St Denis St Denis St Denis Destination Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Reunion's capital city of St-Denis is the northernmost city on the island as well as the largest. Really quite a fascinating city, St-Denis is often pushed aside in favor of a trip to the beach, a hike up a volcano, or a visit to the island's cirques. Too bad! This warm and welcoming town has plenty to offer Reunion Island visitors, so a stop here should definitely be part of your holiday itinerary. St-Denis is also the only location on the island where you'll find a number of cultural sites, including museums. For example, the Musee Leon Dierx boasts quite an impressive collection of modern art. Founded nearly a century ago, this museum includes pieces by famous artists like Picasso and Gauguin. The Museum d'Histoire Naturelle provides visitors with a good overview of the natural history of the islands of the Indian Ocean, including fascinating exhibits on indigenous animals past and present. Architecture aficionados will want to explore the unique Creole homes that dominate the town. A stroll down the street is a pleasant afternoon activity and a few of these homes, like Mansion Folio, are open to the general public for tours.

Be sure to have your camera ready! For accommodations in St-Denis, there are currently about a dozen hotels from which to choose, including those from popular chains like Best Western. Most of the hotels are quite elegant, featuring the amenities you'd expect to find on an island resort. There are, however, a few budget-minded properties as well. If you're into dining, St-Denis has the best restaurant scene on the island. Reunion's cuisine, in general, is quite diverse, not unlike its population. In the capital city, restaurants run the gamut, from traditional Creole food to Indo-Muslim cuisine to Chinese specialties. You'll find formal sit-down establishments, casual bistros, and places to grab a quick bite on the run. Don't forget to try the "cari", unique to the Indian Ocean islands, and made with meat, poultry, fish or seafood and containing garlic, onion, lots of tomatoes, turmeric, clove and ginger. Yum!

No plane link to new debris in island hunt for MH370 clues No plane link to new debris in island hunt for MH370 clues Mahdia Benhamla, Sonia Wolf Share View photos Police officers inspect debris found on a beach in Saint-Denis on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean on August 2, 2015 (AFP Photo/Richard Bouhet) More Saint-André (France) (AFP) - A fevered hunt for more wreckage from missing flight MH370 on La Reunion island turned up no new clues Sunday as authorities said metallic debris found by locals did not come from an airplane. However Malaysia urged authorities in the Indian Ocean region to be on the lookout for debris washing up on their shores after the discovery of part of a Boeing 777 wing raised hopes it could help solve one of aviation's greatest mysteries. Locals on La Reunion island have been combing the shores since the wing part was found last Wednesday, handing over bits of what they believe to be wreckage to police. On Sunday, several pieces of debris sparked excitement, one of which was believed by locals to be from a plane door. However investigators quickly shot down hopes.

Malaysian Director General of Civil Aviation Azharuddin Abdul Rahman who is in France for the analysis of the wing part, told AFP one item "was actually from a domestic ladder. It is not a door". And a source close to the investigation in Paris said "no object or debris likely to come from a plane" had been placed into evidence on Sunday. Police on the Indian Ocean island also collected Sunday a mangled piece of metal inscribed with two Chinese characters and attached to what appears to be a leather-covered handle. Chinese internet users suggested it may be a kettle. "People are more vigilant. They are going to think any metallic object they find on the beach is from flight MH370, but there are objects all along the coast, the ocean continually throws them up," said Jean-Yves Sambimanan, spokesman for the town of Saint-Andre where the wing debris was found. He said islanders were also dumbfounded that after cursory helicopter flights the day after the wing part was found, no official search of the coastline is under way.

"If it comes from a plane it would be a pity if I didn't take it" to police, said Luc Igounet, 62, who found the metal bar that turned out to be from a ladder. - 'Treasure hunt' mentality - The rush to find more debris showed the desperation for answers 16 months after MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. "There is a sort of 'treasure hunt' mentality that is taking hold and people are calling us for everything," said a local source close to the investigation. Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said civil aviation authorities were reaching out to their counterparts in other Indian Ocean territories to be on the lookout for further debris that could provide "more clues to the missing aircraft." He also confirmed that the wing part had been "officially identified" as from a Boeing 777 -- making it virtually certain that it was from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. Flight MH370 is the only Boeing 777 to ever be lost at sea.

The flight's mysterious disappearance, which saw it vanish off radars as a key transponder appeared to have been shut off, has baffled aviation experts and grieving families and given rise to a myriad conspiracy theories. Speculation on the cause of the plane's disappearance has focused primarily on a possible mechanical or structural failure, a hijacking or terror plot, or rogue pilot action. - Debris won't solve mystery - Scientists say it is plausible that ocean currents carried a piece of the wreckage as far as La Reunion. However Roland Triadec, a local oceanographer, said La Reunion represented only "a pinhead" in the Indian Ocean and the likelihood of other debris washing up there was low. Authorities have warned that even if the debris confirmed to come from MH370 it is unlikely to completely clear up one of aviation's greatest puzzles. The mystery of what happened to the plane and where it went down exactly are still likely to persist unless the black box is found. The flaperon will be examined in a lab near the French city of Toulouse that specialises in plane crash investigations.

Four Malaysian officials including the head of civil aviation are in Paris together with officials from Malaysia Airlines for a meeting on Monday with three French magistrates and an official from France's civil aviation investigating authority BEA. Australian search authorities leading the hunt for the aircraft some 4,000 kilometres (2,500 miles) from La Reunion are confident the main debris field is in the current search area. For the families of the victims, the discovery of the part has been yet another painful twist on an emotional rollercoaster. "It has been hurting for so long. We need the closure and all the evidence possible so that we can go ahead with our lives," said Nur Laila Ngah, the wife of the flight's chief steward Wan Swaid Wan Ismail. Reblog Mascarenes | Article about Mascarenes by The Free Dictionary Mascarenes | Article about Mascarenes by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Wikipedia . Mascarene Islands (măskərēn`), in the Indian Ocean, E of Madagascar. They include Mauritius Mauritius , officially Republic of Mauritius, republic (2005 est. pop.

1,231,000), 790 sq mi (2,046 sq km), in the SW Indian Ocean. It is part of the Mascarene Islands, c.500 mi (800 km) E of Madagascar. ..... Click the link for more information. , Réunion Réunion , island and overseas department of France (2005 est. pop. 777,000), c.970 sq mi (2,510 sq km), one of the Mascarene Islands, in the Indian Ocean c.430 mi (690 km) E of Madagascar. Saint-Denis (the capital) and Le Port (the leading port) are the chief cities. ..... Click the link for more information. , and Rodriguez Rodriguez or Rodrigues , island (1996 est. pop. 34,883), 42 sq mi (109 sq km), in the Indian Ocean, c.350 mi (560 km) E of Mauritius, of which it is a dependency. One of the Mascarene Islands, it is surrounded by coral reef. Port Mathurin is the chief town.

