Things to see and do Cirques

One of Réunion Island's best-known and most photographed waterfalls. Go to the main road to Salazie, where it can be seen on the left, and you won't be able to miss it. You can also go as far as Mare-à-Citrons for an even more spectacular view, especially during the rainy season. Please note that although it used to be possible to take a walk to reach the foot of the waterfall, this is no longer possible due to a prefectoral decree.

A historical witness to the life of the nineteenth century, the house and its lush garden, built in the heart of the old spa resort, are inscribed in historic monuments. Maintained with love by its owner, the home offers its thousands of visitors a delicious evoke of life in Hell-Bourg during the governors. We're coming out of the field with tasty anecdotes and funny Creole expressions. Raphaël Folio died in March 2018, leaving him with the care to tell you his legacy.

A haven of peace between Salazia and Hell-Bourg. At dawn, an atmosphere of peace and quiet is carried by the singing of birds and a few water hens can be seen. At weekends, the laughter of the children reveals a more festive and family atmosphere. For camping or picnicking, you can reach this place in 15 minutes on foot. Several kiosks overlook the water. It is also a place steeped in history, where you can see the remains of the dwellings of the first land concessionaires. The place is exotic, shady and welcoming, and is a place of great beauty.

Located on the village's artisanal square, on the first floor, this tourist office will inform you about all the activities, accommodation, restaurants with their opening hours and the state of the paths of the Salazie circus, their possible closure, the weather conditions to come, as well as about all the communes of the East, since it is an intermunicipal office. It is also an information relay for the national park. The welcome is warm.

An embroidery shop where you can see an embroiderer at work. She works there all day long, on a tablecloth stretched on a "drum". Luciane Técher will make you discover all the current embroidery techniques. Inspired by Tenerife lace, she asserts her method by getting rid of excess frills. This long work is today threatened by Malagasy imports at low prices. Souvenirs to bring back: framed embroideries or coasters.

So named because of its location at the foot of the Piton des Neiges, the church is built in the Art Deco style of the 1930s. Its half-moon façade makes it original. The nave and choir were made by cabinetmakers from the Rivière-Saint-Louis region. Before entering, on the left, the tomb of Father Boiteau, a builder much appreciated by the villagers. When his death was announced, the faithful built the tomb in a single night. For some, it has miraculous virtues. Since the year 2000, the church has been listed in the inventory of historical monuments.

You will be able to admire the many viewpoints on the mountains, the circus and the river. Two kiosks are waiting for you to picnic in the shade. From there, you can take the Chemin de la Cascade Blanche and reach another point of view in 30 minutes. If you add another 20 minutes, you will be able to reach the waterfall, which is permanent all year round. This end of the route is recommended for sportsmen and women. Be careful, in any case, it climbs and you will have to cross a river: not to be done in rainy weather.

When there aren't many people, time seems to be suspended at the Joncs pond. When the sun is a little higher, it makes the water surface glisten. Carp, eels, tilapia: the fish frolic. The central jets of water and the surrounding mountains almost give the impression of being in Switzerland. Swimming is not allowed here, but you can sail on pedal or electric boats or go for a walk around. Restaurants and snack bars surround the pond and offer an ideal view of the small pond for a relaxing moment.

Ideal for information on hikes, weather and reservations. From one day to the next, trails may be closed and the weather may change. The office offers guided tours lasting an hour or two: "On the road to thermalism", "The must-sees of Cilaos", "Oenological discovery", "Discovering the Cilaos lentil", etc. Information on days, rates and opening times available on site or by telephone. Also a craft store.

This talented artist, of international renown, opens the doors of his studio for an interesting visit. To pass the door is to enter a monochrome universe strewn with mysterious forests, bewitching women's bodies and sailboats inviting to travel. With the technique of etching on copper, which he introduced to Reunion Island, this self-taught artist reveals an inspiring world. Passionate about history and nature, Philippe Turpin has created artist's books, printed in limited editions, such as Les Voiles des Mascareignes.

.' s water is naturally sparkling and highly appreciated by gourmets. It has been bottled since 1999.

The church in the village of Salazie is unmistakable. It is the second church of the parish built on the old one between 1939 and 1941 on the initiative of Father Bourasseau. It was the parishioners who built it, including the children! It follows the codes of Gothic architecture with its two flanking towers. On the façade, one can read: "Be queens in our house! "which reminds us that the Assumption is a dogma according to which the mother of Jesus was "raised to heaven".

Les Aventuriers offer a guided tour of the Creole huts, immersing you in the history of Salazie and discovering the architectural and cultural heritage of the village of Hell-Bourg, ranked among the most beautiful in France. Fun and suitable for everyone, the walk will take you back in time, through the village's lanes and paths, with exceptional views of the Salazie cirque. Stories and legends will be told, and the dark days of the "marronnage" will be evoked, while you admire varangues, gardens and Creole huts.

At the entrance to the circus, Mrs. Grondin explains the embroidery technique that has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. She weaves placemats to be framed or coasters, with multiple shapes, including the emblematic "straw in tail". In 2008, she was awarded first prize in the "hope" category of the regional Grand Prix des Métiers. The selling price of the books is indicative of the time it takes to make them. She also sells wine and lentils.

A must-see site in the cirque de Cilaos, a classic and therefore very popular! Walk to the Bras Rouge waterfall. You can start on the sentier des Porteurs, from the rue des Thermes parking lot below the church. You'll reach the îlet à Cordes road, and about 200 m to the left, the path descends to the waterfall. There are no difficult sections, making it ideal for families. Pleasant walk under the trees, beautiful scenery. Option to continue on the GR1/GR2, crossing the river for a 5-hour loop.

The viewpoint of the Roche Merveilleuse is a must when visiting the cirque of Cilaos. From the viewpoint accessible by a staircase, take the time to admire the exceptional panorama of the village, surrounded by its immense ramparts. Then, plunge into the undergrowth, for a walk in the heart of the botanical path. This short family walk offers many indications on the local flora, with panels describing the plant species in an original way. You can reach the viewpoint on foot from the village or by car.