Why does this site exist or why would one be interested in Reunion Island?

This site exists because although there are many - too many? - sites dedicated to the "ile de la Réunion" they are all in French and if a translation is offered it tends to be as bad, or worse, than any translation I would do in French. This is a shame, because beneath all the pretentious plastic charm of tourism sites, there is a real, vibrant beauty to this isle in its natural environment and its human population.

In some respects the island is Mother Earth in micro - there are tropical beaches and 3000m high peaks, volcanoes and forests. This diversity is reflected in its human population and the cultural diversity here could well be a blue print for the future if it can withstand the onslaught of globalisation, consummerism and neo-colonialism. (If one is interested, I would recommend reading the polemic on cultural diversity that can be found in English on the regional council web site ).

All too often, Réunion is offered as a "European" destination in the Indian Ocean - european style health care and amenities etc etc etc ad nauseum. This, fortunately, is not Europe, and as has been shown by the recent epidemic of chikungunya it is in the tropics. Réunion is unique and, hopefully, it will stay that way and offer a glimpse to all who visit of the importance of diversity in both nature and humanity.

Should you find in these pages and the links suggested a reason to visit then you will be most welcome. If you find a reason to open your eyes to your own environment and the manifest beauty of the Earth and its peoples then we are all evolving.

Come to Réunion not to rest on the beach and bloat out on Coke and Mc Do but to explore, taste, learn, understand and rejoice...

"A UNIFORM CULTURE IS THE DEATH OF ALL CULTURES"