Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
From St-Benoît a scenic road (the RN3) cuts across the Plaine-des-Palmistes to St-Pierre
and St-Louis on the far side of the island. Alternatively, you can continue south along the
coast road, passing through Ste-Anne, Ste-Rose, St-Philippe and St-Joseph to reach St-Pi-
erre.
St-Benoît is a major transport hub. Bus services to and from St-Denis run approxim-
ately every half-hour. There are also two services linking St-Benoît and St-Pierre: line H
follows the RN3 over the Plaine-des-Palmistes; line I takes the coast road via St-Philippe
and St-Joseph. In both cases there are about four buses daily.
VANILLA UNVEILED
The vanilla orchid was introduced into Réunion from Mexico around 1820, but early attempts at cultivation failed
because of the absence of the Mexican bee that pollinates the flower and triggers the development of the vanilla
pod. Fortunately for custard lovers everywhere, a method of hand-pollination was discovered in Réunion in 1841
by a 12-year-old slave, Edmond Albius. Vanilla was highly prized in Europe at the time and Albius' discovery
ushered in an economic boom, at least for the French 'vanilla barons'.
The vanilla bubble burst, however, when synthetic vanilla - made from coal - was invented in the late 19th
century. Réunion's vanilla industry was almost wiped out, but in recent years the growing demand for natural
products has led to something of a revival. You'll now find vanilla 'plantations' hidden in the forests from Ste-
Suzanne south to St-Philippe.
The majority of Réunion's crop is exported (Coca-Cola is the world's single biggest buyer), but vanilla is still a
firm favourite in local cuisine. It crops up in all sorts of delicacies, from cakes and pastries to coffee, liqueurs,
even vanilla duck and chicken. Best of all is the sublime flavour of a vanilla-steeped
rhum arrangé
(a mixture of
rum, fruit juice, cane syrup and a blend of herbs and berries).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ste-Anne
About 5km south along the coast from St-Benoît, Ste-Anne is an unpretentious town that's
noted for its visually striking church. There's no beach, but if you're in the mood for a
dip, there are some enticing natural pools.
Sights
Bassin Bleu
LAGOON
