Reunion Island

Sugar cane is the pillar of the island’s agriculture. 46% of the farms produce sugar cane over a total of 24 300 ha. An average sugar cane farm would have 90% of it surface is planted with sugar cane, the remaining 10% being used for other productions such as fruits, vegetables or grazing pastures.

Vegetable production (2 000 ha) benefits from an important elevation gradient : most of the temperate-climate vegetables are grown on the island, as well as the tropical ones. Vegetable farms supply local markets, turning them into outstanding displays of colours and shapes !

Reunion Island is also worldwide famous for its vanilla. Today, 190 ha of vanilla produce an annual harvest of 12 tons. Different plantation and growing techniques are registered on the island, depending on the type of support the plant hangs on to (vanilla is a liana, like kiwifruit).

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to walk on the moon ? Climbing up the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, reveals astonishing lunar landscapes shaped by lava flows, covered in orange and brown scorch marks. Across the south of the island, lava flows coming down to the ocean created black sandy beaches. One of the most famous is the Etange-Salé, where local like to meet and share a picnic.

The island also offer year-round sun and marine activities in the lagoon. Encircled by a coral reef, the lagoon offers an ideal environment for swimming, kayaking or paddle-boarding. The waters are clear which means the visibility is ideal for that snorkelling. In the Natural Reserve, close encounters with rays, eels, shoals of multi-coloured fish and turtles and not uncommon ! Between June and October, spurts of water wan be seen from the coastline : whales gather off the coast of Reunion Island to mate. Take a trip aboard a catamaran and admire the whales’ and dolphins’ enchanting dance !

Always served with rice, the various carry dishes share a common basic recipe : onions, garlic, turmeric, thyme and ginger are introduced to the casserole, once the meat has been braised. Rougail is the very spicy tomato sauce from Madagascar served with carry.

Mangos, lychees, pineapples and guavas are eaten fresh or used to give flavour to the rum ! Rum and punch are favourites with appetizers, but tamarind syrup is a soft option.