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Meilleure bière du monde? English translation pending
by Dju · 2005-01-05 · 101 replies
Amateur de bières(ssss) de tous les pays, unissons nous pour élire la meilleire bière du monde!!

Je vote pour la Saigon beer............
Un château romantique pas loin de Paris? English translation pending
by Fredparis · 2004-12-18 · 2 replies
Bonjour, je voudrais emmener ma fiancée dans un hôtel type Relais et Chateaux pas très loin de Paris pour quelques jours romantiques...

Quelqu'un a une idée à me conseiller?
Toulouse-Sète par le canal du Midi English translation pending
by Tintin05 · 2004-11-16 · 15 replies
Bonjour Je suis à la recherche d'info sur le parcours Toulouse-Sète en vélo. Y-a-t-il par ci ou par là des cyclistes qui ont déja fait ce parcours? a bientot
Europe à cheval English translation pending
by Caroline1l1 · 2004-11-05 · 4 replies
Bonjour,

jaimerais savoir si cest possible de faire des randonnes de longue durer a cheval. Je ne crois pas pouvoir faire le tour de leurope, mais jaimerais bien faire quelque regions de la france, de lespagne ou meme de litalie a cheval. Si vous connaisser des gens qui ont des chevaux ou des centre equestre avec lesquels je pourrais avoir des information japprecierais.

Merci

Caroline
Argentine: Salta English translation pending
by Chris21 · 2004-09-23 · 5 replies
Hola,

Nous sommes 4 personnes pour visiter l'Argentine en décembre de cette année.

Nous comptons louer un voiture à Salta pour découvrir la région. Deux jours pour un A/R vers Cafayate me parait OK; par contre, pensez-vous que le circuit ( Salta --> Iruya (N9) --> Punamarca (N40) --> SanAntonio puis retour à Salta via la N51 soit faisable en 3 jours avec une voiture classique ??

Si vous avez d'autres tuyaux sur la région, je suis évidemment intéressé.

Bon voyage

Chris
Air Transat English translation pending
by Jeanique · 2004-09-12 · 2 replies
Bonjour, je suis nouvelle sur ce site que je trouve passionnant.

J'ai voyagé cet été avec mon fiston (13 ans) Bxl-Montréal avec air transat.

J'ai trouvé l'aller épouvantable, le moindre coca c'est à payer, les écouteurs à payer etc... et les places plutôt petites.

Par contre ayant confirmé le retour avec 24 heures de retard nous n'avions plus de siège l'un à côté de l'autre, snif 😕.

L'hotesse d'acceuil, voyant nos airs malheureux, m'a dit que si quelqu'un se désistait elle verrait si elle pouvait faire quelque chose.

Nous nous sommes donc diriger vers la salle d'embarquement et là...surprise...

on nous a appelé pour nous annoncer qu'ils avaient pu nous mettre ensemble et que nous voyagerions en 1ière classe... waouw...le pied, champagne, vins, choix entre 4 menus, super.

Conclusion : 2 petits belges ont fait un voyage retour avec un sourire qui n'a pas laché notre visage durant tout le voyage 😉
Argentine, Chili, abordable? English translation pending
by Pt3tn2nf1nt · 2004-09-08 · 2 replies
Je prépare déjà mon prochain voyage en Amérique du Sud et je me pose une question somme toute très importante... L'Argentine est-elle oui ou non abordable financièrement depuis la crise économique??? J'ai entendu dire que le cout de la vie revenait environ au meme prix qu'au Pérou... C'est un touriste argentin qui m'en a fait part, mais je préfererais etre sur...😛 Et en ce qui concerne le Chili??? Merci d'avance...
L'excellente cuisine Québecoise English translation pending
by Visa · 2004-09-06 · 23 replies
La cuisine Québecoise est très diversifiée et arrive de plus en plus à maturité suite à 50 ans d'un travail de rationalisation de régionalisation et de qualification . Je peus vous en parler
Iles Canaries? English translation pending
by Ginsissi · 2004-09-06 · 6 replies
Bonjour, J'aimerais savoir si en février, c'est une bonne période ( température ) pour aller aux îles Canaries ? Quelles îles sont primordiales à voir à une visite ? Est-ce préférable de visiter en croisière ou demeurer dans des hôtels ? Est-ce qu'on y parle en français ? Est-ce que c'est l'euro qui est en vigueur là ? Merci
Nusa Dua Beach hôtel Bali English translation pending
by Delavignette · 2004-08-27 · 3 replies
Bonjour à tous,

Petit nouveau sur le site, je me renseigne sur tous les bons trucs pour le voyage que je compte faire entre le 16 septembre et le 26 au Nusa Dua Beach.

