Réunion is 11 hours direct flight from Paris, making it one of the most distant French destinations but also one of the best-served overseas. The main international airport is Roland-Garros (RUN) in Sainte-Marie, 12 km east of Saint-Denis. A second secondary airport, Pierrefonds (ZSE), serves the south of the island (Saint-Pierre) — useful for those staying in the South, but with fewer frequencies.
Four airlines operate direct Paris-Réunion flights: Air Austral (Réunion's historic airline), Air France (most frequencies), Corsair (long-haul leisure) and French Bee (long-haul low-cost, the most economical option). Flights depart mainly from Paris-Orly (Air Austral, Air France, French Bee) and Paris-CDG (Corsair, some Air France flights). Some seasonal flights from Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Nantes exist (often via Paris or with connection).
Fares vary greatly by season. In low season (May-June, September-November outside school holidays), expect €600-800 return in economy. In high season (French school holidays in July-August, Christmas holidays, February), fares climb to €1,200-1,500 or even €1,800. For the best prices, book 3 to 6 months in advance and stay flexible on dates. French Bee often offers the lowest fares (from €500 on promotion) but with fewer services included.
Once there, the island must be discovered by car. Rental from the airport is straightforward — all major agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) and locals (ITC, Sunny Cars) are represented. Count €30-50/day for a city car, €50-80/day for an SUV (useful to access Maïdo or the volcano in comfort mode). For Mafate, access only on foot (4-8 hours of walking from Maïdo or Plaine des Lianes) or by helicopter from Saint-Gilles (Hélilagon, Corail Hélicoptères, €200-300 per rotation).
A combined stopover with Mauritius is very easy: 45 minutes of flight by Air Mauritius or Air Austral, several daily rotations. Plan a minimum of 2 weeks to combine Mauritius (1 week) and Réunion (10 days-2 weeks) without rushing.
Read also
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the UNESCO heart of the island, its vertiginous ramparts and remote îlets.
- The Wild South — Lava flows, Piton de la Fournaise, Saint-Philippe vanilla and volcanic beaches.
- The West Coast — Saint-Gilles, L'Hermitage and the turquoise lagoon: Réunion's beach resort coast.
- Saint-Denis and the East — The Creole capital, the vanilla plantations of the East and the tropical humid coast.