LA REUNION

Explore the untamed nature of the most remote part of the European Union!

There aren't many of us who haven't heard about this tropical island, but just as well there aren't many of us who have had the opportunity to learn more about it.

If you want to make this years' vacation extraordinary and unforgettable what we sugggest is visiting  La Reunion.  By renting a car there you can explore the whole island and enjoy its beauties.

The island La Reunion is located on the outermost Indian ocean, being the most remote constituant of the Eropean Union and making it without a doubt the most untypical one too. It has a surface of 2.512 square kilometres and its landscape is of volcanic nature. The administrative capital  is Saint-Denis, located on the North of the island.

There isn't much known about this French island's history. What we can vagely say is that its history has been probably influneced by Arab, Svahili and Maloy sailors. Neverthelesss,  these people never stayed long enough, the island had to wait the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century in order to obtain its first settlers. The next century was marked by the  French occupation, and from then on the Ile Bourbon became the official territory under the French administration.

From the 17th century, an important migration rise is apparent, with ethnically diverse immigrants inhabiting the beautiful island. These incomers, coming from different parts of Asia, China, Malaysia, India, were soon to be enslaved  by the local authorities.  After the abolition in 1848, the indentured work  and the case of Les enfants de la Creuse,  it seems that the island has finally found its p(e)ace.

With its increasing developement in tourism  and the export of agricultural products, like the widely appreciated Vanilla, La Reunion has a promising future.  The official language being French,  it is however not the most common. The majority of the inhabitants communicate in the Reunion Creole language, but  we can also notice a considerable number of Indian and Arabic speakers too.

The island has two airports, on whichever you may land you can rent a car there and begin your adventure!

Here are some tips on what will surely make your eyes stop while passing through the land.

As you will probably land  in the Roland Garros Airport it might be the best choice to first visit the capital. Rent a car at the airport, find a comfortable hotel in the city and be sure to rest since  probably suffering from a heavy jet-lag.

Once well rested, explore the beauties of Saint Denis. First stop:  Jardin de l'Etat! These public gardens with an incredible natural historical museum opened since 1885 will astound you with thousands of different plants and species. Be sure to make a stop at a local restaurant whent in the centre! This unique ethnical diversity makes local food an adventure itself! Try the traditional Cari and rougail, samoussas or many other.

Furthermore, in the city centre you can pay a visit to the Leon Dierx Museum or another seafront park named Le Barachois. But what is a most definite must-see is called La Roche ecrite. Located 15 km from the city, which is not a problem for you since you have rented a car, this is a hot spot ensuring you an impressive view over the city.

Without a doubt, La Reunion has much or most to offer when it comes to oudoors. Visit the breath-taking Plage de l'Hermitage, hike on the Plaine-des-Palmistes where you can visit the Piton de la Fournaise a most famous shield volcano.  You can alwas make a stop at the small village Manapany, a true paradise-like coastal resort will welcome you, and yes, there you will find the amazing natural swimming pool.

On discovering the island, make a stop at the La Cascade de Bras Rouge. This waterfall has played wonderfully with the rocks and made this the perfect location to rest or camp. Rent a car and be able to adjust your vacation exactly how you want to.

Here is another fun thing to do. Make a trip to the reunion's second airport which offers  direct flights to the near-by  Mauritius or Madagascar, rent a car there and continue your trip from a different route.

Surely you will find much more this island has to offer, but note that certain safety measurements should be taken in account.

The island is subdued to cyclons, so if you're travelling there from November to April be most attentive to possible alerts. If visiting from EU be sure to bring your EHIC card with you.

This island is unarguably one of the most beautiful, unspoiled spots on the planet.  Make a car rental there and make this the most original vacation.