Vous avez des suggestions?

Merci
Liste de restos sympas à Shanghai English translation pending
by Walinette · 2004-08-17 · 3 replies
Comme promis j'ai fait le tri dans mes mingpian (cartes de visite) et je vous livre les adresses de mes restos favoris a Shanghai. Attention, les voyageurs en quete d'authenticité risquent d'etre decu car il s'agit principalement de restos occidentaux ! Effectivement en tant qu'expat, une virée a shanghai est plus synonyme de steack frites que de riz cantonais... Mais bon, qui n'a jamais fantasmé sur une steack frite ou une bonne pizza au cours d'un long voyage hum? Voici donc : DA MARCO : pizzas et vins italiens, entre 60 et 70 RMB la pizza, il faut mieux réserver, deux adresses : Golden bridge garden 103, east zhu An Bang road, tel : 62104495 No 62, Yandang road, tel : 63855998 CAFE MONTMARTRE : tenu par des francais : steacks, quiches, cremes brulees ! 30 RMB pour la quiche et 100RMB pour un steack. Gros choix de plat du jour entre 30 et 80 RMB. Avantage : juste a coté du Copy Market, ce qui explique qu'il y ait toujours beaucoup de monde : Xiang Yang Nan road, No 55 - 57, tel 54047658 BRASIL STEACK HOUSE : une churrascheria, viande et buffet a volonté pour 66RMB : enorme ! dans un pays ou on ne sucotte que les pattes de poulet, un vrai delice ! 1582 Huai Hai lu, tel : 64377288 1649 Nanjing Xilu : tel : 62559898 SIMPLY THAI : resto thailandais comme son nom l'indique A Xintiandi : corner of MaDang et XingYe lu : 63262088 (d'ailleurs a Xintiandi je recommande le magasin Simply Life : des vases magnifiques TONY RESTAURANT : comme le nom ne l'indique pas c'est un bon resto sichuanais ! situé a cote de Renmin lu et non loin du musée. 226 west nanjing lu : 63724187
Transports et visites des châteaux de la Loire en France English translation pending
by Février · 2004-07-19 · 3 replies
Salut!

J'organise mon voyage en France avec le train. Je vais aussi visiter les châteaux de Loire. Je désire voir Chambord, Chenonceau et quelques autres. 🙂 Je voudrais bien savoir comment près c'est possible d'arriver avec le train et s'il y a des autobuses qui vont jusqu'au le chateau. Vous-conaîssez des auberges des jeunesse dans la proximité? Je préfére rester dans une ville avec les plusieurs châteaux.

Merci pour votre aide!
Visite de la région d'Angers en France English translation pending
by Mag · 2004-06-29 · 10 replies
Bonjour à tous!

mes parents viennent d'emménager en France du côté d'Angers, j'ai l'occasion d'aller les voir début août, et je me demandais ce qu'il y a à faire là-bas quand on aime bouger, visiter, la nature, déconner avec des amis... bref, quand on aime les vacances et qu'on est jeune (enfin au moins dans la tête) quoi!

PS: j'y vais en voiture je ne suis donc pas limitée à Angers-même

merci d'avance... bisous

magouille
Amener de la nourriture francaise en Thaïlande? English translation pending
by Ptitvando · 2004-05-04 · 6 replies
Bonjour

Quelqu'un saurait 'il si on a le droit d'emmener de la nourriture francaise en thailande genre olive ? foie gras ? anchois ? chocolat en poudre ? conserve ? etc ... etc ...

Quand on arrive a la douane avec un carton rempli ..genre 15 kg ..... ok or not ok ?

Merci a celui qui sait. .. et meme a ceux qui ne savent pas mais qui ont au moins lu la question ...

