Sport and competitions
The return of surf competitions, the Diagonale des Fous, high-altitude hikes, the year's major sporting events.
News · Reunion Island and the Indian Ocean
Reunion Island News: everything happening in the 974
The return of surf competitions, rising visitor numbers, Creole events, new places to stay, nature alerts and tourism trends. A selective, local news roundup, updated regularly.
6 topics followed974 and Indian Ocean articlesUpdated September 2026
Last updated in September 2026
Editorial approach
A curated selection of news that genuinely matters to travellers and island lovers, rather than day-to-day headlines. Verified sources (Météo-France, the national weather service; the OVPF volcano observatory, Île de La Réunion Tourisme, local press). For evergreen guides, see my travel tips blog.
You're on Sous Les Étoiles 974
The independent guide to planning your trip to Reunion Island
Sous Les Étoiles 974 follows Reunion Island and Indian Ocean news when it helps you plan your trip better (the return of surfing, hotel openings, events). A catalogue of over 470 partner activities and dozens of practical guides. An independent site run by someone passionate about Reunion Island.
Featured
The latest Reunion Island stories
Up-to-date articles with a clear angle, hard data and verified sources.
NewCreole Street Food: Where to Eat Bouchons, Samoussas and Bonbons Piment
The guide to street food in Reunion Island: bouchons, samoussas, bonbons piment, sandwich américain. What to taste, where and at what price.
NewDecember 20 in Reunion Island: Fèt Kaf, History and Programme
On December 20, Reunion Island celebrates Fèt Kaf: the 1848 abolition of slavery, freedom and Creole identity. History, the meaning of maloya and the festivities.
NewFind Childcare Solutions in Saint-Paul, Reunion Island
Agencies, registered childminders, independent nannies, family: practical options to find reliable childcare in Saint-Paul during your stay.
NewWorking in Reunion Island: the Job Market by Sector
A complete overview of the Reunion Island job market by sector, salaries, relocation grants and how to job-hunt from mainland France.
NewGrand Raid de La Réunion 2026: Dates, Route, How to Watch
34th Grand Raid, 15 to 18 October 2026: 5 races, a new route via Salazie, spectator spots, how to follow it live.
NewCyclones in Reunion Island: Season, Alerts and What to Do
Everything about cyclones in Reunion Island: season, 5 alert levels, emergency kit, and what to do before, during and after. Belal 2024, Garance 2025 explained.
NewChamarel Seven Coloured Earths
The practical guide to the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel in Mauritius: why the sand shows seven shades, prices, what the visit includes, and my honest take on the site.
NewSurfing in Reunion Island: Competitions, Safety, State of Play
Surfing in Reunion Island after the 2011 shark crisis: restrictions, monitoring systems (Réseau Vigies, drones), the gradual return of schools and competitions. Factual data, open spots.
NewWhy Reunion Island Is Trending
Reunion Island welcomed over 556,000 visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. UNESCO-listed peaks, an active volcano, maloya music, why the island is trending again.
NewRodrigues Island Travel Guide
The small, unspoilt Mascarene: 108 km², 40,000 people, a 200 km² lagoon, autonomous since 2002. Deserted beaches, vacoa weaving, octopus, ecotourism. 600km east of Mauritius.
NewReunion Island Train: The Reunion Express Project
The Reunion Express train project plans 140 kilometres of track, a €3 billion investment, a train every 15 minutes at 110 km/h. Construction from 2030, entry into service in 2035.
NewEco-Friendly Things to Do in Reunion Island
Six outdoor activities that respect the national park: a lava tunnel, paragliding, surfing, hiking, horse riding, canyoning. Prices, certified operators and eco-responsible rules.
NewEcotourism in Mauritius
The ecotourism and sustainable tourism guide to Mauritius: Black River Gorges National Park, Île aux Aigrettes, Bras d'Eau forest, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, eco-chic lodges, responsible snorkelling.
NewMistakes to Avoid in Reunion Island
Seven concrete mistakes that ruin a stay in Reunion Island: no rental car, underestimated travel times, too short a trip, the wrong packing list, poorly anticipated weather.
NewBest Beaches in Mauritius
The complete guide to Mauritius's beaches: 6 iconic beaches (Belle Mare, Flic-en-Flac, Trou-aux-Biches, Le Morne, Île aux Cerfs, Pointe d'Esny) and 5 secret beaches (La Cambuse, Pomponette, Anse Jonchée, Trou d'Eau Douce, Grand Gaube). Access, atmosphere and tips.
NewCreole Cooking Class in Reunion Island
A Creole cooking class in Sainte-Suzanne or Saint-Paul, from €62.50 per person. A morning market, curry, rougail, samosas and chilli fritters cooked with locals.
