Résultats de recherche

Image fournit par IRT et IPGP-OVPF In fog, the webcam displays a white plume

The question is recurrent, which is why I propose to provide some answers here. So what would be the best period for a vacation on Reunion Island? First of all, it should be remembered that Reunion Island is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean (and not in the West Indies!), In the Southern Hemisphere. We therefore have a humid tropical climate with sunshine all year round. The seasons are reversed and are totally different from those in mainland France. We will discuss here the two seasons (dry / wet) and the favorable activities per period, the issue of jet lag, as well as the microclimates and the difference between highs and lows. The southern winter begins around May and ends in October. It is characterized by a dry climate, with rather hot temperatures in the coastal areas: 22 to 27 degrees on average, but which can drop considerably in the mountains and in the circuses (see part on the ups / downs). This season is the least hot of the year. We therefore favor hikes, treks, outdoor activities of all kinds since we do not suffer from the heat or the rains. However, aquatic activities: beach, canyoning, swimming in pools etc. are possible throughout the year ... for the bravest! Indeed, the temperature of the lagoon water varies between 22 and 25 degrees, and will be even lower in rivers and ponds. The southern winter is the season during which we can observe whales and their babies from the coast. Did you know ? The whales come every year with their young to the coast of Reunion Island between July and September / October! Summer corresponds to the wet season: temperatures will rise between 30 and 35 degrees on average. From December until April we enter the hurricane season, with a high risk of cyclogenesis and tropical storms. Depending on the surrounding meteorological events, we may experience more or less lasting and more or less important rainy episodes, in addition to cyclones and storms during this period. Do not hesitate to comment if you would like a specific article on the cyclone risk and the prefectural system which is deployed in the alert and vigilance phase. In summer, water activities will be favored: the water temperature in the lagoon fluctuates between 27 to 30 degrees. The ambient heat may not be suitable for inexperienced walkers who are sensitive to high temperatures. The hikes are nevertheless always possible, provided to anticipate and to envisage in particular realistic water reserves as well as caps / protections against the sunstrokes. Some places on the island such as the sand plain at Piton de la Fournaise will not offer you any respite in the shade, think about it! Jet lag : GMT +4 In southern winter / metropolitan summer: the time difference is 2 hours more in Réunion. In southern summer / metropolitan winter: the time difference is 3 more hours in Réunion. This difference is explained by the fact that metropolitan residents change the time when the season changes, while in Réunion we do not operate any. Microclimates: the ups / downs what are we talking about? Every day, when I leave my house, I find the ocean as far as the eye can see to my right, and the Piton des Neiges to my left, bordered by the mountains. A good start to the day! By having browsed my blog and my Instagram publications, you will have seen that the intense island is this: the lagoon, the waterfalls and it is also two volcanoes and three circuses. The insular context and its relief bring an additional specificity to our island which knows how to distinguish itself from the others: there are more than 200 microclimates! In fact: it can for example rain in an area in the North and nowhere else on the island, or the sky can be completely cloudless and sunny in the morning, and be fully covered in the afternoon! It is the diurnal phenomenon of convection: the clouds, carried by the winds from the ocean, cling to the mountains in the course of the afternoon and stagnate there. You will therefore frequently see the tops of the island perfectly clear in the morning and completely covered with clouds in the afternoon. In this sense, it is generally recommended to start the hikes early in the morning, especially those that offer viewpoints. The Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean, rises to an altitude of 3,070 meters. Between the level of the sea and the heights of the mountains, we systematically observe a greater or lesser temperature differential. Some high-rise dwellings are also equipped with fireplaces and heating (Plaine des Palmistes, Le Tampon, Plaine des Cafres, Mafate, Salazie, Cilaos ...). In winter, at the volcano in particular, the thermometer sometimes displays temperatures of -5 °! In winter, therefore, do not forget to pack a fleece in your suitcases for your mountain excursions, and your swimsuit for swimming in the lagoon on the way down! Hoping that this article is useful to you, do not hesitate to comment - like - share!