..... Click the link for more information. . Apparently known to the Arabs, they were rediscovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th cent. The islands are named for Pedro Mascarenhas, who visited them c.1512. Mascarene Islands a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, east of the island of Madagascar. The group consists of three large islands: Reunion (a French possession), Mauritius, and Rodriguez (both part of the independent state of Mauritius). They are composed of volcanic rock and have elevations to 3,069 (on Reunion). There are active volcanos on the Mascarene Islands. The climate is tropical, trade-wind, and damp. The wind-ward slopes of the mountains have areas of evergreen tropical forests; on the leeward slopes there is savanna. The islands have sugarcane, coconut palm, tea, aloe, coffee, and vanilla plantations. The first European to reach the islands was the Portuguese Pedro de Mascarenhas in 1507.

Reunion Island - Air Austral - Destinations - flights to Réunion Island from France, Mayotte, Indian Ocean, Thailande, India Language : french Local time : UTC* + 4 This department of France, set in the Indian Ocean is a world of dramatic contrasts. With its highest peak towering 3000m above the Indian Ocean, Reunion is an island of many faces. There are lagoons and golden sandy beaches, modern cities and hamlets lost in the vast inland amphitheaters. Lush forests abound and Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world is set in a lunar landscape. Its grandiose landscape and its amazing micro-climates (one goes in ten minutes from dense tropical vegetation to alp-like pastures) makes the island a rarity of nature. The natural diversity of the island is on par with that of its people. Originally from Europe and Africa, from Madagascar, Indian and China, they are now united through century-old intermarriages. The cari (or curry), the main local dish, has probably as many origins as the person who is cooking it !

Reunion offers its visitors a unique experience, a melting pot of many continents on the soil of a small island set in the middle of the Indian Ocean . Discover outstanding places split between white sand beaches and volcanic lands Come and enjoy a very large number of landscapes and activities shared between sky, land and sea. Go and See: La Plage de Boucan Canot : Have you ever wondered how it feels like to doze off with the sweet murmur of waves on a beach? Have a go at Boucan Canot. Cap Noir: Stood up above La Possesion from Dos d’âne village, this cliff will give you an amazing view on le cirque de Mafate. Le Piton des Neiges: Give a try to the climb of Le Piton des Neiges , the highest summit . The sun's awakening on the roof of Reunion island at the very morning is an absolute must see!! Plaine des Sables : Disorientation guaranteed. Don’t miss: Sakifo Festival: Well-known all over the Indian Ocean, it gathers worldwide artists from Selah Sue to Disiz La Peste. Le Grand Raid: Famous long-distance trek through the island which gather runners from various nationalities.

Le Grand Boucan: it's a carnival which takes place every year in Reunion Island. Organized during the southern winter, it is the event of the year not to be missed. Rent a car in Reunion Island Map of Reunion Island and Reunion Map and Information Page - WorldAtlas.com Print this map This wildly beautiful and rugged volcanic island (with a very active volcano), was uninhabited when discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century In 1643 it was claimed by the French. They named it Bourbon and established their first colony here in 1662. In the years that followed, slaves from Africa were imported to work the sugar plantations. The island was renamed Reunion in 1793, and it remained a French colony, except for a brief British occupation from 1810 to 1815. Over time, French immigration, supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians, gave the island its ethnic mix. The island's economy is dominated by the sugarcane industry, and its main exports include sugar, seafood, rum, and vanilla. Tourism, especially from Europe, is a significant economic factor.

Fast Facts Official Name Reunion, (an overseas department of France Population 839,500 National Day 14 July; Bastille Day Religions Catholic, Hindu, Muslim Times across the world Travel Information Before finalizing and/or making your travel plans to any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate and research all of the important details regarding applicable health, passport and visa requirements. If you require additional assistance, the experienced professionals at Travel Visa Pro Weather Reunion has a tropical climate, one cooled by southeasterly trade winds. Those winds help supply copious rainfall, and also drive an occasional cyclone into the area. The rainy season runs November through March. Daily highs in the mid 80s are commonplace, and overall, mean temperatures average in the high 70s; with slightly cooler conditions in the higher elevations. Reunion Island | Article about Reunion Island by The Free Dictionary Reunion Island | Article about Reunion Island by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Legal , Acronyms , Wikipedia . Réunion (rāünyôN`), island and overseas department of France (2005 est. pop.

777,000), c.970 sq mi (2,510 sq km), one of the Mascarene Islands Mascarene Islands , in the Indian Ocean, E of Madagascar. They include Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodriguez. Apparently known to the Arabs, they were rediscovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of the 16th cent. The islands are named for Pedro Mascarenhas, who visited them c.1512. ..... Click the link for more information. , in the Indian Ocean c.430 mi (690 km) E of Madagascar. Saint-Denis Saint-Denis, city (1990 pop. 122,875), capital of the French overseas department of Réunion. It is a port on the Indian Ocean at the mouth of the St.-Denis River and exports sugar and rum. St. ..... Click the link for more information. (the capital) and Le Port (the leading port) are the chief cities.

Land, People, and Economy The island is composed mainly of one active and several extinct volcanoes; its highest point is Le Piton des Neiges (10,069 ft/3,069 m). Le Piton de la Fournaise in S Réunion is one of the earth's most active volcanoes. Settlement and cultivation are concentrated in the coastal lowlands. Most of the inhabitants are Roman Catholic and speak a creole patois. Since the 19th cent. sugar has been by far the island's chief product and export. Molasses, vanilla, tobacco, tropical fruits, and rum are also produced. History Réunion was known to the Arabs and was visited by the Portuguese in the early 16th cent. The island was uninhabited until settled by the French c.1642; its present mixed population is descended from the French settlers and their East African, South Asian, and Indochinese slaves (after 1848, when slavery was abolished, indentured laborers). At first a penal colony, Réunion became a post of the French East India Company in 1665. In the 18th cent.

the island was an exporter of coffee. From 1810 to 1814 Réunion was held by Great Britain. After 1815, when coffee no longer could be produced competitively, sugarcane became the main crop. In 1947 the status of Réunion was changed from a colony to an overseas department. In the 1980s and 90s, the citizens of Réunion sought greater political autonomy and better wages and working conditions. Réunion a country in the Indian Ocean, situated on Réunion Island, one of the Mascarene Islands. It is an overseas department of France. Area, 2,500 sq km. Population, 473,000 (1974). The capital is St. Denis. Réunion is governed by a prefect appointed by the French government. An elected General Council has limited jurisdiction. Réunion sends three representatives to the French National Assembly and two to the Senate. Natural features. The island is of volcanic origin; the highest peak is Piton des Neiges (3,069 m).

In the southeast, an area of recent eruptions, is the active volcano Fournaise (2,631 m). Réunion has a tropical trade-wind climate. The windward eastern part, receiving more than 4,000 mm of precipitation annually, was once covered with a tropical forest to elevations of 2,000 m; much of the forest has now been cut down. Coniferous forests and meadows are found at higher elevations. The western part of the island and the interior plateaus are occupied by savannas. Population. The majority of the inhabitants are mestizos, descendants of French settlers who intermarried with Arabs, Bantus, Malagasy, and Indians. Mestizos and French constitute 95 percent of the population. The official language is French, and the predominant religion is Catholicism. Between 1963 and 1972 the population increased at an average rate of 2.6 percent annually. The country has a work force of 114,000, of whom 36 percent are engaged in agriculture. Historical survey. The island was discovered by Portuguese navigators in the early 16th century.

