 2014 Texts: Joël Brunet - Photos: E. Virin, S. Gélabert, S. Benard, L. Bêche, R. Ravon, E. Lamblin, Yabalex, Frog974 photographies, P. Choukroun
Reunion Island tourism board