Reunion Island with the family: Practical guide

• Capital city: Saint-Denis
• Political system: Constitutional Republic
• Official language: French (and Reunionese Creole)
• Currency: Euro
• Cost of living: close to that of France
• The best time to travel to Reunion Island: from May to October

Welcome to our guide to family vacations on Reunion Island, a heavenly destination located in the Indian Ocean. If you’re looking for an unforgettable getaway, this magical place offers breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures and a rich culture for the whole family to discover. Whether you’re a fan of exotic beaches, lush mountain hikes or encounters with marine wildlife, Reunion has everything to satisfy young and old alike. Discover with us the best activities and attractions for a memorable family vacation on this paradise island in the Indian Ocean.

• Not far from Mauritus (check out our travel guide for Mauritus), Reunion Island stands out from the other paradisiacal islands of the Indian Ocean by the intensity of the natural experience it offers. Indeed, its two gigantic volcanoes – one of which is the most active in the world -, its canyons and breathtaking cliffs, the beauty of its waterfalls and its green jungle make it an ideal playground for hikers and budding adventurers.

• The majestic massif of the Piton des Neiges (3070.50 m), a volcano that has been dormant for nearly 12000 years, occupies three-fifths of the island and sets the scene for your stay on the island. Its tumultuous history, made up of cataclysmic collapses and large rock avalanches, has gradually eroded it, but has above all caused the formation at its feet of three huge basins in relief, or « cirques »: Salazie in the northeast, Mafate in the northwest and Cilaos in the south.

• Like more than 42% of Reunion Island, these three extraordinary amphitheatre-like valleys are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are undoubtedly the most important attractions on the island.

• On the seaside, the island is a real paradise for divers. All around its periphery, enthusiasts and experts can enjoy magnificent drop-offs, strong current passes, colourful coral reefs and mysterious wrecks.

• The geographical diversity is perfectly reflected in the population of Reunion Island. This virgin land until the 17th century was successively populated by French people from the metropolis, African slaves (the « Cafres »), Malagasy, then in the 19th century by Indian, Tamil and even Chinese people. In the 1970s, Mahorais and Comorians came to settle on the island.

• This particular mix is also illustrated by the variety of religions on the island. All year round, a multitude of religious festivals and singular traditions are celebrated: marches sur le feu (firewalk), Dipavali (festival of lights), Chinese New Year, Guan Di Festival, Cavadee, « Fêt Caf  » on December 20th, « Liberté Métisse » Festival (as part of the commemoration of the abolition of slavery)…

The west coast of Reunion Island is the perfect seaside resort. Protected from the prevailing coastal winds by the central relief, the luxury hotels stretch along superb golden sandy beaches, and the turquoise lagoon offers itself to you, sheltered behind the youngest coral reef. The perfect place to indulge in idleness, nautical activities, and the most exciting sports

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Réunion, an island where nature and culture blend harmoniously. The centre of the island, rich in breathtaking scenery, offers a multitude of treasures to discover. From majestic mountains and enchanting cirques to picturesque villages and colourful markets, every corner of this region invites you to explore. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a lover of local gastronomy or curious about Creole traditions, central Réunion has something for everyone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of this fascinating island!

If the East coast is a little less touristy and more exposed to the climate’s vagaries (it’s not called the « windward » coast for nothing), it has a major asset: an extraordinary nature relatively spared by urban development. What a joy to be able to picnic with the family, at the foot of the countless waterfalls and natural pools that embellish the region.

The south coast is famous for its lively, picturesque and warm atmosphere. Its nature is obviously marked by the whims of the Piton de la Fournaise, which has left long black flows, petrified and grandiose basalt cliffs.

• With the mixing of French expertise, Malagasy or African flavours, Indian spices and Chinese weddings, Reunion Island cuisine is a wonderful invitation to a feast.