Uninhabited until the mid-nth century, Réunion became a French colonial possession in the 1640’s and was named Bourbon Island in 1649. In 1664 it was given to the French East India Company, which embarked on a systematic colonization of the island. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the development of a plantation economy based on the labor of African slaves. The main crops were coffee, spices, and, from the early 19th century, sugarcane. After the breakup of the East India Company, the island was administered by representatives of the crown from 1767. The island was named Réunion in 1793, but the name did not become official until 1848. It was occupied by the British from 1810 to 1815. Slavery was abolished in Réunion in 1848. During World War II, Réunion joined Fighting France in November 1942. In March 1946 the island was granted the status of an overseas department. The Réunion Communist Party was founded in 1959.

The country’s democratic forces are fighting for radical economic reforms and for self-determination. Economy. Controlled by French monopolies, Réunion specializes in growing sugarcane and producing sugar. Three large monopolies own about 40 percent of the land planted to sugarcane, as well as the sugar mills on the land. One-fourth of the country’s territory is under cultivation (11 percent of this area is irrigated), and meadows and pastures cover less than 10 percent. Roughly 60 percent of the cultivated land is owned by large landowners who constitute about 1 percent of the population. Most of the sugarcane is grown on small peasant farms that sell it to the mills at prices set by the French monopolies. Also produced are vanilla, geranium oil, tobacco, tea, corn, and potatoes. Cattle, sheep, and hogs are raised. The island’s industrial enterprises include sugar mills, producing about 228,000 tons of sugar in 1974; rum distilleries; enterprises processing essential oils, vanilla, and tobacco; and canneries.

The country’s electric power plants have a rated capacity of 27,000 kW (1972); 122 million kW-hr were generated in 1972. Motor vehicles are the main type of transport. There are 1,949 km of highways, of which 1,508 km are paved (1972). The main seaport is Pointe des Galets. Réunion exports sugar (accounting for about 90 percent of the value of exports in 1973), rum, essential oils, and vanilla, and it imports machinery and equipment, cement, food, and fabrics. France purchases almost all of the country’s exports and supplies most of its imports. The monetary unit is the African franc. Education and cultural affairs. The education system is modeled on the French system. Children enter primary school at the age of six. The full cycle of the secondary school (lycée) lasts six or seven years. There are also lower secondary schools, called collèges, offering a four-year general curriculum.

In the 1972–73 school year 108,600 pupils were enrolled in primary schools (10,800 of them in private schools), and 29,500 students were attending the various types of secondary schools. The Institute of Juridical, Economic, and Political Studies, founded in St. Denis in 1950, had an enrollment of about 700 students in the 1972–73 academic year. Also in St. Denis are the Central Library (founded in 1956; 60,000 volumes), the Museum of Natural History (1854), and the Museum of Art (1912). REFERENCES Reunion travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malagasy, and Malabar Indians gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route.

It remained a colony until 1946, when it became a département of the French Republic. Locals take great pride in marking the anniversary of the abolition of slavery (which happened on the 20th December 1848), in a festival known locally as "La Fête Cafre" (a "cafre" being the name given to an indigenous dweller on the island, now widely used to address friends). This gesture towards the past is still very much present in society today, and as such the word "slave" ("esclave") is a grave insult to a Réunionnais. Today, the population of Reunion is widely varied in terms of ethnic origin, which each group inheriting its respective traditions. Get in[ edit ] Passport and Visa[ edit ] As Reunion is one of the overseas départements of France, it is part of the European Union. However, it is not part of the Schengen Area, hence Reunion has its own immigration policy. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area , Andorra , Monaco and Switzerland do not need a visa and may enter on a passport or national ID card. They may stay indefinitely, and do not need work permits.

Citizens of Mauritius and South Africa do not need visas for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of China and India do not need visas for stays of up to 15 days, provided that they are on an organised tour. They also have to fill in a waiver to be presented at customs. All other nationalities require a visa, which can be obtained from a French embassy or consulate. Ensure that you are applying for a Reunion visa - French and Schengen visas are not valid for travel to Reunion. By plane[ edit ] The main airport is Roland Garros International Airport located near Saint-Denis (RUN). The vast majority of intercontinental flights arriving at Reunion come from France, with a handful of other airports through the Indian Ocean. Airlines flying to Reunion are the following: Air France [2] operates direct flights between Paris Orly and Roland Garros. Air Austral [3] is the principal local airline, which serves numerous destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean ( South Africa , Comoros , Mauritius , Madagascar , Mayotte and the Seychelles ), as well as Paris Roissy and Charles de Gaulle airports.

Air Austral also offers transfers onto the TGV-Air service for various destinations within France, and the Thalys line from Paris towards Brussels. If coming from Asia, there exists a seasonal service from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport. Corsair [4] offers a weekly service to Paris Orly, Lyon , Marseille and Toulouse . Air Mauritius [5] has daily flights from Roland Garros Airport. They travel to the islands, Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia, Indonesia, Europe, the Nordic countries, and Oceania. They do not fly to North or South America. An alternative to the main airport in the North of the Island is Pierrefonds "International" Airport (ZSE) in the South of the Island, which receives flights from Mauritius operated by Air Mauritius and Air Austral. As Pierrefonds is a small airport, and seems to have a lot of staff, you can expect a thorough security interrogation and bag search on your way in and out of the country. It can be much cheaper to fly into ZSE airport.

However, unless you have business in the South, it is best to avoid Pierrefonds as an arrival point because it is quite a small airport very far from the main tourist hubs like Saint-Denis (one-hour drive)and Saint-Gilles (35 minutes drive). It will cost you between 80-120 Euros by taxi to get from this airport to your hotel in the North and there is no guarantee you will be able to find one waiting outside: in this case, the agents at the information desk will be happy to call one for you. So factor airport transfer costs into your budget when deciding which airport to use. You can hire a car directly from the airport arrivals lounge (which is also the departure lounge!) but make sure in advance that the car hire company will be open when you arrive. Upon departure you may leave your rental car keys at the help desk of the airport, provided you make the necessary arrangements with the car hire company in advance. Pierrefonds is also a hub for plane and helicopter tours of the Island, and it's quite likely you will end up here if you book a flyover of the Volcano, for example.

By boat[ edit ] From Reunion, it is possible to reach Mauritius and Madagascar by boat. Two ferry services offer these routes, the Mauritius Pride and the Mauritius Trochetia. They can be reached through the following address: 4, avenue du 14-Juillet 1789, 97420, Le Port. Telephone: 0262.42.19.45. Throughout the year, a number of cruise liners dock on the island. More information should be sought through individual cruise companies. Get around[ edit ] It is often said that Reunion has more than its fair share of cars, and it's true. At certain times, the road networks can become jam-packed with vehicles, but in order to overcome this, all a visitor needs to know is when to travel and how to travel. The national road (route nationale) which goes round the island is double-laned for each direction in many places. The rest of the roads are usually tarmacked, with one lane in each direction. By taxi[ edit ] Hailing a taxi on the island is fairly expensive, especially when leaving the airport (expect to pay 15€).