NewUnusual Activities in Mauritius: 7 Experiences to Try
Helicopter flight over the underwater waterfall, swimming with dolphins and whales, kitesurfing at Le Morne, canyoning, horse riding, seaplane, quad biking: 7 unusual Mauritius activities with prices and seasons.
NewWild Camping in Reunion Island: Spots and Rules
14 mapped wild-camping spots: Trois Roches in Mafate, the summits of Le Maïdo and Piton des Neiges, wild south-coast beaches, Anse des Cascades. National Park rules and gear.
NewSaint-Pierre Market
Every Saturday from dawn to 12:30pm, 400 stalls right in the centre of Saint-Pierre. Exotic fruit, cabri chillies, Saint-Joseph vanilla, samosas and Creole crafts.
- New
Saint-Paul Market
Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-12pm, 300 stallholders on Saint-Paul's seafront. Exotic fruit, spices, Creole crafts, food. Full details on hours, parking and 5 nearby Agoda hotels.
NewTrekking Food in Reunion Island
Eating well on a trek or hike in Reunion Island: meal planning, freeze-dried food, hydration, waste and cooking gear. Mafate, Bélouve and bivouac specifics, guided packages that handle the food supply.
NewTrou d'Eau Beach
Trou d'Eau lagoon between La Saline and Saint-Leu, shallow crystal-clear water, the historic clear-kayak spot. 4 flagship activities, safe swimming and 5 nearby Agoda hotels.
NewThe Most Beautiful Beaches and Lagoons in Reunion Island
40km of coral reef, the Hermitage lagoon, Trou d'Eau, Saint-Leu, Saint-Pierre, Étang-Salé's black sand, Boucan Canot. All 7 iconic beaches in detail.
NewThe 3 Cirques of Reunion Island
Three UNESCO-listed volcanic amphitheatres: Cilaos reachable by road, Mafate with no road at all, Salazie the greenest and wettest. Access, activities, places to stay, 12 partner listings.
NewSunrise at Piton des Neiges
The roof of the Indian Ocean at 3,070m, sunrise above a sea of clouds. A night ascent from Cilaos, the Caverne Dufour gîte, a summit bivouac, the guided Otenthike package.
NewPiton Maïdo: Sunrise over Mafate
Piton Maïdo at 2,190m, an iconic viewpoint over the Mafate cirque. Sunrise, bivouacking tolerated at the summit, the Grand Bénare hike at 2,898m, paragliding, mountain biking and 5 west-coast Agoda hotels to plan your night.
NewTrou de Fer Waterfall: Hike or Helicopter
Trou de Fer, France's tallest waterfall at 725m in the Salazie cirque: the Bélouve trail, a helicopter flyover, the UNESCO primary forest and nearby hotels.
NewBoucan-Canot Beach in Reunion Island: The Complete Guide
Boucan-Canot, a golden-sand beach on the west coast: a natural tide pool, safe swimming, upscale hotels, snorkelling, restaurants. Everything to plan your visit.
NewRamadan in Reunion Island: Dates, Traditions and Mosques
Dates of upcoming Ramadans, the Muslim community, the Noor-e-Islam mosque in Saint-Denis, iftar traditions, what changes for travellers.
NewBest Hiking and Wild-Camping Apps for Reunion Island
Hiking apps for Reunion Island: Randopitons, Visorando, Sous les Étoiles 974, IRT L'Île Intense. A comparison of the best apps for planning a hike and wild camping.
TopCilaos via the 400-Bend Road: Altitude, Access and Tips
Reunion Island's only high-altitude town, reached via the RN5's 420 bends: journey time, weather, activities and where to stay.
TopLiving in Reunion Island: Pros, Cons and Cost of Living
The hub guide to living in Reunion Island: pros, cons, cost of living, climate, where to settle, jobs, schooling, health, transport, outdoor life.
NewBest Gourmet Restaurants in Reunion Island
Gourmet, Creole and top-rated tables in Reunion Island. A map of the best restaurants by area, price ranges, booking and practical tips.
NewBest Hikes in Cilaos: 8 Trails
Hiking in Cilaos: 8 trails from easy to demanding. Piton des Neiges, Roche Merveilleuse, Trois Salazes, Cap Noir, Bras Rouge. Distance, elevation gain, duration and difficulty.
NewBudget for 15 Days in Reunion Island: Real Prices and Tips
15-day budget for Reunion Island: 3 ranges (tight, mid, comfort) for 2 people. Flight, car rental, accommodation, activities, meals, with real prices.
NewFirst Tandem Paragliding Flight in Reunion Island: Sites, Prices and Schools
A successful first tandem paragliding flight in Reunion Island: Saint-Leu, tandem flights from €80, FFVL-certified schools, weather, from age 5.
