Pointe des Galets, Reunion Island

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Emerging from the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island appears like a green emerald from a distance, with lush mountains and volcanic peaks creating an unforgettable scene. It's a place of breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Tropical green meets stark lava fields, white-sand beaches glisten and black-sand beaches enchant.

Lying in the Indian Ocean, approximately 500 miles east of Madagascar, Reunion Island is volcanic in origin. The highest peak is Piton des Neiges, which is surrounded by the cirques of Mafate, Salazi and Cilaos. The island's active volcano is Piton de la Fournaise, which last erupted in 1998 and regularly emits steam and rumbles.

Proudly French in atmosphere, the true culture of Reunion Island is a delightful mix of Creole, European, Indian, Tamils and Chinese. Historically, Arab, Malay and Europeans visited the island but the French truly established the first actual settlement here, and today, Reunion is an overseas department of France.

Located at the northwest edge of the island, Le Port is the most common port used by the few cruise ships that call at Reunion Island. The capital of St. Denis is located at the very northern tip of the island about 10 miles away.

Somewhat isolated from the masses of tourism, Reunion Island has remained a virtual paradise.

Read More about Pointe des Galets, Reunion Island description

Points of Interest

  • St. Denis
  • Piton de la Fournaise
  • St Gilles des Bains
  • Handicrafts Market
  • Vanilla Plantation
  • Hell-bourg
  • Piton des Neiges
  • Bride's Veil Waterfalls and Salazie

More about Pointe des Galets, Reunion Island Points of Interest

  • St. Denis

    St. Denis, the island's French colonial capital, is located on the island's northernmost tip. It is home to the pretty State Gardens, Natural History Museum, and many historical Creole buildings.

  • Piton de la Fournaise

    Piton de las Fournaise features a striking volcano cone that is layered with black lava. This still active "Furnace Peak" volcano is over one million years old, and closely monitored for activity.

  • St Gilles des Bains

    St Gilles des Bains is a popular resort, thanks to its 15-mile stretch of lagoon, and beautiful golden sand - a rarity on an island where most of the sand is of the black volcanic variety.

  • Handicrafts Market

    The bustling Handicrafts Market in St. Denis, is nestled among the attractive Creole houses along the Rue de Paris, and sells wonderful spices, scents, baskets, wooden handicrafts and embroidery.

  • Vanilla Plantation

    A vital source of the island's income, vanilla has been farmed here since 1841, when Edmond Albius discovered how to pollinate the flower of the vanilla orchid by hand. Learn how it is produced.

  • Hell-bourg

    A pretty village in the spectacular cirque de Salazie basin, and a lovely location for lunch, it is named after the former admiral and island governor, Anne Chretien Louise de Hall.

  • Piton des Neiges

    The Piton des Neiges (snow peak), is just over 10,000-feet high - one of the highest points in the Indian Ocean. The volcano has been inactive for 20,000 years, and is surrounded by three big crater valleys.

  • Bride's Veil Waterfalls and Salazie

    This stunning waterfall, which is located in the lush Salazie region, near St Andre, gets its name from the way the water cascades down in glistening veils. A must-see for any visitor to Reunion.

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