Bon voyage a tous

Ptitvando
Visiter la Bourgogne en France English translation pending
by Clio · 2004-03-19 · 18 replies
Bonjour à tous et à toutes,

Je compte visiter la Bourgogne au cours des mois de septembre et octobre prochains. J'aimerais connaître les sites et événements incontournables dans la région. Je m'intéresse surtout à ce qui relève de l'histoire et de la culture en général.

Toute information sera la bienvenue. Merci ! 😏
Belgique: que visiter à Bruxelles et Brakel? English translation pending
by Bolduc43 · 2004-03-08 · 5 replies
Je m'en vais en Belgique cet été avec un groupe d'environ 15 personne. Nous allons rester quelques jours a Bruxelles et nous irons ensuite à Brakel.

J'aimerai savoir ce que nous devont allez visiter dans ces deux villes. Merci.
Vallée de l'Okanagan dans l'ouest canadien English translation pending
by Mistelle · 2004-02-22 · 4 replies
🙂Nous voudrions parcourir la vallée de l'okanagan, suite à un périple dans les rocheuses.

J'ai lu que le sud de cet endroit ressemblait un peu à l'Espagne, ensoleillé, verdoyant, plein de fruits, de vignobles etc...

Quelqu'un a-t-il déjà mis les pieds sur cette vallée ? En vaut-elle le coût ?
Cherche humanitaire en Océanie English translation pending
by Sisifo · 2003-10-12 · 2 replies
bonjour, voila j'ai un probleme, je suis qualifiée en agriculture et j'aimerais fairede l'humanitaire en environnement en oceanie mais j'ai depassé l'age (en general c'est toujours des moins de 35 ans) et je suis trop jeune pour l'humanitaire des retraités, ça m'enerve!!!

alors qui peux m'aider, j'ai 42 ans et plein d'energie au service de la planete! j cherche une mission dans l'oceanie en general ou dans les iles du pacifique sud

a bientot de vous lire merci pour vos conseils
Votre avis mon itinéaire en Afrique du Sud English translation pending
by Simba · 2003-07-17 · 31 replies
😉 Bonjour à tous,

Ca y est ... On est décidé (entre ce choix cornélien : Kenya ou Afrique du Sud) ... Ce sera South Africa.

Nous avons vu un circuit qui nous paraît attrayant ... votre avis ... Sera le bienvenu.

Circuit 16 jours.

Entre janvier et mars 04 (votre avis sur la période nous interesse beaucoup) Johannesburg : (possibilité d'aller à Gold Reef City ?) Pretoria Parc Kruger (Parc + Parc de Blyde River - Pilgrim's rest) Swaziland Damazulu Parc Hluhluwe Bergville Drakensberg (le parc Royal du Natal) Port Elisabeth (Mossel Bay - Oudthoorn - Nature's Valley - Outeniqua choo-Tjoe train - Featherberd Island) Cape Town (Swellendam - La route des vins - Montagne de la table et le cap de bonne espérance)Ensuite retour ... (Ben! Oui!)

Le circuit peut être précédé par un passage au Zimbabwe (mais alors c'est 20 jours) : Harare Parc National de Matobo Victoria FallsVos expériences sont les bienvenues ...

PS : est-ce qu'au cap ... Il ya moyen d'aller voir les requins ?

Merci et à bientôt, j'espère.
Help with 3-week South Africa itinerary with kids (9 and 12) summer 2026
by Bidouf · 2026-07-03 · 29 replies
Hi everyone,

I’ve read the forum a lot and found a wealth of information. I’ve tried to compile all of it into our itinerary and would love your feedback to finalize the bookings (we’re planning this *very* last-minute).

Here’s what we’re thinking of doing: 22 July: arrival in Johannesburg Night of 22–23: Johannesburg Nights of 23–26: Marloth Park (with Kruger visits on the 24th, 25th, and a crossing visit on the 26th) Nights of 26–28: Graskop (visiting the canyon and Panorama Road on the 27th and 28th) Nights of 28–30: Hoedspruit (visiting the central area of Kruger on the 29th?) Nights of 30 July–1 August: Balule Park (private reserve with safari) Nights of 1–5 August: flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, then 2 days in Cape Town, 1 day on the peninsula, and 2 days for wine (just the route) or something else based on your advice (we don’t know where to stay—whether to stay all 5 nights in Cape Town and where in the city, or do 2 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights nearby—but where?) Night of 5–6 August: Kelders for penguins and whales Nights of 6–8 August: Tsitsikamma (what is there to do/see?) Nights of 8–10 August: Addo Park on the 9th 10 August: flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and back home

What do you think? Is there a lot of driving time?

