About 1.5 hours from Saint-Leu, the cirque of Cilaos reveals itself at the end of its famous road with 400 bends. At the heart of the Piton des Neiges massif, the peaks and ramparts of Cilaos are among the Réunionese landscapes inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
During your visit, also save some time to explore Cilaos, the village perched at an altitude of 1,200 metres. It has an identity all its own, shaped by the mountains and local craftsmanship. After hiking, head back down to the village to taste the Cilaos lentils, which come specifically from Îlet à Cordes. Stop by the Maison de la Broderie (House of Embroidery) to admire beautiful collection pieces. Then, take a detour to the Chai de Cilaos to taste the only wine produced in Réunion, grown on the heights of the cirque. To recover after your efforts, head to the Thermes de Cilaos, fed by the only natural thermal springs in the Indian Ocean.
You will soon understand why the cirque’s motto simply reads: “Cilaos — you always come back.”
Cilaos is one of the finest starting points for exploring Réunion’s highlands on foot. For a first walk, take the Roche Merveilleuse loop trail. It winds through the forest before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the village, the Grand Bénare, and Piton des Neiges — a spectacular panorama.
More experienced walkers can attempt the ascent of Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. Plan an overnight stay at a mountain refuge for the full climb to an altitude of 3,070 metres. At sunrise, from the summit of Piton des Neiges, a carpet of clouds unfolds at your feet—a rare and striking sight that rewards the bravest hikers. The entire island stretches out below, as if you were standing on the rooftop of Réunion.
