Region
The Cirques
Three cirques sculpted in the volcanic massif of Piton des Neiges — 40% of the island UNESCO-listed since 2010, and the world's only cirque accessible only on foot: Mafate.
Réunion's Cirques — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie — are the geological and symbolic heart of the island, and the epicentre of the UNESCO World Heritage site listed since 2010 under the name Pitons, Cirques and Ramparts of Réunion Island. They result from the gradual collapse of Piton des Neiges, the shield volcano (3,070 m) that built the western two-thirds of the island three million years ago. Fluvial erosion then carved these immense natural amphitheatres with vertiginous ramparts, today sheltering endemic ecosystems and extraordinary human life in the îlets.
Cilaos is the cirque accessible by car via the famous 400-bend road, one of the most spectacular roads in France, which climbs in vertiginous switchbacks from Saint-Louis to 1,200 metres altitude. The eponymous village is known for its thermal baths (ferruginous waters), its Cilaos wine (vineyards planted at altitude since the 19th century), its AOP lentils and its embroidery craft. It is the ideal starting point to climb Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean.
Mafate is the world's only cirque accessible only on foot or by helicopter. Seven hundred inhabitants live scattered in a dozen îlets (hamlets lost in the ramparts) — La Nouvelle, Marla, Roche Plate, Aurère, Grand Place, Îlet à Bourse, Cayenne — connected by a network of maintained trails. No road, no car, no running water everywhere, solar electricity in most cases. Living a night or two in Mafate in a family gîte, dining on a carry prepared on site, sleeping under an unrivalled starry sky: one of the most memorable experiences France still offers.
Salazie is the greenest, rainiest, most humid cirque. Its emblematic village, Hell-Bourg, is classified among the "Most beautiful villages of France" — renovated colourful Creole houses, memory of the 19th century thermal station. It is the departure point of many hikes to Piton d'Anchaing, Trou de Fer (immense waterfall with 725 m total fall, to be seen from the Bébour-Bélouve viewpoint) and the Voile de la Mariée (300 m fall on the main road).
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Situation
Où se situe The Cirques ?
Ouvrir la carte en grand sur OpenStreetMap →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit the three cirques?+
How do you access Mafate concretely?+
Do you need a guide to hike in the cirques?+
What is the best time for the cirques?+
What is an îlet in Mafate and how do you sleep there?+
Is Cilaos accessible to rental cars?+
What to bring back from Cilaos as a souvenir?+
Our verdict
Réunion's Cirques are the most singular and profound experience the island can offer. Mafate is a unique case in the world — an entire cirque without a road, populated by inhabitants accessible only on foot — that alone justifies the trip. Cilaos combines logistical comfort (car-accessible), local gastronomy (wine, lentils, mountain charcuterie) and great hikes to Piton des Neiges. Salazie is the most accessible from Saint-Denis and offers the pluvial beauty of Hell-Bourg and its waterfalls. Dedicate a minimum of 5 to 7 days to these three cirques to live the mountainous essence of the island, ideally between May and November, and dare at least one night in a Mafate îlet.