In 1640 Reunion had already been occupied by the French and Portuguese, who in 1513 had been the first Europeans to arrive on the island. The island flourished during the eighteenth century, when it was among the shipping routes that were used in trade between Europe and Asia. Sugar plantations, worked by imported slaves from Africa, formed one of its main economic sectors.
Reunion was governed as a colony until 1946 so as you can imagine, French culture is present in many corners of the island. Nor should you forget the Indian and Chinese influences, and that wonderful tropical touch. The predominant language is French, the architecture leans more towards French models, but this is also a land of volcanoes that boasts its own cyclone season. 
Likewise, French dishes can be on the menu of any restaurant you decide to eat at. But the best thing is their mixes: they can serve you a curry duck instead of the canard à l’orange you were waiting for. It’s no wonder Reunion is regarded as a closely guarded secret , as the French presumably wish to keep this little gem intact. 
Although it is an island with exceptional and brilliant turquoise waters, the number of sharks that surround it do not make it the ideal destination for practicing water sports. What you can do during your vacation is choose one of the great trekking routes that you will find through its mountainous terrain. Large valleys surrounded by volcanic mountains are interspersed with areas of waterfalls and other precious natural elements.