Réunion, a land of adventure and excitement

A hiker's paradise, Réunion is in the news with the Grand Raid, also known as the Diagonale des fous, a trek that crosses the island from south to north, passing the three cirques and bypassing the volcano. Renowned for its difficulty, but also for the beauty and diversity of the landscapes encountered, this competition uses the world-famous GR R1 and R2 hiking trails.

However, hiking on Réunion Island is not just for experts. Trails have been mapped out for all levels. You can walk from one point to another by stopping off at a refuge or by walking for more than 6 hours a day. It's up to you to set your own pace, as long as you take the time to admire the scenery! A word of advice: make sure you bring plenty of water and warm clothing, as temperatures plummet rapidly at altitude.

Even if the cost of a helicopter flight over the island is considerable, it's well worth it. You'll need to plan an early morning departure, as by 9.30 am the inland areas are covered in clouds and visibility is reduced or non-existent. There are several tours to choose from, including a flight over one cirque and the coast, and a flight over all three cirques and the volcano.

The view is exceptional, and some parts will literally leave you speechless. Particularly the Trou de Fer, a narrow gorge with dense vegetation and a majestic waterfall, but also the volcano, which reveals all its activity and power. Seeing the diversity of the landscapes is one thing, but realising the extent to which some of the population live in reclusion is quite another, and is impressive. The primary function of the helicopters is to supply the villages that have no road access!

A benchmark destination for surfing, Réunion hosts numerous competitions at various spots between Saint-Gilles and Saint-Pierre, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the famous "left" at Saint-Leu. Once again, beginners won't be outdone, with spots such as Cafrine and Tortue offering a quick learning curve thanks to highly localised waves.

There are two distinct seasons: the austral winter (our summer), when the swell builds up a powerful, regular swell on the Saint-Leu, Boucan Canot and Roches Noires spots; and the austral summer, when the swell from the south is rarer, but a cyclonic wind sometimes hits the north and west coasts of the island, creating perfect waves of 1 to 2.5 metres. Other board sports have found Réunion a favourite spot... Bodyboarding, windsurfing or kite surfing, each discipline has its place!

To practise surfing safely on Réunion and avoid taking any risks, we advise you only to surf if you are a good swimmer and never to practise your sport alone. You should also avoid surfing at dusk or in murky water, and avoid the so-called "high-risk" spots where shark attacks generally occur.

With its craggy landscapes, Réunion is a popular destination for rock-climbing enthusiasts. The island has a total of 6,000 metres of climbing trails, grouped together in around twenty sites, suitable for all levels of climber. Routes range from 5 to 60 metres for beginners to over 300 metres for the more experienced climbers.

The most famous site is undoubtedly the crête des Trois Salazes, an extension of the piton des Neiges. The Cirque de Cilaos also has a number of climbing routes, including the Piton du Sucre, reserved for the more experienced climbers. Experienced climbers will also find themselves at the Piton des Neiges, which has a well-established reputation. These sites have a special feature that is unique to Réunion: the dykes or volcanic chimneys. These are fissures in which magma has congealed at the end of an eruption. Situated in a unique setting of high mountain beauty, they are an undeniable addition to the island's unique climbing sites.

Canyoning is an exciting way to discover wild sites, often in the heart of untouched nature. The island has a wealth of unspoilt sites surrounded by lush vegetation, an ideal playground for outdoor activities, particularly white-water sports.

With more than 70 equipped canyons and 131 kilometres of trails, canyoning enthusiasts have at their fingertips waterfalls ranging from ten metres for beginners to over 100 metres for those looking for a vertiginous challenge. Cilaos and Salazie have become benchmarks for waterfalls, natural toboggans and pools, but each site has its own atmosphere, scenery and special character.

To the east are the more aquatic canyons, while Cilaos and Plaine des Palmistes have a rocky, mineral atmosphere. There's no limit to the number of ways you can discover a wide variety of totally unspoilt sites and push your limits even further. And to vary the pleasures, kayaking, inflatable canoeing and hydrospeed can be enjoyed all year round in Réunion's torrents, with a particular highlight during the rainy season.

There are many companies offering paragliding flights, and it has to be said that the view from the sky is extraordinary. At certain times of the day, a multicoloured sky filled with paragliders comes to life. Flying over these extraordinary landscapes promises unique sensations. There's a wide choice of flights in the mountains, on the plains and especially along the ramparts, the local highlight.

First flights are in two-seaters, and before you can fly solo like a bird, you need to take an introductory course. Like the helicopter, it is preferable to leave early in the morning to take advantage of clear skies when flying inland. On the other hand, flights over the coast can be made throughout the day. It's an experience rich in emotions and full of surprises.