EXOTIC "REUNION" IN DEPTH

A self-drive, or escorted tour, for individuals or small groups

..." Take possession of this island in the name of His Majesty. To entrench the King's arms and to call it Bourbon Island..."

From the observation deck of his vessel, Captain Roger Le Bourg could see an island with a jagged relief protruding from the Ocean. He was thinking of the orders received from Etienne de Flacourt, Governor of the East India Company trading-post situated at Fort Dauphin in the south of Madagascar.

He had discovered a well-sheltered bay and a good landing beach; the site of present-day St-Denis. Vessels from Europe would be able to stop-over at “Bourbon” on the way to and from the Indies, or the islands of South East Asia.

Bourbon later became "Reunion". People converged on the small island from all over the world: from Europe [mainly France], Africa [slaves], Asia [Hindus from northern India, Tamils from the south, Moslems from of the north west [Zarabs] and Chinese from southeast China.

At the time of Napoleon's decline and the takeover of French possessions in the Indian Ocean by the British, Reunion fell briefly out of the hands of the French. After only four years, however, the French regained Reunion. Subsequently, in 1946, Reunion was officially declared a French overseas territory and these days, to all outward appearances, Reunion is a tiny chunk of France, set in the Indian Ocean.

With its heritage buildings reflecting a colourful colonial past, the beauty of it people resulting from racial mixtures, its fine beaches and its spectacular volcanic mountain scenery, Reunion is a photographers delight.

Reunion has become a popular holiday destination for people from many parts of the world, but especially for the French, who come to enjoy a tropical home away from home.

Day 1:

Depart Hong Kong with Air Mauritius

Arrive Mauritius

Two views of the Island of Mauritius

Met on arrival and transfer to your transit airport hotel for overnight.

Hotel: To be advised

Day 2:

Transfer to the airport

Depart Mauritius with Air Mauritius

Villa Creole in Reunion

Arrive Reunion

Transfer to St-Denis

The lower part of the town, in which the hotel is located, together with the nearby Rue de Paris, still retain a number of buildings and Creole houses which date back to colonial times. Today , the "Barachois" is a large shady square, lined with some facades dating from the East India Company days and with the Prefecture, the former Governor's residence. Once protected by walls and canon, it later became a peaceful colonial palace. Today it is one of France's finest Prefectures.

Enjoy strolling around old St-Denis or relaxing by the pool.

Hotel: Le Juliette Dodu

The hotel is an historic monument, dating from the era of the "Compagnie des Indes Orientales". With authentic charm, this creole home was the birthplace of the famous French heroine Juliette Dodu.

Day 3:

Sea view from one of the Villas of Reunion

At leisure in St-Denis

Day 4:

Views of the Volcanic hills and waterfalls of Reunion.

Take delivery of a self-drive car or meet with your driver.

St-Denis is surrounded by mountains on three sides. You must at least climb one of them. The finest view is from Route de la Montagne (Mountain Road), which winds up to the top of a high lava cliff plunging into the sea. Whilst in the area, you might like to enjoy morning tea, or lunch, in the the beautiful little restaurant of the charming boutique style hotel, Domaine des Damroses.

Continue along the high winding road and follow it down to the coast at La Possession. The road was built in the middle of the 19th century. It was the only link between St-Denis and the rest of the island until 1963, when the coastal road, an all-important highway for the island, was built at the foot of the cliff, linking the capital to the port.

Proceed towards the popular seaside region of St-Paul and St-Gilles-les-Bains before climbing once again into the highlands for overnight. Drive via le Guillaume, Petite France and the Route du Maido to your hotel.

Hotel: Parc-Hotel Du Maido

Day 5:

View of the lush vegetation on the volcanic hills.

The reason for spending the night on the mountain is to enable an early-morning departure for Piton Maido (2190 m). It to his best to visit the Maido early in the morning before the clouds form on top of the mountains. The view into the Cirque de Mafate is one of the most spectacular in Reunion. Born from the erosion and collapse of the ancient volcano, Reunion’s three "cirques" were so-called because of their more or less circular shape. At some time during your stay in Reunion, a helicopter flight over and deep into the cirques, is highly recommended.

The drive today will be across the highlands, with many fine views to the sea. Continue down to the coast in the vicinity of St-Louis. Don't leave it too late to commence the spectacular drive along the winding road to Cilaos, located deep in the heart of the Cirque de Cilaos.

Cilaos is the most southerly and driest of Reunion's three cirques. The sky is more frequently clear and its slopes have fewer waterfalls. Cilaos is a pretty and flowery little town with a lovely pond. It is the starting point for many pleasant excursions by car or on foot.

Hotel: Hotel des Thermes

Day 6:

Satellite picture of the Volcano of Reunion.

The destination today is Piton de la Fournaise (2631m), one of the finest and biggest shield volcanoes in the world. Like others of this type (eg Hawaii), it is not dangerous. After driving out of the Cirque de Cilaos, proceed to Plaine-des-Cafres, a vast plateau reaching 2000m, the last step before La Fournaise volcano. Temperatures are cool and can even be freezing in winter. Sugar cane fields are replaced by vegetable and geranium fields, then pasture lands. Quaint villages are scattered in the area and there are deep gorges. At the commencement of the road leading to Piton de la Fournaise is Maison du Volcan (Volcano House), a museum and exhibition dedicated to one of the most spectacular features of Reunion's natural heritage.

After visiting the volcano, descend and cross the Col de Bellevue before arriving in La Plaine des Palmistes for overnight.

Hotel: Hotel des Plaines

Day 7:

Depart for the verdant East Coast, a region of tropical spices, sweet-smelling coffee and sugar cane. It is also the land of vanilla. Skilful craftsmen preserve the old artisanal technique elaborated in Reunion back in the 19th century. Scattered Tamil temples and chapels recall that a hundred years ago, thousands of voluntary workers were allowed by the estate owners to retain their customs and religions.

Time permitting, you might like to make a detour to the village of Piton Ste-Rose. The village was submerged by lava and it cut the road before rolling on and into the sea. Since that memorable day, a huge black scar of cooled rock has remained on the mountain.

There is also the opportunity for a side trip Hell-Bourg, another charming village with thermal baths, set in the largest and greenest of the three cirques, Salazie.

After having circled the island of Reunion, proceed to Reunion International Airport and surrender your self-drive car or part with your driver.

Depart Reunion with Air Mauritius

Arrive Mauritius

Depart Mauritius with Air Mauritius

Day 8:

Arrive Hong Kong

This is a suggested itinerary only. It can be enjoyed by self-drive car, by private car with an English speaking driver/guide, or if a small group is involved, a mini-bus can be arranged.

The itinerary can easily be modified to include more time in the cirques for touring or trekking, or your might like to extend your stay on one of Reunions fine beaches.

Reunion, which is scenically and historically more captivating than Mauritius, can easily be combined with a holiday in Mauritius. The resort hotel accommodation in Mauritius is generally of a considerably higher standard than that available in Reunion.