Reunion Island is a beautiful place. It is especially distinguished by its exceptional natural wealth. The amateurs of hikes will be amazed by the spectacle offered by its fauna and flora of a rare beauty. You will not be able to resist its black cliffs, its waterfalls, its lava tunnels, its cirques as well as its breathtaking green nature. We invite you to discover the most beautiful pictures of Reunion Island, thanks to our 2022 calendar. Nature lovers will be seduced by the photos of the most beautiful landscapes of the island that we have specially selected in our new 2022 calendar. Presentation of the calendar This calendar is specially designed for nature lovers. If you have a crush on the magnificent landscapes of Reunion Island, you won't be disappointed. Guillaume Helion has specially selected for you the must-see places of Reunion Island. You will have in pictures, the most beautiful landscapes of this paradise island. As many of you have requested this project, we invite you to place your order now. The delivery will take place at the beginning of October 2021. The calendar is available in three formats: A2, A3 and A5. It is made of premium satin matte paper with an incomparable robustness. For easy handling, the pages are equipped with spiral binding. Moreover, it will facilitate the installation of your calendar on the wall. Note that the photos are of exceptional quality to give you an incomparable experience. Why choose this calendar? The models we present to you are not insignificant. The goal is above all to make you live the beauty of this sumptuous island of Reunion in pictures. You will be amazed by the quality of the images. Available in three different formats, the calendar can be adapted to all your needs. You will choose the format according to the configuration of your room and your need. Thanks to its design, it can add a decorative element to your living room, kitchen, bedroom or dining room. For the A3 and A5 formats, we have chosen a black background for each page to enhance the photo. The A2 size is recommended if you want to make the most of the images. Indeed, the photo takes up the entire page. This calendar would make a perfect gift for the New Year. You can give it to a friend, spouse or relatives. They will appreciate this beautiful illustration of Reunion Island. A taste of the proposed images The images proposed in the calendar have not been chosen at random. We have selected for you the pictures highlighting the most essential places during a trip to Reunion Island. You have for example the Piton de la Fournaise which is a volcano still in activity. It is one of the main attractions in the south-east of the island. Besides the beautiful beaches, you also have waterfalls, cliffs, without forgetting the famous cirque of Salazie. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Difficulty: ++ Elevation: 500m Beauty of the landscape: ++++ First of all before doing this hike check the weather conditions as well as the activity of the volcano indeed the Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world it erupts several times a year it is necessary therefore make sure that there is no eruption in progress in order to be able to access the enclosure. The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the emblematic places of Reunion Island it offers lunar landscapes this place is magical but rather than of great description the best is to go there to be able to judge with your own eyes. The objective of this hike is to get to the top of the Dolomieu crater. Formed in 1791 this crater experienced a collapse during the eruption of April 2007 in fact during this the crater was completely filled with lava. The Dolomieu crater measures one kilometer in length, 750 meters in width and approximately 350 meters in depth. You cannot go around the crater but you can get to a natural point of view that allows you to admire the crater more closely. To do this hike you have to go to Pas de Bellecombe, you can also start the hike from the volcano lodge. You have to go to the entrance to the enclosure materialized by a metal door if it is open the enclosure is accessible to the public, however, in the event of an eruption, it will be closed and prohibited from entering. There is no particular difficulty until this metal door you have to go down the steps to the Formica Leo crater this first descent is simple and accessible. You must then follow the markings on the ground, most of the walkers that you will meet will go straight towards Le Piton de la Fournaise, it is this route that you have to take to go to the top of the Dolomieu crater. The start of the walk is therefore on hardened lava this first part of the route is quite easy until you reach the start of the slope you must then follow the markings on the ground with white marks this time. route will take you to the top of Piton de la Fournaise with a viewpoint of the Dolomieux crater during your walk you can admire several craters on your left which shows all the activity of Piton de la Fournaise these craters represent the different eruptions that there have been in recent years I advise you to do this route very early in the morning, as the weather is a little capricious at Piton de la Fournaise, the weather is more often favorable there very early in the morning. The return journey takes the same route.

During my last stay in Cilaos, I wanted to discover its old thermal baths. If the route is easy and pleasant, finding it was not without some difficulties. To access the wonders of nature, you have to deserve everything, right? History: The natural hot springs of Cilaos were discovered around 1830, when the circus was mainly occupied by slaves who took refuge there. Very quickly, the therapeutic effects of the thermal baths spread and the first curists went to the circus by any means of the time (on foot, on horseback, in sedan chairs). A new building was built at the end of the 19th century, in order to extend the reception capacities: the reputation of the thermal baths of Cilaos extended beyond the ocean: the Mauritians, Comorians, and Malagasy became eager to benefit from its benefits. In 1948, the passage of a cyclone almost completely destroyed the thermal baths - which were rebuilt two years later, from the initial foundations. In 1988, the construction site of the new building began, in order to meet a growing need. Indeed, the history of Cilaos is built in part around the healing and beneficial virtues of natural hot water springs. Cilaos remains today the only spa in the Indian Ocean. How to get there? Few indications to get there, but don't be discouraged, it's finally easy to access, and it's worth a thousand times the detours I was able to take to find it! Take the Porteurs path which is behind the media library car park, then go down until you find the road. After about 40 meters on the road, you take the path directly to the left and you will see the house with the red roof (old thermal baths). Walk along the building and follow the path, after a few tens of minutes you will hear the waterfalls. You can cross the undergrowth and you will find yourself face to face with .... these magnificent waterfalls! Descend following the path or via the river if the weather is calm enough to discover the different spots. The hike does not present any particular danger, it is known to be easy and rather fast. I therefore wish you a very nice hike to the ancient thermal baths of Cilaos!