The current charge has increased twofold, cost for airport to St Denis central is 30€ for the 7 kilometer trip! By bus[ edit ] Intercity bus travel around the island is served by Car Jaune ("Yellow Bus", buses are easily recognizable by their yellow color). There are 13 lines. Apart from these buses there are also local buses. Most of lines operate between 6AM and 6PM. You can get schedules and details on their official website [6] . Click on "Plans et tarifs" for a map of the network. Car Jaune, Ligne B, from Saint-Denis to Saint-Pierre and back, Par les Bas (via the coast). Operates approximately every one and a half hours. By car[ edit ] There is one main road around the island (74km of it is four-lane) and another road from Saint-Pierre to Saint-Benoit (route des plaines) through the interior of the island. Due to the high number of cars, traffic jams often occur so you should avoid travelling during peak times. Because of the volcano, the road is sometimes closed along the east side of the island.

The four-lane highway between La Possession and Saint-Denis, known as the route du littoral, runs between an unstable cliff and the sea. Because of the rain (mostly between December and March), this highway may be "basculée", that is switched to a two-lane road. Expect traffic jams in such circumstances. Do not underestimate driving times, even if the island seems small. The main roads, especially on the west coast, tend to jam; so do the streets of Saint Denis. The roads in the interior are mountain roads, some with many turns and steep slopes. Car hire is available. Hiking[ edit ] Reunion Island has almost one thousand kilometers of hiking trails, with an astonishing variety of landscapes for an island. The cirques, plains and volcano have been classified as a French national natural park. The best hikes are probably in the Mafate cirque and on the volcano (see Piton de la Fournaise ). The exceptionnal Mafate circus has no roads, and about 800 inhabitants. Hiking guides and guided tours are readily available. Aircraft[ edit ] Some helicopter and airplane companies specialize in guided tours by air around the island and throughout the nearby islands.

These depart very early in the morning (in order to avoid clouds and fog at altitude). They are reasonably priced, and will refer to other companies on other islands as needed. Mafate is a popular destination. Hiking[ edit ] The following two (fairly ambitious) hiking trails (Grande Randonnée): offer breathtaking views of the island. The GR R2 . This route crosses the island from Saint-Denis in the north down to Saint-Joseph in the south. Set aside about a week to cover the route's 130km trail. The GR R1 is slightly shorter at around four days, and covers the Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie craters. An alternative is to walk in Mafate , without marked-out footpaths. Visit the villages (locally known as îlets) to get a feel of car-free settlements in beautiful surroundings. Le Cirque de Cilaos[ edit ] Road of 420 bends Cilaos and the Marre à Joncs (literally: bulrush hoe) This can be accessed from Saint-Louis by the road of 420 bends (route aux 420 virages).

Whilst in this welcoming village seated at the foot of the Piton des Neiges cliff, be sure not to miss the embroidery museum (musée de la broderie). Cilaos is a paradise for hikers of all abilities. With the circuit of the volcano, the most famous hike is most definitely the ascent of the Piton des Neiges. To make the most of the hike, be sure to be well-equipped: solid hiking footwear, water, cereal bars, dried fruits, an IGN map of the St-Pierre region, and a second pair of lighter sandals for severe weather or downpours. The tracks are very well marked-out and maintained, making it fairly difficult to get lost. The remaining hiking time (for the experienced walker) is also marked on each signpost. To get warmed up first, start out with an easy walk (such as the Bras-Rouge waterfall) before tackling a visit to Mafate (Marla by the Taïbit pass) or the Piton des Neiges. Cilaos is also a passing point of the GR1 and GR2 hiking trails.

La Roche Merveilleuse is a rocky headland in the heart of the forest, where you will be greeted by a stunning panoramic view across the cirque and its villages. It can be reached by car in 15 minutes on tarmacked roads. Get here by taking the route du Bras-Sec and follow signs for the forêt de cryptomérias japonica ('Japanese Sugi cedar' cypress forest). These are very large evergreen trees, approaching the size of Giant Sequoia. Ilet-à-Cordes. Nestled in a clearing at the foot of the Grand-Bénare, Ilet-à-Cordes was one a popular sanctuary for indigenous "Noirs marrons". Nowadays it is dedicated to agriculture (lentils, citrus fruits and wine-growing). It is a well-earned place to rest up after a journey along the mountainside, where locals extend a warm welcome to visitors and gladly engage in conversation about their daily lives. Another place to stop by is the old thermal baths at the Bras-Rouge waterfall. The journey leaves a little further up from la Chapelle, approximately 5 hours. The Bras-Rouge La Cascade de Bras-Rouge.

Found in the Bras-Rouge gorge, on the old path towards Mafate, the waterfall has carved out several pools which are ideal settings for picnics. The water coloured by iron oxide is one of the principal attractions. An easy family walk, with numerous viewing spots throughout the gorges. For a round-trip, set aside two and a half hours. To get there from the thermal pools, follow the well-indicated path (named chemin des porteurs) flanked with flowers and greenery. Palmiste-Rouge by the Sentier des Calumets. The Sentier des Calumets is one of the most interesting ways to discover Palmiste-Rouge (but if strapped for time, it is possible to reach by car from the Cilaos road in St-Louis). It is just a short walk from the end of the village of Bras-Sec. The route crosses forests, winds its way around the foot of Bonnet-de-Prêtre, and comes down towards the small "village at the bottom of the valley". Nothing difficult here, apart from that it is sometimes slippery, especially in the morning.

After around two and a half hours of walking, you will come across a typical mountain hamlet with nice restaurants. Get back by car (or hitchhiking) or wait for the bus back up to Cilaos. It is of course also possible to go back on foot. Expect a journey of 5 and a half hours all told. La Chapelle. Before the road, the journey towards Ilet-à-Cordes could only be made by a path going down steeply into the Bras-Rouge river before climbing back up to the plateau. On the riverbed, enormous slabs of basalt form a curious and impressive feature nicknamed "La Chapelle". It’s a journey of two hours in each direction. A great hike for good walkers. Just before entering into Cilaos, take the route just opposite the cirque bakery (which sells reasonably-priced sandwiches). Then, follow the signs away from the main road. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must. Also, consider bringing a second pair of shoes for crossing the waterfall itself, and don’t be scared to take a dip underneath the waterfall! Le Sentier des Sources.

This is an easy-going little walk, taking about an hour and a half starting from the village of Bras-Sec. Be sure to bring water. Forest walks. Cilaos boasts an important coverage of both primitive forestry (behind the church) and land reforested with Japanese cedars (Mare-à-Joseph canton, route de Bras-Sec). There are many well-maintained and well-signposted tracks here, leading to waterfalls, pools and picnic spots. Information can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in the town centre. Notre-Dame-des-Neiges and the Père Boiteau. Among the island’s sacred architecture, Notre-Dame-des-Neiges is one of the jewels in the crown. The nave and chancel are noteworthy, and the woodwork is all the work of craftsmen from Rivière-Saint-Louis. The most illustrious figure at the church was the father Paul Boiteau, who arrived there in 1927, and died in 1947. A mystical ascetic, he was very close to the poor. He is buried in front of the church, and is remembered for the good deeds he granted unto his followers.