We’d really appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thanks!

Nadia
Looking for information for a travel project in Georgia and Armenia
by Norbertmgt · 2026-01-19 · 15 replies
Hey everyone! A comeback after so many years... but my question is simple: "Has anyone wandered around these two countries recently? (The posts and travel journals I’ve read are a bit dated.) I’m planning a trip for late spring—one I had mapped out for 2023 but never got to do. For any info on transportation, border crossings, cost of living, and interesting hostel/GH addresses, thanks in advance! 😉
Where to stay to explore the Spanish Basque Country and Navarre?
by Claireloise · 2026-01-13 · 5 replies
Hello,

After a road trip in Quebec in 2025, we’re looking for a destination this year (around September 20th to October 10th) where we can settle in 2 or 3 spots and explore the area without having to drive 200 km every day to see something. I’ve had my eye on northeastern Spain for a while, and I thought of the Basque Country and its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?) to avoid too many kilometers from Belgium. Bilbao and San Sebastián seem like must-sees, and beyond that, we love the vibe of small ports, medieval old towns (like Onati), hiking in beautiful landscapes, and cycling on greenways. I also spotted the Bardenas Reales, but it might be too far from a home base—unless we make it an extra stop... Based on this, can you recommend where it’d be interesting to set up base? Have a great evening, Claire
4-Week Itinerary in South Africa
by Royerjm · 2025-10-12 · 39 replies
Hello, We’re a group of four seventy-something retirees and we’re planning a 4-week trip to South Africa. We’re seasoned "adventurers" used to multi-week stays (we’ve been to India seven times, Mexico, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Australia, etc.).

For South Africa, we’re thinking of covering most of the trip in a private vehicle and taking flights for inter-state transfers. We’re interested in meeting people, learning about the country’s evolution, exploring major cities, visiting traditional villages, and seeing wildlife.

Here’s the itinerary we’re considering: Johannesburg – 2 days (we’ll pass through again later) Pretoria – 2 days Blyde River Canyon and Graskop – 1 day Acornhoek – 1 day Letaba – 2 days Lobamba – 2 days Johannesburg – 1 day

Flight to Cape Town

Cape Town – 3 days Cape of Good Hope – 1 day Stellenbosch – 1 day Hermanus – 1 day Mossel Bay – 2 days Oudtshoorn Wilderness – 2 days Knysna Port Elizabeth – 2 days Addo Elephant Park

Flight back to Johannesburg

Johannesburg – 1 day

Return to Paris

Could you share your thoughts on this itinerary? We’ll be renting a vehicle to explore both regions. We can easily add 4–5 more days to the trip if needed.

We’re looking at traveling either between April and May 2026 or in October/November 2026.

I’ll follow up later to discuss the best safari options and get a rough budget estimate.

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this and share their thoughts!
Tips for cycling the EuroVelo 8 from Nice to Izmir
by KareemC · 2025-09-06 · 7 replies
Hi there, I’m planning to cycle the EuroVelo 8 route from Nice to Izmir in Turkey (about 2,500 km), but I’m not finding much info or tips for this itinerary.

I’d like to leave at the end of September and complete the route in a max of 2 months, as self-sufficiently as possible (I have a tent, sleeping bag, and camping cookware).

Is this a good idea (will it be too cold starting in October)?

Are there any precautions I should take? Any areas to avoid? Since multiple countries are involved.

And are there any places worth visiting that aren’t on the main route?

I’m used to cycle touring in France but not abroad, so I’d appreciate any tips!

Thanks in advance.
Kangaroo Island after the fires: what's still worth seeing?
by Erjome · 2025-08-05 · 12 replies
Hi there,

I’ve blocked out 3 weeks at the end of March/beginning of April, arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide while following the coast.

Kangaroo Island is a bit of a question mark for me. If I go, I can dedicate 2.5 days to it. Is it worth the time and the cost? I’ve read plenty of travel journals highlighting the landscapes and wildlife, but I’m sure I’ll see plenty of that along my route anyway. I’m not factoring in the financial side (which isn’t negligible for KI), but I’d rather not be disappointed. What are the real added values of KI, especially since the island has been affected by fires? I’ve also come across people online calling it a tourist trap. For example, I ruled out Phillip Island because it felt too organized and structured. Sorry if I’m opening Pandora’s box here!

