Réunion's Cirques are experienced essentially on foot. Here are the highlight activities to plan.
In Cilaos, start with the 400-bend road itself — a driving experience that deserves a half-day with stops at the viewpoints (Pavillon, Bras de Cilaos, Trois Salazes). The village of Cilaos is discovered in a half-day: market, Maison de la Broderie, wine cooperative, thermal baths (cures and day care). For hiking, the Roche Merveilleuse (1h30 round trip from the centre) offers a panorama over the entire cirque; the Cascade de Bras Rouge (3h round trip) descends into the valley.
In Mafate, classic itineraries between îlets are numerous. The Maïdo - La Nouvelle - Roche Plate - Sans Souci loop (3 days) is the most practiced option: spectacular descent from Maïdo (2,205 m) to La Nouvelle (4h), traverse of the cirque to Roche Plate (3h), exit by the rivière des Galets to Sans Souci (5h).
In Salazie, the village of Hell-Bourg (classified among the most beautiful villages of France) deserves a half-day on foot: Maison Folio (Creole house museum), thermal baths (vestiges), walk in the alleys between renovated colonial houses. The Voile de la Mariée (300 m waterfall on the main road) is not to be missed.
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.