Réunion Island, Saint-Gilles

LUX* Saint Gilles 5^*

From rugged mountains and to long white or black sand beaches, Reunion offers colourful and varied landscapes to adventurous travellers! Wake up at dawn to admire the stunning sunrise at the peak of the Piton des Neiges volcano. Or find yourself mesmerized by Reunion’s vibrant underwater world, home to a variety of multicoloured fish. Don’t wait any longer to visit this fantastic island.

Customs and traditions

Culture on Réunion Island is a fascinating mix of European, African, Indian and Chinese traditions.
The people of Réunion are extremely welcoming and have a gift for hospitality. They will appreciate a foreigner who takes the time to learn a few words of Creole, even if they speak perfect French. It is common to invite friends and even new acquaintances to share a meal. If you are invited to someone's home, it is usually appreciated to bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or flowers. When socialising, try to adopt a friendly and respectful approach. The people of Réunion are generally patient, so it would be wise to avoid showing impatience or haste.
Finally, traditional festivals, such as ‘Mardi Gras’ or ‘La Fête de la Musique’, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. These events are an excellent opportunity to discover the island's cultural richness and interact with its inhabitants.

Time difference

Réunion does not follow the summer/winter time change as some other countries do.
Réunion time is 3:00 hours ahead of London, United Kingdom

Electricity and internet access

As for electricity, the standard voltage is 220-230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Sockets are type E.

As far as Internet access is concerned, Réunion offers excellent network coverage, thanks in particular to the French operators who are extending their services to the island. Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi connections to their guests. However, if you're planning to travel to more remote areas, it's advisable to find out about network coverage before you leave. In addition, you may wish to consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile internet access, should this be required during your stay.

Safety

As in any tourist destination, it is important to remain vigilant and adopt certain behaviours to stay safe. It is advisable to avoid remote areas that are not very busy, especially after dark. As far as marine life is concerned, certain areas are closed to swimming because of the risk of encounters with sharks. You should also take precautions against the sun, as UV rays are particularly intense in this part of the world. And for hikers, the risk of landslides and rockfalls in certain areas means you need to be extra careful, especially during the rainy season. Don't forget to check the weather forecast before embarking on a hike or any other outdoor activity.

Currency

Reunion is a French overseas territory, so the currency used on the island is the euro.  Credit cards are widely accepted and cash dispensing machines are commonly available, but having cash can be useful in small shops or local markets. Be sure to inform your bank of your trip, and bear in mind that the cost of living is generally higher than in mainland France.

Weather

Located in the Indian Ocean, Réunion has a tropical climate with two seasons: the hot season from November to April and the cool season from May to October. During the hot, humid season, with an average temperature of 22°C to 30°C, weather information is crucial as this is cyclone season. In the cool season, temperatures are around 18°C to 24°C. The climate also varies according to the geography of the island, from hotter and drier on the coasts to wetter and cooler in the higher elevations.

Languages

French is the official language, but Reunionese Creole is widely spoken.

Accommodation quality

The quality of accommodation on Reunion Island can be less consistent than in Europe. Although the island offers a variety of options from luxury to affordable, some establishments may not meet European standards. Be sure to read online reviews and ratings before booking to guarantee satisfactory accommodation. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during high season, to guarantee availability and get the best rate.

Food quality

Traditional dishes based on local ingredients are a delight to the palate, as colourful as they are tasty. What's more, the quality of the produce, whether from the sea, the land or local cultures, guarantees a highly satisfying culinary experience. Typical dishes include curries, rougails and massalé, all made with local spices, giving each dish a unique burst of flavour. And don't miss the exotic fruits such as lychees, mangoes and Victoria pineapples, which are particularly tasty on the island. Rest assured that most restaurants and markets comply with the strictest hygiene standards. You can therefore enjoy these culinary experiences without fear, sampling all that the island has to offer. However, it is always advisable to take certain precautions, such as washing your hands before eating and drinking only bottled water.