Thanks for your feedback.
Slovak travel journal
by Yadin · 2025-08-04 · 12 replies
Hello and welcome aboard this travel journal. We’re heading to Slovakia together! Why this country? After visiting Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, and Poland in recent years, I’ve fallen in love with Eastern European countries. I adore the Slavic soul, its Austro-Hungarian villages, the gentle landscapes, the Carpathian Mountains, and that slightly mysterious atmosphere. Slovakia evokes a certain imagination with its deep forests, medieval castles, and cobbled villages. After seeing photos of the High Tatras—especially Lake Štrbské Pleso and Spiš Castle—I thought, "Let’s do it! We’re going!" So, will Slovakia live up to what I imagine? We’ll find out together. We decided to travel as a group of six (five adults and a six-year-old child), by car (we needed two). Here’s the day-by-day itinerary for this family trip, which started with a 3-day stay in Vienna (see the dedicated travel journal):

The itinerary: Day 1: Drive from Vienna to Banská Štiavnica and visit the town, then drive to Handlová Day 2: Bojnice Castle, the village of Čičmany, and a walk in the treetops at Bojnice, return to Handlová Day 3: Depart for Orava, visit Orava Castle and the Orava Skansen, drive to Veľký Slavkov Day 4: Visit Slovak Paradise—its gorges, lakes, and ice cave—overnight in Veľký Slavkov Day 5: Visit Bardejov, the "Death Road," wooden churches, and Ľubovňa Castle, overnight in Veľký Slavkov Day 6: Walks and hikes in the High Tatras, Lake Štrbské Pleso, Solisko summit, treetop walk in Ždiar, overnight in Veľký Slavkov Day 7: Drive to Košice, visit Spiš Castle, Tokaj wine route in Veľká Trňa, overnight in Košice Day 8: Visit Košice, overnight in Košice Day 9: Drive to Bratislava, stop at the Aragonite Cave in the Slovak Karst, overnight in Bratislava Day 10: Visit Bratislava, overnight stay Day 11 and 12: Return to France

Budget: I’m giving prices for 2 adults / 1 child. Slovakia is more expensive than it seems, and some expenses shouldn’t be underestimated. Transportation: Tolls and gas from France: 500 € round trip Slovak vignette for one month: 17.10 € Gas is fixed at 1.49 € per liter (E10) Parking at sites (all paid by the day, even in the most remote villages, even if you stay for just an hour). Payment is often required in cash upon arrival: total 63 € We didn’t pay at Spiš (we arrived before the cashier) or Ľubovňa (we arrived after the cashier left). Parking at Orava Village was free. In Košice and Bratislava, we parked for free at our accommodations. Public transport in Bratislava and Košice: 1-1.2 € for a bus ticket. Vending machines are available at some stops; otherwise, buy via SMS (Slovak phones only) or official sales points.



Accommodation: We mostly chose houses so we could cook ourselves and save on food. I’ve rated our satisfaction with these accommodations from 1 to 5 stars. Padua: DC Hotel: 1 night, 77 € ***** Handlová: Chata Remata: 2 nights, 120 € ***** Veľký Slavkov: Aplend: 4 nights, 220 € ** Košice: Luxury Old Town Loft 320m²: 2 nights, 120 € ***** Bratislava: Hotel Viktor: 2 nights, 138 € *** Brescia: Hotel Antica Fonte: 1 night, 82 € ***** Total: 757 €

Food: Groceries at Lidl for 5 meals for 3: 100 € (really cheap) Restaurants: 10-15 € per dish, ice cream 1-2.4 € per scoop, crêpes 8-12 €, a glass of wine 6-10 €... total: 500 €

Visits: There are discounts for seniors and children, which is great. We spent nearly 600 € in total, which is a lot. However, it’s a cultural destination with many castles, museums, caves, wine cellars, and nature activities: cable cars, canopy walks, paid hikes (Slovak Paradise gorges)... In the end, this trip to Slovakia cost nearly 2500 € for 3. We also need to add the Vienna portion to that. Now, here’s the day-by-day account of this beautiful journey.
Planning a trip to Italy: practical questions about Rome, Tuscany, and guided tours
by Basimba · 2025-05-06 · 13 replies
Hi there, I live in Quebec and I’m planning a trip to Italy. We’re thinking of visiting Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Here are a few questions I haven’t been able to find clear answers to online. If anyone can help, I’d really appreciate it—thanks in advance!

