Africa
Volcanic peaks, sheer-walled cirques and French life in the Indian Ocean.
Réunion is an overseas department of France, reached mainly via mainland France or Mauritius. Its interior is spectacular: the three cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate, the last reachable only on foot, sit beneath Piton des Neiges, while Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world's most active volcanoes. On the west coast, the lagoon at Saint-Gilles offers sheltered swimming.
Life here blends France, Madagascar, India and East Africa, from pastries and wine to rougail sausages and carri curries. Hiking is the main event, with well-marked trails and mountain gîtes. Swimming outside lagoons and protected areas is restricted because of sharks. May to November is cooler and drier, ideal for trekking; January to March is hot, wet and cyclone season.
May, September, October, November.