In these tropical latitudes, nature plays at the water that drips from the green mountains, insinuating itself into the smallest interstices, rushing down the gullies to the ocean and inviting groups to enjoy its exceptional wealth. The heights, known as the Hauts, are the realm of primary rainforest where tree ferns, hydrangeas and hibiscus abound; these Hauts are also a paradise for hikers looking for a real thrill. Down below, on the west coast, a succession of hotels built on the edge of the lagoon mimic the ravishing Creole villas and offer their guests the pleasure of water sports as well as the refinement of gourmet dining. The brand new expressway, which runs from Saint-Paul to \u00c9tang-Sal\u00e9, has relieved congestion on the coastal road. Passing mostly at mid-slope, it offers a magnificent panorama over the lagoon. Since then, everything has been easier, whether you're travelling to Saint Denis in the north or Saint-Pierre in the south.<\/p>\n
Christian Loga, Sales Manager for Papangue Tours, explains: \"What's new about our programmes is that they are geographically more oriented towards the south of the island rather than the west, both in terms of accommodation and activities. The south of the island benefits from a new development opportunity in the incentive market thanks to the four-star Palm Hotel & Spa, nestling above the magnificent white sandy beach of Grand'Anse. The nearby town of Saint-Pierre is more authentic and lively than Saint-Denis or Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. What's more, the region has a helicopter company to fly over the peaks, a marina and quality service providers for excursions and sporting activities. Nevertheless, there is a new alternative in the west for top-of-the-range incentives, with tailor-made programmes available in 'Nature', 'Ecotourism', 'Responsible Tourism' with the Villages Cr\u00e9oles label, 'Earth' or 'Water'. Among the most popular locations are the Hauts de l'\u00eele National Park and the Parc Marin, with the Piton de la Fournaise and the cirques set to be classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. But some companies are also interested in new areas such as the development of renewable energies and agriculture.<\/p>\n
It's true that the island has exceptional natural assets, with remarkable diving sites, world-class deep-sea fishing and surfing, unforgettable encounters with cetaceans and, of course, kayak and sea canoe races. Inland, the cirques and the Hauts National Park offer breathtaking scenery. Depending on the activity you choose - canyoning, mountain biking, hiking or horse riding - you'll be able to fully appreciate the beauty of R\u00e9union's natural environment... Not to mention microlight or paragliding flights, which are always a highlight. <\/p>\n
JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH <\/p>\n
Johan Millet, director of the incoming agency Mille Tours, presents his flagship product: \"Hiking and canyoning in the cirque of Cilaos are the main attractions for most companies, and hiking, abseiling and the route to Cilaos by coach are always a big hit. The hikes are accessible to all, and the difference in altitude is relatively small. The beginners' sites are very accessible, because they are fun before they are sporty\". However, the Piton de la Fournaise remains the star attraction. Hikes of all levels and picnics are organised for groups, all set against a lunar backdrop that is both surprising and grandiose. \u00c9milie Errecundo, manager of the Bourbon Tourisme incoming agency, explains: \"We focus on the lava tunnel walks, an unusual way of discovering the hidden face of the Piton de la Fournaise. We're also offering a new product, the via ferrata installed on the side of the Niagara waterfall at Sainte-Suzanne, which offers a spectacular view for those who decide to climb up: three hours of thrills and a waterfall summit that has the good idea of making natural pools available to sports enthusiasts. Finally, we give priority to contact with the local population, offering groups table d'h\u00f4te meals. The whole point of activities in the cirques is to create contact with the local people, who are often very isolated. The groups don't always have time to sleep in a g\u00eete, but they pass by the small, steep villages where the culture of the Pays des Hauts was forged, where slaves took refuge from their unbearable conditions. <\/p>\n
LUNCH WITH A LOCAL<\/p>\n
Receptive operators encourage these encounters by planning a village lunch over a sausage rougail or chicken curry. This is also an opportunity, for example, on a trip to the Mafate cirque, to discover the flower-filled islet of Cayenne, an eagle's nest clinging to the ramparts of the Rivi\u00e8re des Galets from where the view over the gorges is breathtaking. In this unspoilt village, groups take the time to stroll around and discover its only orchid-lined \"street\" and its chapel, whose bell dates back to 1745. Back in the Bas, on the edge of the lagoon, there are gala evenings to choose from: \"Creole\" with a demonstration of moring - the fighting dance of the former slaves - \"glitter\", \"privateer\"... Or, more simply, a sunset cruise on the immense ocean, which is blazing at this hour. J.-E. R.<\/p>\n