- There are different City Passes for Rome. I’ve found the differences between them, but whenever I try to simulate a purchase, I’m always redirected to another site like Tiquet. Is there an official Tourism Office website for these?

- Is it easy to get around Tuscany by public transport, especially in the Chianti region?

- For guided tours (or not), which company do you prefer? Get Your Guide? Viator?

Looking forward to your recommendations—thanks again!
Transatlantic Cruise Review: Oceania Rio to Santa Cruz de Tenerife
by Mich74 · 2025-05-03 · 10 replies
Hello everyone! Booked the cruise a year in advance for a departure from Rio on April 5th. Air France flight to Rio on April 3rd, arriving at the Windsor Plaza hotel, very well located just 300 meters from Copacabana Beach, with a pool on the 15th floor offering a view of Rio. The next morning, a behind-the-scenes visit to Rio’s Carnival—there were still some floats not yet dismantled and a little samba session. At noon, lunch on Copacabana Beach, which was deserted due to rain and gray skies all day.

Saturday, April 5th, boarding the *Marina*—still raining :( To get around Rio, we used Uber, which was really cheap—5 euros for a 15-minute ride, while taxis cost double... Arrived at the cruise terminal, boarding was very quick as usual with Oceania. The cabins would be ready around 3 PM, with luggage at the cabin door. We had booked an inside cabin. Despite numerous offers from Oceania to upgrade (with a supplement, of course), we stuck with our first choice. It’s worth noting that at least 200 cabins remained unoccupied—about 800 passengers for this transatlantic crossing... Last September, since the cruise wasn’t filling up well, Oceania lowered the price by 1,000 euros per person for an inside cabin—a great deal for us, as they adjusted the rate downward when we asked.

For this cruise, weekends and drinks at the table were included—champagne, wine, beer...—plus an onboard credit that’s now only for excursions (before, it was more flexible—another downgrade, lol).

Headed to the Terrace Café for our first meal, and what a surprise when we saw the changes... No more staff mixing your chosen salad, and way fewer options: big bowls of salad, trays of potato salad, beets, lentils—I don’t remember seeing that before—thin slices of cold cuts and cheese. On the meat side, not much choice and lower quality. Desserts also had fewer options. Well, we’ll make up for it at Jacques on the first night ;) The menu hasn’t changed much—it’s still top-notch. The seasoning is average, but it’s a safe bet.

A little note on the 15-day cruise: we ate at 11 different restaurants—3 at Jacques, 3 at Polo Grill, 3 at Toscana, and 2 at Red Ginger. Not bad for two weeks ;) A French officer invited us to Toscana, which was really nice of her. Polo Grill is still amazing—I’d rank it second after Jacques, with Toscana third and Red Ginger last. I think since the ship wasn’t full, it was easier to get into these restaurants ;)

The staff was, as always, excellent. There were 3 French employees on the *Marina*: 1 waiter at Jacques, 1 manager at Wave, and 1 officer in the offices.

In the afternoon, Tea Time had way fewer pastry choices than before... Cost-cutting seems to be happening at every level. We met people who used to stay in Penthouse Suites—before, they got a bottle of champagne in their suite every night, but since January, it’s been Prosecco instead... Just a small example of Oceania’s cost reductions. At the Terrace Café in the evening, there was no more lobster on this cruise :(

Still, the value for money on this cruise was excellent given the price we paid per person. This transatlantic crossing had 4 stops in Brazil, 1 in the Cape Verde Islands, then Dakar in Senegal, and ended in the Canary Islands.

Mich74
Have you considered Reunion Island as a destination?
by Esselte974 · 2025-02-20 · 2 replies
Reunion Island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean, is characterized by remarkable geographical and cultural diversity. This island offers an immersive experience that harmoniously blends wild nature and human heritage, between active volcanoes, mountainous cirques, impressive waterfalls, and charming villages. This report explores the must-see spots, from the lunar landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise to the mountainous trails of the Mafate cirque, not forgetting the natural pools and tropical gardens. Each section highlights a distinct aspect of this vibrant island, supported by geological and historical information, as well as accounts from those who have visited.