The church can be seen from afar, so finding your way there should not be a problem. Le cirque de Mafate[ edit ] View from the Taïbit Pass Sentier de la Brêche From Cilaos, come along the Taïbit Pass (it takes about 5 hours from Cilaos to Marla, 4 hours from the îlet at Cordes). The cirque is also accessible from the cirque de Salazie along the Col des Bœufs, and there is even a manned car park (unfortunately slightly expensive: around 10€/day). By this pass, you can join up with La Nouvelle in two and a half hours of walking through tamarind forest, or Marla in 3 hours. Set aside a few days to enjoy this place to its potential. GR2 The canalisation des Orangers It is also possible to reach here by the GR2 route from the north (canalisation des Orangers), or from Maïdo by taking the narrow path heading down the "La Brèche" pass, with a 750-metre change of altitude.

It’s a fairly strenuous trip, 2 hours down, and 3 hours up (minimum), with dizzying drops. About halfway along, be sure to stop and appreciate the views, above a sheer drop of 1500 metres. The village of La Nouvelle The cirque de Mafate is home to many villages, or “îlets”. Aside from La Nouvelle (1470m), there is Marla (1600m), Trois Roches (1220m), Roche Plate (1110m), Grand-Place (530m), Îlet des Orangers (1000m), Îlet des lataniers (650m), Îlet à Bourse (850), Îlet Malheur (828m), Aurère (930m) and Cayenne (530m). Although seemingly near from a bird’s-eye view, the journey from village to village requires a good few hours even for competent walkers. It is possible to get here by helicopter from St-Denis or St-Giles as well.

Try HELILAGON , Altiport de l'Eperon-97460 Saint-Paul, tel.(0)2.62.55.55. Le cirque de Salazie[ edit ] The cirque de Salazie’s entrance opens up on the eastern side, allowing easterly winds from the ocean to bring spray, and thus rendering this region one of the island’s most lush. The name of the caldera is potentially derived from the Malagasy word salazy, meaning ‘good encampment’. The various villages an easily be reached from the Saint-André. The main villages are Salazie (the administrative centre), Hell-Bourg (a pretty, flowery village) and Grand-Ilet. Le voile de la mariée (The Bridal Veil) Salazie, The Bridal Veil: This is one of the island’s most spectacular sights. The eastern side of the caldera is carpeted in lush greenery through which slice a multitude of waterfalls. The area can be reached by crossing the river on a suspended footbridge, and by continuing alongside fields of watercress and chayotes (a green, pear-shaped fruit).

A nice route would be to work one’s way through the vegetation and to go right up to the base of the waterfall – a perfect spot for a picnic. Hell-Bourg: Hell-Bourg Starting off from Hell-Bourg, a few lengthy routes can take you to the "trou de Fer" (literally ‘the iron hole’), or the "Piton des Neiges". Alternatively, you could opt for a shorter hike to "Les Trois Cascades" (‘the three waterfalls’), taking just two-three hours for an easy round-trip – still, you’ll need to be equipped with decent footwear though. Grand-Ilet is the departure point for a winding route through to the "col de la Fourche" (‘the forked pass’). You can leave your car up in the car park there, and continue on via the signposted GR1 route, which leads you down to Mafate through the tamarind forests. Le Piton des Neiges[ edit ] The highest point on the island, the Piton-des-Neiges commands so much appeal among certain enthusiasts that it brings them back time and time again.

It can be reached from a few different places, (Plaine-des-Cafres, Hell-Bourg, gite de Bélouve), with the ascent from Cilaos probably the most popular option. It’s still not an easy venture, though – it takes a good 8-hour day from Cilaos for even competent hikers to complete a full round trip. The resting point at la Caverne Dufour To really make the most of it, however, it is well-advised to plan a night-stop at the Gîte de la Caverne-Dufour (3km from the summit). The hosts are nice people and, after a traditional rum-based fruit punch, a simple meal will take your mind off your exhaustion from the climb. Sunrise, 5:00am at 3070 metres At the crack of dawn (at around 3:00am), grab your shoes again, marvel at the night sky which seems a million miles away from today’s polluted metropolises, then climb further. Walk by torchlight along marked-out paths leading to the summit, where the sunrise will leave an indelible mark upon your memory. Words cannot begin to explain the magnificence of this experience.

The descent back to the gîte is no more surprising for most visitors than the initial ascent – it would be the first time to see by daylight the track you followed in pitch black earlier. The natural surroundings make it clear that you are on an (extinct) volcano. Route from Cilaos The descent down to Caverne-Dufour Take the Route de Bras-Sec where the paths leave off from. The view is completely unobstructed, and the wilderness is staggeringly beautiful. A good place to take a halfway pitstop would be at the "Grand matarum" cabin. For very good climbers only! The gîte takes bookings (several weeks in advance): Maison de la Montagne (Tel.: 02.62.90.78.78), or at the Cilaos tourist information centre 02.62.31.71.71, then book in for a meal and breakfast with the hosts at the gîte (02.62.51.15.26), 24 hours ahead.

The journey back to Cilaos can be made in a single push (descending 1800 metres in altitude) – try to take it easy on those knees! The other route up is from the Bélouve gîte: set aside between 4 and 6 hours of hiking to get to the refuge hut at the Dufour cave – it is a longer and more circuitous route than approaching from Cilaos. The path around Bélouve gets very muddy from time to time. The final route is to approach from Hell-Bourg passing through the cap Anglais: allow 6 or 7 hours for this route, which covers 1500 metres of altitude. Le Piton de la Fournaise[ edit ] La Plaine des sables The piton de la Fournaise (Furnace Peak) ( [7] ). Make sure to trek to the caldera on a nice day, and leave early morning. The circuit of 14.5km takes about 5 hours of walking.

View of the caldera The first surprise is on the "Nez de bœuf" pass (2136m), where, after walking through lush greenery, a panoramic view of the "plaine des sables" (plain of sands) surprises you. This plain of black sand from volcanic activity gives us a hint of what is to come. A path (or more precisely, a dusty track), riddled with potholes, takes us to the "Pas de Bellecombe" (2311m). A short walk of just a few metres from the car park takes you up to a lovely view over the "Fournaise". It’s a breathtaking sight as you see this lunar landscape presented before your eyes. A path (which is the only way of getting to the Fournaise) goes down about 150 metres in altitude in about 580 steps (we counted them!). Fortunately, there is a rail along the whole route, because the “steps” are far from being like those on normal staircases – they are from 10cm to 40cm in height and scramble over rock, earth, tree roots, concrete and pebbles.

Nevertheless, the descent along the wall of the caldera leads you through tamarind trees and is not an all unpleasant. Le Formica Léo The descent of 150m among tamarind trees Once you’re at the bottom, the first stop is to the "Formica Léo", a small volcano which has been inactive since 1753. From it’s reddish tip emerges about 20 metres of ash spewed out from successive eruptions of the volcano during its active years. The entire journey is well marked out with white markers. NB: These white markers, about every 2 metres apart, are essential in case of a sudden spell of mist – they will guide you back to the starting point. Be careful not to stray too far from them, if you get lost there is very little chance of being rescued before the next morning, and nights up there are pretty cold! The path around la Fournaise La Fournaise as seen from le Bory After the Formica Léo, the signposts take you towards the peak, on hard and smooth earth, made of old lava.