NewVan Electrical Equipment in Reunion Island: The Complete 2026 Guide
Properly equipping your van's electrical system in Reunion Island: solar panels, AGM or lithium battery, compressor fridge, inverter, real-world autonomy figures.
NewReunion Island to Mainland France: Trip Tips
Preparing a trip to mainland France from Reunion Island: the 11-hour flight, time difference, seasonal packing, accommodation, transport, LADOM territorial continuity aid.
NewTravel Photography in Reunion Island: Gear, Light, Editing, Sharing
Gear choice, tropical light, composition, 10 photogenic spots, basic editing, backup and sharing. The complete 2026 guide.
NewHorse Trekking Gear for Horse and Rider
Everything you need for a horseback trek in Reunion Island: endurance saddle, halter, saddle pad, helmet, clothing suited to the tropical climate, local riding centres.
NewDay Trips from Saint-Denis by Car
10 day trips to take by car around Saint-Denis: Roche Écrite (2,276m), La Possession, Cap Bernard, Sainte-Marie, the Niagara waterfall, Vallée Heureuse.
NewHiking Gear Checklist: What to Wear and Pack
The 3-layer system, boots, backpack, accessories: the generic hiking gear checklist to dress right in the mountains, adaptable to Reunion Island as much as mainland France.
NewStray Dogs and Animal Welfare in Reunion Island
Stray dogs and animal abuse in Reunion Island: a factual overview, how to report it, active charities, free neutering, the legal framework, responsible adoption.
NewReunion Island Tourism Statistics
A record first half of 2025 in Reunion Island: 272,284 tourists (+3%), revenue €229.1M (+3.5%), mainland France 82%. IRT data, August 2025.
NewClosed Hiking Trails After Cyclone Belal
Hiking trails in Reunion Island closed after Cyclone Belal (January 2024): 500+ km affected out of 847 km, current status, how to check, year-round rules.
RevampedMauritius on a Budget
Travelling to Mauritius on a tight budget: guesthouses from €25, public buses at 30 MUR, street food €2-5, free activities. The complete, costed 2026 guide.
NewBuilding a Pool in Reunion Island: 6 Essential Tips
Building a pool in Reunion Island: planning, location, budget, legal steps, pool type, choosing a professional. 6 tips for a successful project.
NewCilaos Wine
Cilaos wine in Reunion Island: France's only high-altitude tropical vineyard, Malbec, Chenin and Pinot Noir grape varieties, 1,200m terroir, tasting, where to buy, food pairings.
NewLong-Term Car Rental in Reunion Island
LLD in Reunion Island: the difference with LOA and buying used, prices by category, who it suits, local operators. The complete 2026 guide.
NewFrance's Most Active Volcano: Piton de la Fournaise Explained
Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island: over 200 eruptions since 1650, compared with France's other volcanoes.
NewTrail Running in Reunion Island
Trail running in Reunion Island: the Grand Raid's 4 races (Diagonale des Fous 165km), the annual race calendar, where to train, and how to prepare for an ultra.
NewLonely Planet Reunion Island: Top 10 Sights
Reunion Island's top 10 must-sees according to Lonely Planet and my own local take: what I confirm, what I'd qualify, the guide's 3 blind spots, and 5 experiences unique in the world.
NewBest Tent for Wild Camping in Reunion Island
Choosing a bivouac tent for Reunion Island: tunnel, dome, ultralight MID, 3-person family, 4-season. Wind and tropical rain criteria, altitude, where to buy on the island.
NewHiking Gear for Reunion Island: What to Pack
Hiking gear list for Reunion Island by type of trip: day hike, 1-night camp, multi-day trek, trail running. Tropical climate specifics, where to buy on the island.
NewReunion Island with a Dog: Walks, Hikes, Health Requirements, Accommodation
Travelling to Reunion Island with a dog: authorised beaches, dog-friendly hikes, gîtes that accept dogs, health entry requirements, air travel.
NewStargazing in Reunion Island: 6 Spots and the Southern Sky
Where to go stargazing: Maïdo, Plaine des Sables, Piton des Neiges, Observatoire des Makes. Southern constellations, meteor showers, astrophotography.
NewGetting Married in Reunion Island
6 venues (beach, Creole estate, lagoon, cirque), legal steps, a realistic budget of €5k-80k, a 12-month countdown, wedding dresses and ceremony, where to find vendors.
NewReunion Island Rum: History and Distilleries
Reunion Island rum: history since the 17th century, 5 major distilleries (Isautier 1845, Savanna, Rivière du Mât, Saint-Aubin, Domaine du Cœur de Chauffe), types (traditional, agricole, aged, arranged), tours.