Piton de la Fournaise, which reaches a height of 2,632 meters, is one of the most active volcanoes on our planet. Its frequent eruptions constantly shape the landscape, offering a natural spectacle where burning lava meets the ocean. The trail leading to the Dolomieu crater, though difficult to access, is open to hikers and rewards them with a panorama of vast expanses of solidified lava and volcanic gas emissions. It’s usually best to visit at this time of day to avoid clouds and enjoy the low light that enhances the lunar reliefs.

Volcanic activity has also given rise to unique structures, such as the lava tunnels of Grand Brûlé, where tourists can walk along cooled lava flows. For geology enthusiasts, the site of Cassé de la Rivière de l'Est reveals incredible basaltic organ pipes, testifying to ancient eruptions.

Despite its inactivity, Piton des Neiges (3,071 m) remains the island’s highest peak. Its ascent, via the GR R2 trail, passes through virgin forests before reaching rocky landscapes where sunrise offers a 360° panoramic view of the three cirques. This extinct volcano symbolizes Reunion Island’s geological history, characterized by successive collapses that gave birth to the surrounding cirques.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Salazie cirque charms with its lush greenery and hamlets clinging to cliffs. Hell-Bourg, listed among France’s most beautiful villages, delights with its brightly colored Creole houses and picturesque cobblestone streets. The trek to Voile de la Mariée, a famous waterfall, winds through bamboo groves and natural pools perfect for a swim.

Mafate, a preserved haven of tranquility, is accessible only on foot or by helicopter. Places like La Nouvelle or Marla, small villages called "îlets," offer a glimpse into traditional life on Reunion Island. The GR R1 trail, which circles Piton des Neiges, immerses hikers in breathtaking landscapes, alternating between rocky ridges and narrow valleys.

Known for its lentils and wines, Cilaos combines culinary delights with stunning scenery. The healing properties of the thermal springs at Bras-Rouge are highlighted by the trails leading to them, which also offer panoramas like the Col du Taïbit, a privileged access point to Mafate.

This unique spot features pebble beaches, waterfalls by the sea, and a palm forest. Picnickers enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, while local fishermen maintain ancient traditions. Nearby, the Garden of Perfumes and Spices cultivates vanilla, cloves, and turmeric, offering an olfactory experience at the heart of Reunionese agriculture.

Bassin Boeuf, famous for its turquoise waters, is a popular swimming spot, framed by volcanic formations. Further south, the Langevin River creates a series of waterfalls and natural pools, including the famous Trou de Fer, a 300-meter-deep canyon where water cascades in a shimmering curtain.

The island’s capital blends colonial heritage with modernity. The Léon Dierx Museum showcases modern art, while the Grand Marché draws visitors with its spices and local crafts. The Barachois promenade, along the sea, evokes the city’s maritime past with its 18th-century cannons.

The Domaine de Villèle, once a colonial plantation, now houses a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and a geranium distillery. The Chapelle Pointue, with its neo-Gothic style, offers a striking contrast to the brightly colored Tamil temples surrounding it.

The GR R1 and R2 trails are popular with experienced hikers, but more accessible routes like the Piton Maido (2,200 m) are suitable for beginners. The latter offers an unparalleled view of the Mafate cirque at dawn.

The coast of Saint-Gilles offers activities like diving, surfing, and paddleboarding, while ULM flights provide an impressive aerial view of Piton de la Fournaise.

Reunion Island presents itself as a microcosm where every landscape tells a story—geological, cultural, or human. Between the fury of volcanoes and the calm of cirques, between the bustle of markets and the tranquility of natural pools, this destination offers a diverse experience. Travelers are encouraged to mix their activities: morning hikes, cultural visits during the day, and moments of relaxation at dusk. Preserving these wonders relies on responsible tourism, respectful of fragile ecosystems and local communities.
Mediterranean Cruises: MSC or Costa?
by ValLab · 2025-01-17 · 13 replies
Hi,

We’re planning a Mediterranean cruise with either MSC or Costa—any recommendations on which to choose? Could you share the pros and cons of each?

We’re 2 adults and 1 young adult (18). Thanks for your feedback! Val

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