A small sign marks out that it is made of “Lave Cordée” (basaltic, smooth, fluid lava, also known as “Pāhoehoe” lava). From then on, the track goes on through a more lunar-like landscape, and the long ascent begins, crossing more recently produced lava. Getting your bearings is no problem, all you have to do is follow the throngs of fellow visitors. Nevertheless, be warned: drink lots and do not be deceived by the cool air at this altitude of 2200m. The sun, even through mist, is very strong, so protect your head and use sunscreen copiously on all of you that is exposed to the sun. Otherwise, be prepared for a few difficult days of sunburn. After the 2 hours of walking from the car park, you will finally arrive (about a third of the way along the route) at the summit of the Bory crater, at 2631 metres above sea level. This small crater, only 350 metres in diameter, has been inactive since 1971. It’s an ideal place to take a few photos or videos to immortalise the moment.

Still following the white markers, the walk continues towards the Dolomieu crater (1km in diameter), which is still active, as the fumes will verify. Dolomieu crater (Nov 2004) The flow from August 2004 This itinerary covers the crater, and the route traverses recent lava flows. You’ll certainly feel the heat on your legs and the crunching underfoot (as if you’re walking on pieces of glass). A few signposts remind you of the danger of climbing down the rock face to get closer to the crater. The positioning of seismic probes around the crater’s edge record current seismic volcanic activity. Once you have completed your trek to the summit, it’s just another 2 and a half hours of walking to return to your vehicle – not to mention that you have to climb back up those 580 steps again! Volcano landscape French is the official language of Reunion. Although not official, Réunion Creole is the native language of a large part of the population and is spoken alongside French. French spoken with the local Reunion accent, intermingled with Creole, can be difficult to understand for native French speakers.

Metropolitan French are locally nicknamed z'oreilles ("ears") for their tendency not to understand and ask people to repeat. Other languages spoken locally include Tamil , Gujarati, Urdu , Comorian, Malagasy , Mandarin , Hakka and Cantonese . As is mainland France, English fluency is rare. English speakers meet every Monday evening between 7:30PM and 11:00PM (including during holidays) at the Moda Bar, 75 rue Pasteur, in Saint-Denis. Infoline 0692 560220. If you speak English, it is a good place to share your culture and language while meeting travelling and resident couch-surfers. The bar allows people to bring take out food. See also: French/Creole dictionary [8] Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Reunion is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other European Union countries the currency used is the euro (symbol: €). It is compulsory, for the large majority of businesses, to post prices in windows. Hotels and restaurants must have their rates visible from outside.

Most shops accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) but most of them require a minimum amount for credit cards payments (usually €15). There are a number of ATM machines (called "gabier") which don't charge you for using them. Shops[ edit ] Most shops are closed on Sunday. Most supermarkets are open from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, Monday to Saturday. Some of them are open on Sunday morning. You can find traditional objects in some shops but it's often easier and cheaper to go to a market (marché). The market in Saint-Paul is famous and you'll also find fruits and vegetables: it gathers on Friday morning and afternoon and on Saturday morning. It's a good place to buy African traditional objects, such as Oware (an abstract strategy game of Akan origin). Here are some ideas for gifts: shirts/clothing Eat & Drink[ edit ] Thanks to Reunion's history, cuisine is a mix of cultures: French, Indian ( Tamil & Bhojpuri ), Chinese & African. Typical dishes are cari and rougail which are a meat or fish cooked in a sauce and eaten with rice.

Depending on the season, many tropical fruits are available, like litchee (in December), mango, pineapple (Victoria is the tastiest), bananas, papaya. At lunchtime, you can have many kinds of sandwiches and samoussas in snack-bars (cheap but not very balanced, except for the spicy "achards sandwich"), and find restaurants easily (average of 10-15 USD). Reunionese cuisine is quite safe, but ask for some samples if noted to be spicy to ensure that they're not too spicy. The spice level is below that of spicy Indian cuisine. The main local drink is rum. The lowest quality rum is made from fermented cane sugar molasses and is not aged (thus its color is clear). It is often drunk as rhum arrangé - rum flavored by fruit and spices. Rhum arrangé, being fruity and sugary, is easy to drink but beware of the high alcohol content! Higher quality rum is rhum agricole, made from fermented cane sugar juice. It is either clear, or aged in oak barrels, giving it a brown colour.

Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] There are many possible accommodation types in reunion: Ordinary hotels; privately run Gîtes d'Étape; Gîtes de Montagne are mountain cabins or lodges located in the central areas appropriate and operated by Reunion Island Tourism Board [9] ; youth hostels are operated by Auberge de jeunesse de la réunion [10] (Official site). There are five youth hostels at Réunion Island ; Hell Bourg, Bernica, Entre Deux, Saint Denis and Cilaos. Work[ edit ] For European people coming from an EU country, working in Reunion is allowed without a visa or work permit. If you're from outside the EU, you will probably need a work permit. Check with the French Embassy in your country. Do not forget, though, that the unemployment rate is high. If you work in the health sector (doctor, nurse), it will be much easier. Voluntary service: Volontariat Civil à l'Aide Technique (VCAT). Conditions: you must be French or from another EU-member state or a country belonging to the European Economic Area. You must be over 18 and under 28 years old (inclusive).

You must not have had your civic rights revoked by a court or have been convicted of certain offences. VCAT [11] Reunion is fairly safe, but be prepared in re: any worries. You must respect these practices: Don't walk around alone at night in unknown or large cities. Be careful of open displays of goods (carried or worn) attractive to thieves. Most crime in Reunion is related to and within family or peer group, and linked with violence and substance use. Other most reported crime: vandalism, corruption, bribery. In some sections of some towns late at night usually around clubs, assault and armed robbery have occurred. The major attraction of Reunion is the stunning scenery, with impressive walks on cliffs and, obviously, the volcano. Be aware that in some high altitude areas, especially near the volcano, mid-day fog may really hamper orientation making it easy to get lost; also, temperatures may drop significantly. In foggy weather, do not stray from well-marked paths! Carry layered clothing. Even on this tropical island, in high altitude locations, in humid weather, you can become ill from the effects of cold temperatures.

Reunion is having a big problem with shark attacks (bull and tiger sharks) resulting in a severely restricted access to nautical activities, including swimming outside of the lagoon and areas protected with nets. Previously popular areas for surfing are very dangerous and most of the time forbidden (you might get fined). Stay healthy[ edit ] In 2006, Reunion experienced an epidemic of Chikungunya virus (illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever, with an acute febrile phase of the illness lasting only two to five days, followed by a prolonged arthralgic disease that affects the joints of the extremities). The pain associated with CHIKV infection of the joints persists for weeks or months, or in some cases, years. By April 2006, 230,000 people had been infected, which amounted to almost 30% of the population. The epidemic eventually ebbed, and by the summer new cases had dropped to near zero. Travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites. Caution should be taken when spending time in the sun. High altitude areas may be scorchingly hot when the sun is high, and cold when it is foggy. Prepare layered clothing.

