A UNESCO World Heritage Site, like its neighbours Mafate and Salazie, Cilaos cirque is an exceptional backdrop for the spa resort of the same name that nestles at the heart of this unique place. Located in the heights of Saint-Louis, at the foot of the famous Piton des Neiges, this unspoilt territory belonging to Réunion National Park is a delight for lovers of nature, hiking and canyoning.
Accessible via the famous road with 400 bends, a superb route of thirty kilometres which is both narrow and winding, the pleasant little town of Cilaos, not only known for its spas with healing powers, but also for its lentils, wines and sparkling water, welcomes you for a relaxing gourmet break.
Boasting a wide range of shops, restaurants and accommodation, the resort is an ideal starting point for a walk in the surrounding natural sites. The ascent of the Piton des Neiges (difficult - 8-hour return trip - 1,700 metres change in altitude), the climb up the Taïbit pass (difficult - 4h30 return trip - 800 metres change in altitude), the Sources path (easy - circular walk of 1h30) or the path to the Bras Rouge waterfall (quite easy - 2h30 return trip) are just some of the fabulous hikes you can enjoy in the vicinity of the town of Cilaos. The ones to the Piton des Neiges and the Taïbit pass offer magnificent views of the Cilaos cirque! These fantastic landscapes are best admired early in the morning, before the clouds come along… Less athletic visitors can settle for a trip to the Roche Merveilleuse belvedere, a site easily accessible to tourists with a splendid panoramic view of Cilaos and its mountain cirque. To enjoy another beautiful viewpoint, you should head to Îlet à Cordes, a charming hamlet known for lentil-growing, located 9 kilometres south-west of the town.
The Irénée Accot spa in the hills around the resort of Cilaos, will delight anyone who loves to be pampered, as well as those wishing to unwind after an energetic hike. Hydrotherapy treatments, manual relaxation, seaweed body wraps and sessions in the sauna or Turkish bath are among the benefits that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed!
To stock up on fresh produce and other local specialities, head to the outdoor market held every Sunday morning on Rue des Écoles, in the town centre. The ideal place to buy supplies of wine or lentils from Cilaos! Food-lovers should not miss the famous lentil festival that takes place every October at harvest time. A celebratory event dedicated to the famous pulse, with a series of exhibitions, lectures, entertainment, tastings and a gastronomy competition.
