A melting-pot of origins, architecture, fragrances, rituals, cultures and religions… Reunion’s soul comes straight from its inhabitants, a people who manage to live together in harmony while still retaining their rich individual roots.

An intensive course in the Creole way of life starts off with a good curry with a local family. Staying at guesthouses is a fine way to gain insight into the daily routine of the Reunionese. Nothing better to get the conversation flowing. Its food such as bredes, chouchous, chickpeas and nasturtium fritters, not forgetting the rum "arrangé" at the end of a meal which make up the backdrop of culinary tradition. Representing the island’s agricultural heritage, spices and sugar cane are of course at the heart of Reunionese cuisine.

Click here for more information on Reunionese gastronomy and here to get cooking yourself!

Far from being an obstacle to communication, the Creole language is another key element into understanding the island’s mixed identity. French and Creole cohabit in the streets, on the beach, in the playgrounds and at home.

« Koman i lé? » - « Lé la» ("How are you?" "I'm fine") With Old French as a starting-point, Chinese, Creoles, Tamils, Arabs and Europeans joined forces to sculpt this language over the years. Workers from India, Madagascar and Africa spiced it up even further with their own additions. It is full with rich imagery with sayings that roll delightfully off the tongue.

« Fourmi i pas’ sou la tèr, domoun i koné. » This literally means "Everyone know that ants live underground" the message being that there’s no point trying to do something in secret as people will always find out, especially on an island of 2500 km²!

Click here to get a taste of Creole