Réunion is a French overseas region and department in the Indian Ocean, 700 km east of Madagascar and 200 km south-west of Mauritius. This volcanic island of extraordinary drama packs an active volcano, three steep-walled cirques, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain core, dense rainforest, and a warm lagoon into 2,512 km². It is simultaneously French enough to accept euros and credit cards everywhere, and exotic enough to feel like another world entirely.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Le Barachois Bar
Known for: Ti-punch at sunset on the seafront promenade; live music Fri–Sat from 21:00
Boulevard du Barachois, 97400 Saint-Denis
Bar de la Plage (Saint-Gilles)
Known for: Frozen rum cocktails and rhum arrangé tastings overlooking the lagoon; DJ Friday–Saturday
Rue du Lagon, 97434 Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Le Zanzibar (Saint-Gilles)
Known for: Cocktail bar with tropical theme; live Séga acoustic sets Thursday
Rue du Lagon, 97434 Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
La Cave à Rhums
Known for: Specialist rum bar with 200+ rhum arrangé bottles and aged Réunion rhum vieux
5 Rue de la Compagnie, 97400 Saint-Denis
L'Escale du Volcan (Live Music Bar)
Known for: Live Maloya and Séga music from local artists; Réunion's best traditional music bar
Rue du Port, 97410 Saint-Pierre
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.