Overview
Country Overview
Runion lies 760km (407 miles) due east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Running diagonally across the island is a chain of volcanic peaks, separating a green humid eastern zone (Le Vent) from a dry, sheltered south and west (Sous le Vent). Saint-Denis, the capital, has several places of interest including the Natural History Museum, a mosque, several temples and a cathedral. A good trip to take is along the Plaine d’Affouches in La Montagne which is lined by lush tamarind trees and calumets, a type of wild fig tree. A special feature on Runion are the so-called cirques – large volcanic valleys surrounded by mountains, creating a natural amphitheatre of about 10km (6 miles) in diameter. The most beautiful cirque is probably Salazie, with its magnificent waterfalls, especially those known as Le Voile de la Marie (The Bride’s Veil) near Hell-Bourg. Runion cuisine features many different unique curries – these include duck, eel and octopus curry (zourite). Also worth trying is bredes, a delicious local vegetable rather like spinach.
|