Since my arrival here more than four years ago, I hike frequently in order to discover all the wonders that abound the beautiful island of Reunion! I share with you three of my most beautiful experiences in nature: Le Grand Bénare: I have done this hike more than five times, but despite everything it was a different and unique experience for everyone! Indeed, depending on the time of day but also depending on the season, the weather throughout the day, the landscapes are changeable. The walk to the Grand Bénare offers you an exceptional view of Mafate, Cilaos, the Piton des Neiges, and sometimes even a view of the Piton de la Fournaise when it is devoid of any cloud (generally early in the morning). The start of the hike is from the Maïdo. My advice is to arrive just before sunrise at Maïdo, you will attend a breathtaking spectacle: enough to fill you with energy to face the 5/6 hours of round trip hiking to Grand Bénare. For the return, I recommend that you go through the Glacière the path is simpler and this allows you not to take the same path in the opposite direction but rather to make a loop. Count 18 kilometers with 930 meters of elevation gain, this course is intended for rather trained people. An overview of the final point of view: Roche Verre Bouteille: one of the easiest hikes on the island, it offers a great view of the Mafate circus. Leaving from Dos d'Âne (La Possession) you will arrive at the Cap Noir kiosk in just 15 minutes without difficulty. Guaranteed wonder! You then have the option of turning around and will be back at the car park after barely 30 minutes of walking and the memory of a breathtaking view of Mafate! But, for those who wish, you have the possibility of continuing from the kiosk: you will walk along the Mafate circus and will have the privilege of seeing other breathtaking views! The journey is relatively short and accessible, a few ladder passages which may surprise but which in reality do not present any difficulty. From then on, you will change your horizon and have a magnificent view of the city of the Port, but also of the Indian Ocean. Allow a maximum of 1 hour 30 minutes of walking for the loop and 320 meters of elevation gain. Young and old, sporty or not, children, adults, the Roche Vert Bouteille hike is suitable for all audiences and all tastes. Here again, I recommend that you do it in the morning to benefit from the clearest possible view of the viewpoints. After 11am, very often, clouds appear! The Piton de la Fournaise: the hike that leads to the Dolomieu Crater from the Pas de Bellecombe is a must during your stay on Reunion Island! Imagine being able to tread the ground of another planet ... It will be (almost) done with this hike where you will walk in the enclosure of one of the most active volcanoes in the world, on its cooled lava! At the start of the hike you will descend into the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure via the stairs. Therefore, be vigilant and attentive to follow the markings. It should be noted that the routes that lead to the Dolomieu evolve at the rate of the eruptions (frequent in Réunion), so stay informed. Throughout this hike, you can admire the other (smaller) craters formed by previous eruptions. After your ascent of approximately 2h30 / 3h, you will arrive at the final viewpoint from where you can see the interior of the Dolomieu Crater. You will be surprised by the atmosphere that emerges there, and by its circumference since it is 1 kilometer in diameter! It is simply breathtaking! For the lucky ones who will have good weather for this hike, the views over the horizon are again breathtaking! The hike lasts on average 5 hours round trip with 500 meters of elevation gain. In the event of danger and in particular, of an eminent eruption foreseen, the access to the enclosure is closed. As a result, stay up to date with local news. If the enclosure is open and no phase of vigilance has been launched, you can go there with confidence, well equipped all the same and by scrupulously following the markings: it must be earned!

Many of you are wondering: what is the best spot to see the current eruption of Piton de la Fournaise (April 2021)? You must first go to the Plaine des Sables and I advise you to leave very early because then there are a lot of traffic jams (Photo taken around noon). Only the lucky ones will find a parking space in the Foc-Foc car park. With each eruption, we see that the show attracts a good number of Reunionese and tourists, and that's quite normal! The peculiarity at the moment is the affluence on the same hourly amplitude because of the curfew that applies throughout the island at the moment from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. (prefectural decision linked to the Covid-19 pandemic). Faced with heavy traffic and traffic jams from 6.30 / 7.00 am, I finally parked on the roadside, well below. Allow a quarter of an hour of additional walking to get to the start. Depending on the traffic and the flow of traffic, this tip can ultimately be a time saver! The start of the hike begins at the Foc-Foc car park. After about 45 minutes of walking you will see the first smoke and lava jets on the horizon, which will encourage you to continue! Allow about 1h30 / 2H of walking to reach the Piton de Bert. The path is relatively flat, without particular difficulty, and above all it is very well developed by the National Forestry Office (ONF). During your walk, you will be able to enjoy several points of view / openings on the Piton de la Fournaise: different angles of view on the Dolomieu Crater, but also different smaller craters in the enclosure which are ultimately the remains of the last eruptions. We see a more reddish earth and / or darker in places - signs that time has not finished transforming them! Again, to fully enjoy the spectacle and the best viewing angles, opt for an early morning departure to have a view that is clear of any cloud. The sky begins to cloud around 10 a.m. depending on the weather. That's it, your efforts are rewarded: you arrive at Piton de Bert where you can take a seat and admire this breathtaking spectacle offered to you on Reunion Island! Remember to take warm clothes because it is always cool at the volcano, and the weather is very changeable. The little extra: breakfast in front of the eruption! After getting up at 4:30 am, drive for 1:30 and walk the small croissant coffee for 2 hours in front of such a spectacle, it's just magic! For the return path: take the same route, the path is very well marked without major difficulty. I also saw a lot of people who bivouacked, it's a great idea to fully enjoy the night eruption, its sounds, this red that pierces the dark night, and of course the sunrise over the volcano. which is a hell of a show too! I learned that the bivouac was authorized in addition (on condition of not camping) despite the curfew. How about you? !!