Sanitary and medical facilities in Reunion are of good quality. As in the rest of France, French and EU residents get most of their health care costs covered by the compulsory health insurance plan (sécurité sociale). This plan does not cover nonresidents, who will be expected to pay full price. Travel health insurance is advised. Full price costs significantly less than in the United States. Visitors from European Union should bring an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) - obtained in their own country before departure. The E111 form is no longer valid. Ask for details at your local health care organization. The major hospital is in Saint-Denis, but there are various others in other cities. There are doctors in almost every village. Tap water is usually safe for consumption. Public sources of water are unsafe if labeled with "Eau non potable" (Water not drinkable). Emergency phone numbers[ edit ] emergency services: 112 (which can be dialed by any mobile phone, even if not connected to a GSM network); fire brigade: 18; Cyclones[ edit ] During the cyclonic season (November to April), you should check cyclone warnings shown in newspapers or broadcast by the radio or TV.

There are three states of warning: Vigilance cyclonique (cyclone watch): cyclonic risk in more than 24hrs, you should buy in advance enough food and water as well as batteries and candles; Alerte orange (orange alert): cyclonic risk in the next 24hrs, schools are closed, avoid travel; Alerte rouge (red alert): cyclonic risk in the next few hours, don't leave your current location and avoid using the phone, stay calm. Phones[ edit ] Country code: 262 Dialing within Reunion: all numbers have 10 digits. Landlines begin with 0262 and mobile phones 0692 and 0693. Dialing to Reunion: international prefix + 262 + phone number without the first 0 (this leads to dial twice 262 which is normal). If you dial from France, just use the 10 digit number. Dialing from Reunion: the international prefix is 00. Calling to a mobile phone is more expensive than to a landline. Number beginning in 0800 series are free phone calls. Numbers beginning in 089 are premium-rate.

Few foreign mobile phone companies offer international roaming to Reunion so double-check before leaving. Your company should provide specific roaming to Reunion as it has different mobile phone companies than mainland France. An alternative: get a Pay-as-you-go SIM card or phone in Reunion to insure connection of calls. There are two companies offering wireless services: SRR [12] and Orange Réunion [13] . Post offices are found in all cities. Post/letter boxes are yellow. Rates[ edit ] Less than 20g for a postcard or letter with one or two pages in a regular envelope.

0,53€ in Europe, France and DOM-TOM (consists of all French-administered territories not on the European continent, including island territories in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, French Guiana on the South American coast, and several periantarctic islands as well as a claim in Antarctica) *Area 1 *Area 1: South Africa, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania) : 0,75 € Area 2: rest of the world: 1,05 € Marianne The basic stamp for regular mail is red with the head of "Marianne" (the Republic logo). It does not carry its value and can therefore be used even after a price increase. It is sold in all post offices, Bureaux de Tabacs (tobacco sellers identified by a red lozenge) and postcard vendors. The latter may also carry other common stamps. In most post offices you will find an automatic machine (yellow) with a scale and a screen. Just put your mail on the scale, tell the machine (French or English) the destination, pay the indicated amount and the machine will deliver a printed stamp.

Parcels[ edit ] Chronopost (a member of the La Poste group, the mail service of France), UPS and DHL offer parcel services. Consulates[ edit ] Spain, 2B, Allée des Dahlias, ☎ +262 56 62 45 ( ocesprun@gmail.com ). edit Culture of Reunion Island - history, people, beliefs, food, family, social, men, life, immigrants Culture of Reunion Island Reunion Islander Orientation Identification. Reunion Island (in French, La Reunion ) is a multicultural society composed of people originally from France, Mozambique, India, China, Madagascar, and the Comores. Islanders use their ethnic origins to define themselves as Cafres (African ancestry) Z'oreilles (born in mainland France), malabars or Tamouls (from Tamil Nadu southern India), Z'arabes (from Gujarat in northern India), Chinois (from China), Malgaches (from Madagascar), Comores (from Comores), Petits blancs (poor rural whites living in the highlands), or Creoles blancs (white landowners).

The term Creole today also applies to people with a mixed ethnic background. All the residents of the island are administratively French citizens. Location and Geography. Reunion Island lies in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Madagascar. At 970 square miles, (2,512 square kilometers), it is the largest of the Mascarene islands. High plains separate two volcanic systems. Climatic variations range from humid to dry tropical to Mediterranean. More than half the land is not suitable for cultivation. Periodic cyclones can be devastating. The capital is Saint Denis. Demography. In 1999, the population was over 717,000. It is difficult to categorize the population by ethnic background, but estimates indicate that approximately twenty percent of the population is of Indian ancestry, and around five percent is born in mainland France. Linguistic Affiliation. Although French is the official language, Creole is the language of everyday life. Based on French, with a mixture of Malagasy and Tamil words, it is used with relatives and for informal interactions. French is generally used in formal situations.

Although everybody understands it, many people cannot speak it; therefore, its use is a marker of educational achievement and social status. Symbolism. Economic and cultural ties are almost exclusively with mainland France; Reunion is officially called "the France of the Indian Ocean." Since the development of tourism in the 1970s, the image the island tries to project to the outside world is that of a multicolored society where people with different ethnic backgrounds live together peacefully. History and Ethnic Relations Emergence of the Nation. Discovered at the beginning of the sixteenth century, the island was reached by the French in 1643. Reunion (then called Mascarin ) was devoid of inhabitants. The French sent twelve convicts into exile there. In 1649 they officially claimed the island in the name of the king and named it Bourbon . Colonization started in 1665, when the French East India Company sent the first twenty settlers. After 1715, settlers produced coffee and spices, which ultimately were replaced by sugarcane. In 1792, France renamed the island La Reunion. The labor force needed on the sugarcane plantations was supplied by slaves from Mozambique and Madagascar.

At the end of the seventeenth century, the population could be divided into white French landowners and African and Malagasy slaves. A great number of white settlers arrived too late to gain access to the land and, excluded from the plantation system, retired in the highlands, where they constituted a poor white population ( Petits blancs ). The abolition of slavery in 1848 led white landowners to recruit indentured laborers for their plantations, particularly Tamils. Most Tamils stayed at the end of their five-year contracts and continued to work for the white landowners. At the turn of the century, some Chinese and Muslim Gujaratis arrived Reunion to sell food and textiles. In 1946, Reunion became one of the four overseas department of France, and it became an administrative region in 1974. Having lost their cultural links with their societies of origin, African and Maslagasy slaves were subject to deculturation and pauperization. By contrast, whites, Chinese, Muslim Gujaratis, Tamils, and French from the mainland have been able to maintain most of their original systems of value while adapting it to the local context. National Identity.

