Our Tips

HOW TO GET THERE

Reunion Island is a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean. It is less than 1 hour away by plane from Mauritius with many flights per day between the two islands. 
Reunion Island has two airports:
  • Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in the north where most flights operate
  • Pierrefonds Airport (ZSE) in the south can be an option when flying to and from Mauritius
IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM EUROPE

Option 1) Fly via Paris

Option 2) Fly via Mauritius Island


IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM ASIA

Option 1) Fly via Bangkok

Option 2) Fly via Mauritius Island
   

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING FROM THE AMERICAS

Option 1) Fly via Paris

Option 2) Fly via Johannesburg

BEAR IN MIND

Paris has 2 airports (Orly Airport & 
Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport). 

Air Austral flies out of Roissy while all other airlines fly out of Orly.

It may be easier to get a train to Paris (Eurostar or Thalys) and then take a taxi to either of these two airports. 

When flying into Paris from another European city, check your destination as you may have to change airports.

For instance; European domestic flights on Air France land at Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport but Air France flights to Reunion Island fly from Orly Airport.

In order to avoid having to change airports, it is probably best to book your tickets to Paris separately from your tickets onward to Reunion Island.

(Several low cost airlines fly to Orly Airport). 




ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Reunion Island is part of the European Union but NOT part of Schengen.

WHEN TO GO

WINTER: May to October
  • Dry season
  • Cooler temperatures (20-25 degrees C)
  • Sea temperature in low 20's
  • Can be windy on the coast
SUMMER: November to April
  • Rainy season
  • Hottest temperatures (30+ on coast)
  • Sea temperature around 30 degrees C
  • Risk of tropical storms & hurricanes (mostly January to March)
Reunion Island can be visited year-round, having said that:

CHOOSE SUMMER IF:
Your main aim is to relax and be in the water (beach or pool)

CHOOSE WINTER IF:
You choose on exploring the island as the best weather inland will be during winter

WHERE TO STAY

Try to stay on the western side of the island; around the coast of Saint-Gilles-Les-Bains.
WHY?

Best weather (little rain year-round and plenty of sunshine)

Proximity of lagoons of La Saline-Les-Bains and L'ermitage 
***(see warning below)***

Several of the main hotels are based there (Saint-Alexis, Lux* Saint-Gilles..)

There is tourist infrastructure and activities in the region

Rent a villa - this is by far the best value for money especially for families and groups

(walking distance from the lagoon of La Saline-Les-Bains)



  
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

It is generally forbidden to swim in the sea in Reunion Island due to the 
presence of sharks in the water.
There are only a few areas where swimming is allowed, and the lagoons of 
La Saline-Les-Bains and L'ermitage are part of these.

As a general rule, if you go somewhere and nobody is in the water, do not go in!
SAINT-GILLES LES BAINS WEATHER