Route de Cilaos RN5 Réunion 400 Bends
The legendary Route de Cilaos (RN5), a thrilling mountain road with over 400 hairpin bends offering breathtaking Reunion Island vistas.
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Must-see attractions
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Route de Cilaos RN5 Réunion 400 Bends
Best Time
Better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The legendary Route de Cilaos (RN5), a thrilling mountain road with over 400 hairpin bends offering breathtaking Reunion Island vistas.
"One of my most beautiful journeys if not the most beautiful. "
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be hyper-aware of oncoming traffic and falling rocks. This road demands your full attention. ⚠️
🏍️ Motorbike Adventure
A thrilling ride for experienced motorcyclists, but exercise extreme caution. 🏍️
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 400 Bends
Experience the thrill of over 400 hairpin turns on this legendary mountain road. A true test of driving skill with breathtaking views.
Panoramic Viewpoints
Strategically placed spots offer opportunities to safely park and soak in the magnificent, sweeping landscapes.
Narrow Passages & Tunnels
Navigate challenging sections including bridges and tunnels where passing can be tricky. Drive with care and awareness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bends
Plan for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
15 Roadtrip La Reunion
Bonne soirée ! We are excited to go for our trip to Reunion by end of March for 15 days. Since there arent that much (English) information or guides about Reunion I wanted to ask for your help about our schedule, if we missed something or if its to tight since we will have…
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be hyper-aware of oncoming traffic and falling rocks. This road demands your full attention. ⚠️
🏍️ Motorbike Adventure
A thrilling ride for experienced motorcyclists, but exercise extreme caution. 🏍️
I saw all of your roads, but I raise you the Route de Cilaos in Réunion Island
https://en.reunion.fr/organize/activities/a-tour-of-reunion-island/route-de-cilaos/
Has anyone visited Réunion island?
I am planning a trip in a month or so to Réunion and would love to know if people have visited recently and could feed back? It's really hard to find info online and posts on this subreddit are a bit far back now. I know there was some unrest fairly recently. Basically would…
📸 Stop for Views
Designated pull-offs allow you to safely admire and photograph the stunning scenery. 📷
⏳ Allow Extra Time
The 400 bends mean a slow journey. Don't rush; savor the drive and the destination. 🕐
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Be hyper-aware of oncoming traffic and falling rocks. This road demands your full attention. ⚠️
🏍️ Motorbike Adventure
A thrilling ride for experienced motorcyclists, but exercise extreme caution. 🏍️
📸 Stop for Views
Designated pull-offs allow you to safely admire and photograph the stunning scenery. 📷
⏳ Allow Extra Time
The 400 bends mean a slow journey. Don't rush; savor the drive and the destination. 🕐
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Route de Cilaos is celebrated for its thrilling, winding drive and absolutely magnificent panoramic views. While the sheer number of bends and narrow passages demand careful attention, most visitors find the journey to be a highlight of their Reunion Island experience. Some caution is advised due to potential hazards like falling rocks and the intensity of the drive.
"The RN5 which leads to Cilaos is the legendary road of 400 bends on Reunion Island. I had the chance to do it this Wednesday 11/12/2024 on a motorbike. Apparently it would have exactly 421 bends. The locals say that there are only 2: one on the left and one on the right :) it is one of my most beautiful journeys if not the most beautiful. The condition of the road is very clean, be careful there are sometimes pieces of rock that fall on the road, also watch out for the vehicles you pass in the hairpins. The panorama is superb but do not take your eyes off the road for too long. There are areas where you can park and admire the panorama."
David Montana
"The road of 400 bends. It's a road that twists! And twists hard. The perfect example of a mountain road! Be careful, though, not to take it lightly; you witnessed a serious car accident along the way!"
Exthasia
"A surprising, winding route to reach Cilaos. The road is worth the detour, it's the minimum, narrow passages, bridges and tunnels where we don't cross paths and everything goes well. Some arrangements for the panorama and photos. Stunning..."
Lucien Daniel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Cilaos from Saint-Denis, you'll primarily take the RN5, famously known as the Route de Cilaos or the road of 400 bends. This is a scenic but challenging mountain drive. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and be prepared for a slow journey due to the numerous hairpin turns.
While most standard vehicles can navigate the Route de Cilaos, it's best suited for cars and motorbikes. Larger vehicles might find the narrow passages and tight bends challenging. Ensure your brakes are in good working order.
The best way to drive the 400 bends is with extreme caution and patience. Take your time, use lower gears on descents, and be mindful of oncoming traffic, especially around blind corners. Enjoy the spectacular views from designated viewpoints.
Public transport directly to Cilaos via the RN5 is limited. Most visitors opt to drive themselves or hire a taxi/private driver. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility.
The drive time can vary significantly depending on traffic, road conditions, and how often you stop. Typically, it takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to cover the approximately 35-40 km due to the winding nature of the road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to drive the Route de Cilaos (RN5). It is a public road accessible to all vehicles.
The Route de Cilaos is open 24/7 as it is a public road. However, driving at night is not recommended due to limited visibility and the challenging nature of the bends.
No booking is required to drive the Route de Cilaos. It's an open road. However, if you plan to stay in Cilaos, booking accommodation in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
The main restriction is the road's nature itself – it's winding and narrow. Be aware of potential rockfalls and drive defensively. There are no specific entry restrictions for vehicles, but common sense and caution are paramount.
Yes, there are designated viewpoints and small parking areas along the Route de Cilaos where you can safely stop to admire the scenery and take photos. Please use these designated spots and avoid stopping in dangerous locations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the legendary Route de Cilaos itself, with its 400+ hairpin bends, offering a thrilling driving experience and spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
While the road itself is the main event, keep an eye out for designated viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas. The journey leads to the charming village of Cilaos, known for its thermal baths and embroidery.
It can be safe if you drive cautiously and are aware of the road conditions. Be mindful of falling rocks, narrow passages, and oncoming traffic. Many travelers have reported seeing serious accidents, so vigilance is key.
Look for official viewpoints marked along the road. These offer the safest and most dramatic perspectives of the winding road and the lush Reunion landscape.
Locals often joke there are only two bends: one left and one right. They also emphasize keeping your eyes on the road and being cautious of other vehicles and potential rockfalls.
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