PRACTICAL GUIDE LA R\u00c9UNION <\/strong><\/p>\n Identity card <\/span><\/p>\n R\u00e9union is an overseas department covering an area of 2,512 km2. It has a mixed population (Europeans, Africans, Indians, Asians) of 650,000. Capital: Saint-Denis. Formalities: valid identity card or passport. To make a phone call: number beginning with 02. Time difference: +3 hours in winter, +2 hours in summer. Language: French and Creole. Currency: euro. Best season: October-November corresponds to the southern spring. Temperatures are always pleasant, with the possibility of rain in February and March. Group sizes: incentive operations can vary from 20 to 100 people.<\/p>\n For more information<\/span><\/p>\n Ile de La R\u00e9union Tourisme 90, rue La Bo\u00e9tie, 75008 Paris Tel: 01 40 75 02 79 - Fax: 01 40 75 02 73 Internet: www.reunion.fr <\/p>\n Practical guides <\/span><\/p>\n LA R\u00c9UNION, G\u00e9oGuide, Gallimard - Guides Mondeos - Guide du routard, Hachette - Le Petit Fut\u00e9 <\/p>\n How to get there <\/span><\/p>\n From Paris-Orly, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse and Marseille, Corsairfly offers up to 9 weekly flights (approx. 11 hours). Tel: 0820 042 042 - Internet: www.corsairfly.com From Paris-CDG, daily flights with Air France Tel: 36 54 - Internet: www.airfrance.com and Air Austral - 2 flights a week from Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse Tel: 0825 013 012 - Internet: www.air-austral.com <\/p>\n Hotels <\/span><\/p>\n GRAND H\u00d4TEL DU LAGON<\/strong> It has just been awarded a fifth star by the French Ministry of Tourism. It is the first hotel in overseas France to be one of the few five-star hotels in France. It is the combined result of the efforts of the Na\u00efade group and the hotel's management, who have brought together all the charm of Reunion in a lagoon-side setting that feels a little like home. The staff are all friendly and go out of their way to make your stay even more enjoyable. In terms of d\u00e9cor, classic meets sleek contemporary in shades of royal blue and chocolate. The 174 rooms, including 8 junior suites, are set in elegant white Creole mansions. All the restaurants can be reserved for private parties. Odyss\u00e9e for themed buffets, Clapotis, the beach restaurant for Reunionese cuisine, and Orangine, the refined gourmet restaurant. Large swimming pool. Six conference or meeting rooms for 12 to 180 people. L'Hermitage. 28, rue du Lagon, 97434 Saint-Gilles- Les-Bains - Tel: 02 62 700 000 - Fax: 02 62 70 00 07 Internet: www.naiaderesorts.com <\/p>\n PALM HOTEL & SPA<\/strong> In the wild south of the island, very close to Saint Pierre, on Petit-Ile, this four-star hotel nestles on a cliffside above the waters of the Indian Ocean, overlooking the bay of Grand'Anse and its white sandy beach, reached by a short, steep, shady forest path. There are 65 rooms and suites in Creole villas, divided into four categories: Superior, Luxury (lounge and veranda overlooking the ocean), Junior Suite (large bathroom and outdoor shower) and Lodge (individual spa). The Deck restaurant serves Reunionese flavours, while Makassar offers world cuisine. Spa and infinity pools. A meeting room for up to 160 people. Grand'Anse, 97429 Petite-Ile - Tel: 02 62 56 30 30 Fax: 02 62 56 30 40 - Internet: www.palm.re Conference centre Parc des expositions et des congr\u00e8s de Saint-Denis It can accommodate up to 3,000 people. 1, rue du Karting, BP 287, 97494 Sainte-Clotilde cedex - Tel: 02 62 48 78 78 - Fax: 02 62 29 86 64<\/p>\n Receptives : Bourbon Tourisme > 14, rue Rontaunay, 97463 Saint-Denis cedex Tel: 02 62 33 08 70 - Fax: 02 62 33 08 79 E-mail: bourbontourisme.groupes@travel-run.com Internet: www.bourbontourisme.com ? Mille tours > 9, rue Sarda Garriga, 97460 Saint- Paul - Tel: 02 62 22 55 00 - Fax: 02 62 45 65 90 E-mail: groupe@milletours.com Internet: www.milletours.com ? Papangue > ZA Foucherolles. 5, rue de la Guadeloupe, 97490 Sainte-Clotilde Tel: 02 62 41 61 92 - Fax: 02 62 41 61 96 E-mail: papanguetours@wanadoo.fr Internet: www.papanguetours.com<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Right in the heart of the Indian Ocean, R\u00e9union Island, with its mountains and lagoon-lined west coast, is the ideal destination for both land and water sports. It's also a great place to meet friendly locals.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97],"tags":[],"type-darticle":[],"n_magazine":[],"class_list":["post-16277","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations-incentive","vapo-free"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
LE BOUCAN CANOT<\/strong> With its feet in the water, facing the Indian Ocean, it overlooks a sandy cove. For this charming hotel, the emphasis has been placed on Creole-style decor, with the omnipresence of mahogany wood and colonnades. Almost all of the 50 rooms, including 8 suites, overlook the ocean. The Le Cap restaurant serves fast food at lunchtime and gourmet French and Creole cuisine in the evening. Three meeting rooms for 20 to 100 people. 32, rue Boucan Canot, 97434 Saint-Gilles-des-Bains Tel: 02 62 33 44 44 - Fax: 02 62 33 44 45 Internet: www.boucancanot.com <\/p>\n