P’tite fleur aimée

P’tite fleur aimée (“Little beloved flower”, also known as P’tite fleur fanée, “Little faded flower”), is the best known song from the island of Réunion . It is considered the unofficial local anthem. Being technically part of France its national anthem is La Marseillaise.

Flying from Paris to the island of Réunion you are undertaking the longest domestic flight in the world. Its just over 11 hours from Paris. Add on the a hop across the channel from London and we are looking at 13 to 14 hours travel time airport to airport. The island is in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar, hence the journey time and it an alternative destination to the Seychelles or Maldives.

The island is 63 km long and 45 km wide, so in theory it should be relatively quick to get from one side to the other, however the island is volcanic in origin and its landscape presents challenges and opportunites to the islands inhabitants and visitors. The island is above a hotspot in the Earth’s crust and two volcanoes dominate the landscape. The 3000 m tall Piton des Neiges is now dormant but the Piton de la Fournaise (2600 m) has erupted over 100 times in the past 400 years.

Making the effort to venture inland and upwards will give you some of the most magnificent views possible over a volcanic landscape. There are over 1000 kms of hiking trials on the island. If that sounds like hand work then a helicopter ride round the island might be the answer.

Réunion contains many beaches many of which are pretty civilised being equipped with barbecues, amenities, and parking spaces. Hermitage Beach is the most extensive and best-preserved lagoon in Réunion Island and a popular snorkelling location. Plage des Brisants is a well-known surfing spot, with many athletic and leisurely activities taking place. L’Étang-Salé on the west coast is a particularly unique beach as it is covered in black sand consisting of tiny fragments of basalt. Grand Anse is a tropical white-sand beach lined with coconut trees in the south of Réunion.

The miles of coastline provide ample opportunities for many kinds of watersports including snorkelling, diving, surfing, stand-up paddling boarding and sailing.

At your destination you will find high quality 4 and 5 star hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. So contact Maggie today and discover the waters of the Indian Ocean.

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