• As we explained, many markets are a must for anyone who wants to discover the richness of land and sea. They are also the opportunity to taste the delicious « Chinese bouchons » in street-food mode, which are small steamed bites made of pork and shrimp, grilled sea bream or swordfish, or samosas with chicken or tuna.

• Bourbon vanilla is also a must to immerse yourself in the flavours of the island. But to find it, favour local factories, because paradoxically the one you will find in the markets is Malagasy. Combined with mango, coconut, papaya or Queen Victoria pineapple (which is really the star of local fruits), it will make a real hit with your children.

• Some events are worth a visit. If you visit the Cilaos cirque in mid-October, don’t miss the ten days of festivities celebrating the local lentil festival – which is apparently the best in the world – the celebrations are worth a visit.

• As for restaurants, from the simplest bistro to the most beautiful gastro, the choice is enormous, and the welcome is always warm.

• For a family dinner, both traditional and gastronomic, go to L’Orangine. Located under the roof of the LUX* Saint-Gilles ***** hotel, this intimate place (40 place settings maximum), run by a chef who has studied with Thierry Marx, is undoubtedly one of the best on the island. Lobster carpaccio with cane sugar, handmade papaya spring rolls, or artisanal cinnamon-honey ice cream, everything here is delicious. To enhance these dishes, you also have a choice from an exceptional list of French and New World wines. Itinerary

• If you are looking for a family and typically Creole cuisine, l’Auberge du Relais in Saint-Leu is for you. The owner is very friendly and you can easily enjoy a rougail sausage, a « boucané ti-Jacques » (made from jackfruit and smoked pork), or fish curry. Itinerary

 

• Reunion Island is fairly well served by public transport, especially on the coast. Curiously, six different networks offer buses: one for the coast, and the others for the mountains. So be sure to check it out before you take your tribe on board.

• It’s very easy to rent a car in all the major cities, as well as in the two airports: Rolland-Garros in the west, and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds in the east.

• To go on an adventure, a  van is also recommended, and since there are toilets and water points almost everywhere on the island, it’s a very possible mode of transport with children. The Yescapa site offers, for example, the rental and exchange of such equipment between private individuals.

• To fully enjoy Reunion Island, both for a complete tour of the island, as well as for descents into the cirques, don’t hesitate to choose the helicopter, you will not regret it! For example, this operator has everything you need to enjoy extraordinary moments.

• The austral winter is certainly the best time to fully enjoy Reunion Island. The dry season,  from May to October, has coastal temperatures between 18°c and 26°c. The rainy season, from November to April, is most of the time to avoid unless you live in total self-sufficiency in a hotel on the west coast.

• If the sunshine is around 10 hours a day all year round, be aware that mercury obviously drops with altitude and that it’s common for temperatures to drop to a minimum of 0°.

• The tropical sun can hit hard, and the skin turns red in no time. To protect the whole family, don’t hesitate to bring sunscreen with a maximum protection factor (50 SPF+). We have made a very useful comparison on this subject. 

• Hats and sunglasses are also required. To keep your baby in style while protecting his fragile eyes, here is a selection of suitable glasses.

• If you are embarking on a hike in the centre of the island, and although people are welcoming, don’t forget to bring food for a day or two, as well as bottled water. If there are many sources and torrents, it’s not advisable to soak your lips in them. Warm clothing is also mandatory, given the drop in temperatures with altitude. Finally, to encourage your toddlers during the small climbs, don’t hesitate to offer them some sweet rewards… this should motivate them.

• If Reunion Island cuisine is succulent and marries sweet/sour flavours perfectly, it can also include beautiful spicy touches. The little ones being more sensitive to it, it will be good ensuring that the dishes are not too spicy during your meals.

• You will find among our advice articles travel checklists for babies from 1 day to 3 years old,  toddlers from 3 to 6 years old and children from 6 to 12 years old: pyjamas, toys, plasters, mosquito repellents, swimwear, floatation devices or after-sun care… Everything is there!