Fact Sheets & Video - France

Reunion is a small volcanic island in the southern Indian Ocean. It shows up as a small speck on a world map but is actually bigger than its popular neighbour Mauritius!

This islands 207km circumference loomed out of the Indian Ocean 2 to 3 million years ago after a succession of underwater eruptions. The highest peak on the island is the Hook of Snows at 3069 m.

For a small island Reunion has a great variety of landscapes and good roads and hiking trails to get you to the most inaccessible spots.

First up, the beaches of the West Coast - a popular French holiday destination and THE place to be seen. There's one black beach on the island and the amazing swell of the southern Indian Ocean makes it a surfers paradise. From the seaside, you can weave your way up into the three cirques (deep mountainous pits) that sit in the centre of the islands. The Cilaos amphitheatre is the largest of the cirques, with a beauty akin to the Alps in summer.On top of these dramatic mountains you will be transported into small villages and tropical forest areas, perfect for hiking.

Le Barachois in the capital Saint-Denis (pronounced San-de-nee) is the cities' seafront area with cafes, upmarket bars and cannons lining the path. Locals are very proud of their sea front and this is the place to be seen at night.

The main shopping area is along the Rue Marechal Leclerc and surrounding streets. Get a glimpse of the mixture of races and cultures found on Reunion Island in the shops and numerous markets - Indian Ocean crafts in the Big Market, fruit, vegetables and spices in the Small Market and the local stall-markets of Chaudron, La Source, Camlias and La Petite-Ile.

Saint-Denis is surrounded by three mountains. 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Rooms from $93 a person. Includes breakfast. Twin share. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 16/10/06.

Air Mauritius Holidays - PH: 1300 362 166

Air Mauritius return to Reunion Island

From $1515 ex Perth, $1840 ex Melbourne, $1855 ex Sydney. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 12/9/06.

Air Mauritius Holidays - PH: 1300 362 166