Réunion's Cirques are approached differently depending on the cirque.
For Cilaos, car essential. The RN5 known as the 400-bend road from Saint-Louis is the only access way — count 1h30 of driving from the coast, and be attentive to narrow tunnels sometimes single-lane alternating. On site, the village is walked. The hiking trails leave directly from the village or from the Roche Merveilleuse.
For Mafate, car useless inside (and impossible: no roads). You leave your car at the starting point (Maïdo parking, Sans Souci parking, col des Bœufs parking, Plaine des Lianes parking) and you enter on foot. Count 4 to 8 hours of walking to reach the îlets depending on the chosen departure and arrival. The helicopter from Saint-Gilles (Hélilagon, Corail Hélicoptères) is an option if you cannot or do not want to walk: €200-300/person one way to La Nouvelle, Roche Plate, Marla or Aurère.
For Salazie, the car is essential. The RN6 from Saint-André climbs in 30 km to Hell-Bourg (1,000 m) via the Pas de Bellecombe and the Voile de la Mariée. Less technical road than Cilaos but with some sporty bends.
Read also
- Mafate, the cirque without roads — 700 inhabitants in ten îlets accessible only on foot or by helicopter. The GR R2 and the soul of Réunion.
- Cilaos, the 400-bend road — Cirque accessible by car: thermal baths, AOP wine, lentils, Roche Merveilleuse and ascent of Piton des Neiges.
- Piton Maïdo — Belvedere at 2,205 m altitude over the cirque of Mafate, accessible by car for sunrise.
- Piton de la Fournaise — The other volcanic giant of Réunion — one of the most active volcanoes in the world.