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Introducing Réunion
Oh la la! After a long-haul flight, you step off the plane and you’re greeted with a bonjour. Then you breakfast on croissants and chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). At first glance, Réunion is like a chunk of France teleported to the tropics. But beyond the Gallic panache, you’ll soon realise it’s a resplendent tapestry, which also blends Indian, African and Chinese influences.
Jutting out of the ocean like a basaltic shield cloaked in green, Réunion is a mini-Hawaii, with astounding geographical diversity. Within an hour or two, the landscape morphs from lava fields to lush primary forest, from jagged peaks to sprawling coastal cities. The West is Réunion's Riviera, a long string of beach suburbs and resorts towns, including glitzy Boucan Canot. The pièce de résistance is Les Hautes & the volcano. Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes and depending on nature’s whims, you might even witness fiery-red molten lava. When the volcano has finished working its magic on you, there are horses to ride, majestic mountains to trek up in the Cirques, or paraglide from in St-Leu, drop-offs to dive from, big waves to surf, extinct volcanoes to fly over, and canyons to explore. But it’s not all about nature, landscapes and adrenaline – Réunion has its cultural gems as well, with stunning Creole architecture in cute-as-can-be villages, as well as colourful religious buildings and festivals.
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Latest headlines for Réunion
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Regions and territories: Reunion
12 May 2009 10:14AM
An overview of the French island in the Indian Ocean
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Somali pirates seize Greek ship
2 May 2009 8:07PM
A Greek ship carrying 35,000 tons of soya is hijacked by Somali pirates south-west of the Seychelles, officials say.
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WI v England: Fourth Test day two as it happened
27 February 2009 9:42PM
England declare on 600-6 and then remove Chris Gayle but West Indies end day two of the fourth Test on 85-1 in reply.
