Cirque de Cilaos
A dramatic volcanic cirque on Reunion Island, famed for its winding 400-bend road, stunning hikes, and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer clouds
Cirque de Cilaos
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer clouds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic volcanic cirque on Reunion Island, famed for its winding 400-bend road, stunning hikes, and panoramic views.
"The ride is as good as the destination."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The 400-bend road is challenging! Take your time, use lower gears, and be mindful of oncoming traffic. Buses manage it, so you can too!
🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for trails like Jacky Inard. Bring water and snacks, as some hikes are long.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 34 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
La Roche Merveilleuse
Viewpoint overlooking the cirque
A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the entire cirque. Informative cut-outs explain the landscape.
Sentier Jacky Inard
Trailhead near Cilaos village
A popular hike featuring an impressive ladder and breathtaking views of the cirque. Rewarding for nature lovers.
Bassin Bleu
Near Cilaos village
A beautiful natural swimming spot accessible via a moderate hike, offering a refreshing dip in clear waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Infamous 400 Bends
Embrace the Hikes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The 400-bend road is challenging! Take your time, use lower gears, and be mindful of oncoming traffic. Buses manage it, so you can too!
🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for trails like Jacky Inard. Bring water and snacks, as some hikes are long. 
💧 Refreshing Swims
Cool off at natural pools like Bassin Bleu or Bassin Roche after a hike. Check conditions before swimming.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning shots of the cirque.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The 400-bend road is challenging! Take your time, use lower gears, and be mindful of oncoming traffic. Buses manage it, so you can too!
🥾 Essential Hiking Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for trails like Jacky Inard. Bring water and snacks, as some hikes are long.
💧 Refreshing Swims
Cool off at natural pools like Bassin Bleu or Bassin Roche after a hike. Check conditions before swimming.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views are incredible! Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning shots of the cirque.
🚌 Public Transport Option
Buses do navigate the 400 bends! It's an impressive way to experience the journey if you prefer not to drive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty and the thrilling drive up the 400-bend road to Cirque de Cilaos. The hiking opportunities and stunning viewpoints like La Roche Merveilleuse are consistently praised. Some find the road challenging, but most agree the journey is as memorable as the destination.
"The infamous 400 turn road goes from the delightful little village, Entre-Deux, to the town of Cilaos. I found it amazing to find busses on this road. It's a total mystery how they get there because our SUV had to make three-point turns in some cases to go round a corner. Crazy!
The little hamlets on the way up also fascinated me. 1. how do they get there? 2. what sort of life do they live there? It is completely in the middle of nowhere.
If you find a spot where you can safely stop, do it. This is one where the ride is as good as the destination.
From town we made our way to the lookout point, La Roche Merveilleuse. Stunning!! The informative cut-out there helped to give info."
Mel Klos
"Great experience"
ori yardeni
"Super"
frederic soler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access is via the Route de Cilaos, a famously winding road with 400 turns and two tunnels. It's a scenic but challenging drive. Buses are also available and are an impressive feat of engineering on this route.
Yes, the Route de Cilaos is known for its 400 sharp bends and narrow sections. It requires careful driving, especially for larger vehicles. Many visitors find the journey itself an adventure.
Absolutely! Buses regularly travel the Route de Cilaos, offering a unique perspective on the challenging road. It's a great option if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, the Route de Cilaos features two narrow tunnels that add to the unique driving experience.
The drive itself offers numerous spots to pull over and admire the dramatic landscape. La Roche Merveilleuse is a must-visit viewpoint once you reach the cirque.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to access the Cirque de Cilaos itself. Access to hiking trails and viewpoints is generally free.
The cirque is accessible 24/7, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Hiking trails have varying accessibility.
Parking in Cilaos village is generally free, but it can get busy during peak times. Be prepared to walk a short distance from your parking spot.
No, La Roche Merveilleuse is a public viewpoint and does not have an admission fee. It's a popular spot for sunrise and sunset.
For most day hikes, no booking is required. However, if you plan on multi-day treks or staying in mountain refuges, advance booking is highly recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Sentier Jacky Inard for its ladder and views, the trail to the Chapelle du Cirque for its gorge, and routes to natural swimming spots like Bassin Bleu and Bassin Roche.
Yes, you can swim in natural pools like Bassin Bleu and Bassin Roche. These are often reached via hiking trails and offer a refreshing experience.
Cilaos village is charming with colorful houses and good restaurants. It's also the starting point for many hikes and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Absolutely! The dramatic mountain landscapes, winding roads, and lush nature provide endless opportunities for stunning photography.
The effect de Foehn is a meteorological phenomenon where clouds disappear rapidly as air descends and dries out on the leeward side of mountains, often seen in Cilaos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cilaos village has several good restaurants offering local Creole cuisine. Enjoy a meal with views of the surrounding mountains.
Look for dishes featuring local produce and traditional Reunion Island flavors. Lentils from Cilaos are also a famous local product.
Yes, many hiking trails and viewpoints offer scenic spots for a picnic. Remember to pack out all your trash.
While traditional Creole cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are accommodating and can offer vegetarian dishes upon request. It's best to ask.
Cilaos has a market, particularly lively on Sundays, where you can find local produce, crafts, and food.
📸 📸 Photography
La Roche Merveilleuse offers iconic panoramic shots. The Sentier Jacky Inard provides dramatic perspectives, and the winding Route de Cilaos itself is very photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise from Piton des Neiges is legendary.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone photography can yield spectacular aerial views of the cirque and its dramatic terrain. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Look for the colorful houses in Cilaos village, the dramatic cloud formations (effect de Foehn), and the unique flora and fauna found in the cirque.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit