Hiking Cilaos

If you're spending the night in the cirque, don't miss this not-to-be-missed hike, one of the most beautiful in Cilaos. It takes you to La Chapelle, a very narrow canyon carved out over the centuries by the Bras Rouge river. The descent is punctuated by magnificent panoramas. Once you've reached the gully, it's time to head back upstream. At the entrance to La Chapelle are a swimming pool and two huge 100 m-high boulders. A route to be avoided after heavy rain or in case of uncertain weather.

The ascent of the 4.5 million-year-old Piton des Neiges, an extinct volcano and the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, is often the goal of a trip to Réunion Island for many hikers. Its ascent is reputed to be challenging, but the exceptional panorama on arrival is well worth the effort. Of the three trails, the start from the Cilaos boulder is the most popular, the fastest and also the steepest. The climb is immediate and doesn't stop until you reach the summit. False flats are rare. It's best to make the ascent over two days, with a night in a gîte, so you can watch the sunrise over the Piton de la Fournaise before the clouds cling to it.

Three trails, three options. This hike starts at Le Bloc, 3 km from the village of Cilaos (bus 63). But access to the Piton des Neiges can also be made from the Plaine des Cafres or from Salazie (this option is the easiest, but also the longest).

Sound advice. In high season, if you want to spend the night on the summit, you'll need to make a reservation at the Dufour barracks refuge, also known as the piton des Neiges gîte. Make sure you're well equipped (including for the cold - there's no snow on the summit, but there may be ice, and temperatures can drop to 5°C), and poles are highly recommended. There's little risk of altitude sickness, but you'll need to keep well hydrated and progress at your own pace.