Things to do — Cilaos

Cilaos lends itself to a varied program between hiking, gastronomy and culture.

The village is visited in a half-day on foot. The Centre market (Friday morning) for fresh products and crafts. The Maison de la Broderie (rue du Père Boiteau, free entry) presents the women's craft transmitted since the 19th century. The wine cooperative to visit the cellars and taste Cilaos wine (free visit, tasting €3-5). The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church (neoclassical style, 1860). The thermal baths of Cilaos for a half-day of relaxation (cure or punctual care, €20-50 depending on the formula).

Hiking is the main reason to come to Cilaos. For the easy walk: the Roche Merveilleuse (1h30 round trip from the centre, 200 m elevation, accessible by car for non-hikers), 360° panorama over the cirque. For the medium level: the Bras Rouge waterfall (3h round trip, 350 m descent then ascent), the Fleurs Jaunes waterfall (4h round trip, 400 m elevation), the Piton des Salazes (5h round trip, 600 m elevation, view over Mafate). For the sporty level: the col du Taïbit traverse to Mafate (5-6h to Marla), the ascent of Piton des Neiges (2 days with night at the refuge).

The Piton des Neiges ascent (3,070 m, highest peak of the Indian Ocean) is Cilaos's mythical experience. 2-day itinerary: Day 1 = climb from Bloc (parking, end of forest road) to the Caverne Dufour refuge (4h, 1,000 m positive elevation). Day 2 = departure around 4am (headlamp), 1h30 to the summit for sunrise over the ocean, then descent to Cilaos. Mandatory reservation at the refuge several weeks in advance.

Gastronomy of Cilaos deserves several meals. The AOP lentils in soup or as carry garnish, the zandolis carry (endemic lizards, rare dish), the mountain charcuterie (Creole ham smoked with tamarind, péi lonzo), the Cilaos wine as accompaniment. Good addresses: Le Cilaos (traditional table d'hôtes), La Belle Créole (modern Creole cuisine), La Marmite Cilaossien (terroir cuisine).