NewThree Cirques Traverse in Reunion Island
Trekking across Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie in 5-7 days: a detailed day-by-day itinerary, gîtes, required level, variants, gear and transfer logistics.
NewBirthday Activities in Reunion Island: 7 Ideas by Age, Prices, Season
Seven ideas for celebrating a birthday in Reunion Island: whales, helicopter, paragliding, tree-top adventure courses, escape games, villas, sunset drinks. Prices, ages, season.
NewBuying a Car in Reunion Island: New or Used?
A detailed comparison of buying new vs. used in Reunion Island: 6 criteria, 2026 prices by category, octroi de mer explained, pitfalls to avoid.
NewKerguelen Islands: History and Wildlife
The Kerguelen archipelago: discovered in 1772, an extreme subantarctic climate, endemic wildlife (king penguins, elephant seals), the Marion Dufresne departing from Reunion Island.
NewMauritius Honeymoon Guide
Honeymoon in Mauritius: Belle Mare or Le Morne, spa hotels LUX*, St. Regis, Constance, all-inclusive packages, a realistic budget, getting married on-site, and combining with Reunion Island.
NewWhere to Stay in Mauritius
Where to sleep in Mauritius: north (Grand Baie), east (Belle Mare), west (Flic en Flac), south-west (Le Morne). A detailed comparison by traveller profile, budget and activities.
NewBest Places to Visit in Mauritius
Top 10 must-sees in Mauritius: Le Morne (UNESCO), Chamarel, Île aux Cerfs, Port Louis, Pamplemousses Garden, Black River Gorges, Pointe d'Esny and more.
New7 French Cities to Visit from Reunion Island
Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Strasbourg, Lille, Nice: seven urban stops with ideal duration, budget, best season and combined TGV itineraries.
NewLandscapes in France That Recall Reunion Island
Six mainland France landscapes that evoke the intense island: the Chaîne des Puys, Étretat, Mont Blanc, the calanques, the Verdon gorges, the Hérisson waterfalls.
NewReunion Island's Coral Reef: Reef, Marine Reserve, Alert
Everything about Reunion Island's coral reef: 20km of reef, 3,500 hectares of Nature Marine Reserve, 5 sanctuary zones, 185 coral species, where to see it and how to protect it.
NewThe Postman of Mafate: 253,000 km on Foot, the Incredible Story of Ivrin Pausé
The story of Ivrin Pausé, postman of the Mafate cirque from 1951 to 1991: 40 years of rounds on foot, 253,000 km covered, 30 tonnes of mail.
NewKids' Outings in Reunion Island: 8 Family Activity Ideas
Lagoon snorkelling, tree-top adventure courses, horse riding, maloya, botanical gardens, family hikes: 8 tested outings, by age, free or paid.
NewVictoria Pineapple: Why the World's Best Pineapple Comes From Reunion Island
Everything about Reunion Island's Victoria pineapple: a miniature variety, an intense flavour, where to visit a plantation, and how to pick and enjoy one.
NewSharks in Reunion Island: The Crisis, Species, CapRequins and CHARC Programmes
Shark presence in Reunion Island: why the west coast, tiger and bull shark species, the CapRequins and CHARC programmes, where to swim safely.
UpdatedPiton de la Fournaise: Eruption and Volcano History
Current status of the volcano, timeline of the 2026 eruption, every eruption since 1998, and how to see it safely.
A trending destination
556,000 visitors in 2023: Reunion Island is booming again
Topics I follow
Six editorial themes for 974 news
This news roundup focuses on what's changing for travellers and island lovers. No crime or accident reports, no local politics.
Tourism and visitor numbers
Official figures, 2024-2025 trends, new source markets, Reunion Island's international repositioning.
Nature and environment
Piton de la Fournaise eruptions, biodiversity, the national park, humpback whales, the state of the coral reefs.
Creole culture and heritage
Maloya's UNESCO listing, religious festivals, local markets, gastronomy and craftsmanship.
Mauritius and the Indian Ocean
Mauritius, Rodrigues, Mayotte, Seychelles: news from neighbouring islands, inter-island flights and combined trips.
Practical travel
New hotel openings, temporary trail closures, weather alerts, seasonal logistics tips.
Going further
Planning your trip to Reunion Island
Beyond the news, these are the site's main hubs for planning your trip.
Travel tips blog
Evergreen guides, itineraries and practical articles to plan your stay.
Practical FAQ
Weather, packing, French overseas department status, time difference, entry requirements.
Places to stay
Hotels, gîtes, campsites, wild camping, unique stays, campervan rental.
Activity catalogue
Over 470 verified partner activities with online booking.