Cirque de Cilaos: The Jewel of Réunion Island
Cirque de Cilaos, also known as the Cilaos caldera, is a stunning natural amphitheater surrounded by steep cliffs, creating a dramatic landscape. Réunion Island, formed by volcanic activity, is home to several of these calderas, with Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate being the most famous. These three calderas connect like a cloverleaf, forming the heart and soul of Réunion.
Among them, Cilaos is the most accessible, making it a popular destination for visitors. Hidden deep within the mountains, it offers breathtaking views, charming villages, and a rich array of hiking trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty while enjoying a taste of the island’s unique culture.
Getting to Cirque de Cilaos:
Cirque de Cilaos is located 112 kilometers from Réunion’s capital, Saint-Denis. If you’re staying at the Palm Spa Hotel in the southern part of the island, it will take you about an hour and a half to drive there.
Practical Tips:
Réunion Island has two distinct seasons: from December to April, you can expect hot and rainy weather, while from late April to November, the climate is cooler and drier. Be sure to check the weather when planning your visit to enjoy the best of Cilaos!
Traveling to Cirque de Cilaos:
- To enter Cirque de Cilaos, you’ll navigate the famous “400 bends,” a series of 421 winding mountain roads. This is the only route into Cilaos.
- Be prepared for potential car sickness; it’s best to take motion sickness medication in advance. Even if you usually don’t get car sick, the twists and turns can be disorienting. I found some sour and sweet plum slices helpful to ease the discomfort.
- The roads are curvy, and in many places, there are steep drops into the gorge below, so make sure to buckle up and stay safe.
- Occasionally, there may be traffic controls, which we encountered. Don’t worry; you can get out of the car to stretch your legs, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the beautiful surroundings. These stops usually last around 30 to 40 minutes.
Highlights of Cirque de Cilaos: A Charming Town
Cirque de Cilaos is described in Lonely Planet as a dreamlike place, reminiscent of the Alps. As the largest settlement among the calderas, it sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters.
The town is well-equipped with amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and a visitor center. This makes it an ideal base for planning nearby activities and excursions. Whether you’re looking to hike, explore the local culture, or simply relax in a picturesque setting, Cilaos provides a serene escape in nature’s embrace.
From the stone steps next to this sign, you can get a breathtaking view of the entire town of Cilaos. It’s a perfect spot to take in the stunning landscape and appreciate the beauty of the caldera. Don’t forget your camera!
The famous “400 bends” consists of 421 continuous, winding turns.
This is the “Visitor Center,” where you can get information and purchase local souvenirs, such as Cilaos red wine, Cilaos embroidery, essential oils, and more.
From here, you can overlook the town of Cilaos and take in the stunning views all around.
Creole-style architecture.
Strolling through the quiet streets of Cilaos, you’ll notice how few tourists are around, creating an atmosphere of pure tranquility. For lunch, you can try some Creole specialties at a restaurant called “L’ Isabelle.” Located within a hotel that features Creole-style architecture, the ambiance is charming.
Recommended: Le Vieux Cep Hotel
This is a three-star hotel and one of the largest in Cilaos, showcasing traditional Creole design. It boasts a great location, with each room featuring a balcony that offers stunning views of the impressive Piton des Neiges. If you’re planning a two-day stay in Cilaos, this hotel is a convenient base. Plus, there’s a heated swimming pool on-site.
Practical Tips:
- The hotel has a parking lot.
- Not far down from the hotel, there’s a large supermarket called Leader Price.
Hotel Address:
2 Rue des Trois Mares, 97413 Cilaos
Recommended: L’ Isabelle Restaurant
L’ Isabelle is the restaurant at Le Vieux Cep. We had lunch there, enjoying traditional Creole dishes. The setting is lovely, especially since it was quiet. While the traditional Creole meal wasn’t the best, the dessert was decent. However, you should definitely try the cocktails and red wine, which are local specialties!
Cilaos offers a dreamlike landscape that feels reminiscent of the Alps—just as described in Lonely Planet. The three major cirques of Réunion Island—Cilaos, Salazie, and Mafate—are fascinatingly interconnected, much like a three-leaf clover. Rising to 3,071 meters, the iconic Piton des Neiges towers over Cilaos, drawing in hiking enthusiasts like a magnet. As the largest settlement among the cirques, Cilaos sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters and is one of the easier ones to access. With well-developed facilities, it’s a perfect base for a two- or three-day adventure in the area.
Réunion Island is a French overseas department, isolated in the Indian Ocean, far from mainland France. In the 17th century, French settlers brought grapevines to Réunion to enjoy wine. Initially planted along the west coast, grape cultivation spread to the cirque regions by the late 19th century. By the 1970s, some commercial growers in Cilaos began improving grape varieties to create more delicious wines. Today, in addition to sweet and dry white wines, producers also make rosé wines. Therefore, Cilaos wines have become one of Réunion’s specialties, and you must try the local wines when visiting.
Recommended Spot: Maison des Vins du Chai de Cilaos
At this wine house, you can learn more about Cilaos wines. The owner also has a vineyard in France, so they offer not only locally produced wines but also selections from France.
Address:
34 Rue des Glycines, Cilaos
Cilaos Embroidery Museum