Since the beginning of immigration, the French government has stressed assimilation of the populations under its control, exploiting the resources of the island while pressuring immigrants to become "French." As a result, all members of this multicultural society are officially "French citizens." However, many descendants of Tamil immigrants have maintained their ancestral beliefs and patterns of behavior. Although Chinese residents were also converted to Christianity, they are less westernized than are residents of south Indian ancestry. Most still speak Chinese and have kept links with relatives in China. Gujaratis Muslims also have been able to preserve their culture and religion. Ethnic Relations. Whites and people of African, Tamil, and mixed ancestry consider themselves the original inhabitants of the island, in contrast to Gujaratis and Chinese. However, all native residents feel a strong difference between themselves and people from mainland France. The French, who generally do not stay more than three or four years on the island, are rarely considered full members of the society. Both populations live close to each other but inhabit different cultural worlds. Food and Economy Basic Economy. The economy was traditionally based on agriculture. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the most important crops were coffee and cloves and then sugarcane. Major Industries.

The labor force consists of workers in services (seventy-three percent), industry (nineteen percent), and agriculture (eight percent). Major industries include sugar, rum, handicrafts, and flower oil extraction. Trade. The major exports are sugar, rum vanilla, and perfume essences. Imported commodities include manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, raw materials, machinery and transportation equipment, and petroleum products. The economy depends on financial assistance from mainland France, which is also the principal trading partner. Around 100,000 people born in Reunion work and live in mainland France. Massive importation of goods has led to a large deficit in the balance of trade. The government has promoted tourism to reduce unemployment, which affects more than a third of the labor force. Social Stratification Classes and Castes. The transformation of Reunion into a French department slowly substituted a pseudo-industrial and consumer society for a colonial and rural society. There are large disparities in wages and deep social inequalities between workers. The minimum wage is around ten percent lower than it is in mainland France, while the wages of those in the public sector are approximately forty percent higher. The gap between rich and poor accounts for the current social tensions.

The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than are other segments of the population. Immigrants from France hold the key positions in administration, A sugar factory in Saint Louis. Sugar is one of Reunion Island's major exports. and in the private sector, their wages are higher than are those of other groups. People of African descent are still at the bottom of the social scale. The outbreak of rioting in February 1991 reflected the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. Symbols of Social Stratification. Use of the French language characterizes social stratification. As most of the population learns Creole at home and French at school, the ability to speak French is a sign of education and high status. Political Life Government. The political system is French. The representative of the French state is the prefect, who is appointed by the French president. There are one general council and one regional council, whose presidents are elected by their members, that finance development projects. City mayors are popularly elected, along with five deputies to the French National Assembly. Social Problems and Control. The legal system is French. Homicide and rape are relatively numerous and are committed mostly by men under the influence of alcohol. Court judgments take into account the social background of criminals. Military Activity.

Defense is the responsibility of France. The military is absent in Reunion, and men serve their military terms in France. Social Welfare and Change Programs Because unemployment is a major problem, state programs of social welfare are important. More than sixty percent of the population receives welfare benefits. Socialization Infant Care. The care of infants varies with the family's ethnic and cultural background. Regarding sleep practices, for instance, among families from the mainland France, a child is put in a separate room very early and may have stories, toys, and a night lamp to accompany him or her in the sleep. On the other side, among families of Indian origin, children consider sleep a positive and auspicious event, and children go to bed without reluctance. Most of these children share bedrooms with siblings of the same sex. Child Rearing and Education. Children of Tamil ancestry learn to separate the world into two basic spheres of action: that of the family and the community, in which the Indian value system predominates, Fishermen haul a boat onto one of Reunion's rocky beach heads. and that where the cultural models of the larger society are dominant. Higher Education.

In 1954, fifty-seven percent of the population was illiterate, but today the rate is less than 10 percent. Education is valued in families of Tamil, Gujarati, and Chinese ancestry. For the lower and middle classes, school is a democratic institution that allows one to achieve a better future. Pupils with African and mixed origin who frequently grow up in a family with a single mother, often experience failure at school. In contrast, education is particularly valued in families of Tamil, Gujarati, and Chinese ancestry. For the lower and middle classes, school is a democratic institution that allows one to achieve a better future. There are seven thousand students at the ever-expanding University of La Réunion. Religion Religious Beliefs. The dominant religion is Roman Catholicism, totaling eighty-six percent of the population. Christianity was established by the first settlers. Although indentured contracts specified that a laborer's religion be respected, the Catholic Church and the authoritarian administration attempted to convert newcomers. Tamils were obliged Hikers gaze on the beauty of Cirque de Malfate from the peak of Piton Meido on Reunion Island. to go to church, wear French clothes, and give Christian names to their children.

Contract workers had to express Christian attitudes and practice Christian rites to be accepted by their employers and the larger society. In the eighteenth century, Catholic priests attempted to prevent the construction of Hindu temples and the public practice of Hinduism. When it was finally authorized, the priests continued to spread a negative perception of the Hindu religion as "pagan." Religious Practitioners. Although they have been largely christianized, people of Indian origin refer to Hindu Gods in important matters. While it has been adapted to a new social context, folk Hinduism has been maintained almost as it was in India at the time of emigration more than one century ago. Among the expressions of this religion are fire walking, animal sacrifices, and rituals of possession by a deity or ancestor. This Hinduism is strongly connected with the idea of protection against bad luck, the evil eye, and the negative forces of the visible and invisible world. Medicine and Health Care In rural areas, modern medicine is complemented by traditional local practices based on a mixture of different beliefs (Hindus, Christian, and Malagasy). A worker at a sugar processing factory. Many people consult devineurs who can predict the future and give advice about their problems.

Secular Celebrations The major holidays are the same as those in France (National Day, Bastille Day, Christmas, New Year's Eve), supplemented by local celebrations such as the anniversary of the abolition of slavery on 21 December and the Tamil and Chinese new years. The Arts and Humanities Literature. A local literature that has existed for the last twenty years celebrates the culture of Reunion. Most writers who use the Creole language emphasize a global identity (that of being réunionnais and neglect the cultural heterogeneity of the population. The State of the Physical and Social Sciences In the 1970s a local university was created, and French scholars received funding to conduct research on the island. Numerous studies, focused primarily on the Creole language and culture, have since been published. Undertaken by researchers or students from mainland France or natives of the island, they mostly see the society as an integrated unit or a place of culturally distinct subcultures. An outward perspective—still awaited—should allow a better analytic distanciation. Bibliography Ghasarian, Christian. Honneur, Chance et Destin: La Culture Indienne à LaRéunion, 1991. ——.

"Interpreting a Hindu Rite: A Critique of a Psychoanalytic Reading." Berkeley Journal of Asian Studies 7: 79–, 1996. ——. "We Have the Best Gods! The Encounter between Hinduism and Christianity in La Réunion." Journal of Asian and African Studies 23 (3–4): 286–295, 1996. ——. "Language Strategies in La Réunion." Cahiers 4(3): 7–18, University of Hull, England, 1998. ——. "Patrimoine et Ethnicité à LaRéunion: Dynamiques et Dialogismes." Ethnologie Francaise , 3: 365–374, 1999. Leguen, M. Histoire de l'île de La Réunion, L'Hartmattan , 1979. Scherer, André. La Réunion, "Que sais-je?," 1980. —C

Question: Saint-Denis is the chief town on which Indian Ocean island?
Answer: REUNION