Updated September 2026

Things to do in Cilaos: 10 activities, hikes and places to stay

A UNESCO-listed spa town in a cirque at 1,200 m. Fleur Jaune canyoning, the Piton des Neiges ascent, climbing, e-bikes, wine and lentils: here are the 10 standout experiences in Cilaos, with prices and practical details.

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Cilaos is one of Reunion Island's three cirques (vast natural amphitheatres ringed by cliffs), and the easiest to reach by car thanks to the famous road of 420 bends that climbs up from Saint-Louis. The village sits at 1,200 m, at the heart of a UNESCO-listed cirque, and packs in an unusually wide range of activities for a village its size.

Here are 10 things to do in Cilaos, from Fleur Jaune canyoning (the cirque's signature experience) to the Piton des Neiges ascent, taking in the local wine, protected lentils and embroidery craft along the way.

At a glance

10 activities at a glance

1
Fleur Jaune canyon
€75
Adventure
2
Bras Rouge canyon
€70
Adventure
3
Rock climbing on the Cilaos cliffs
€55
Adventure
4
Quad biking to Le Dimitile
€105
Adventure
5
Piton des Neiges ascent from Cilaos
Free (or €50 with a guide)
Hiking
6
The Chapelle hike
Free (or €50 with a guide)
Hiking
7
Guided Cilaos excursion from Saint-Louis
€159
Sightseeing
8
Village and embroidery visit
Free
Sightseeing
9
The thermal baths and relaxation
Varies
Relaxation
10
Camping at Bras Rouge
Free
Relaxation

The details

The 10 activities in detail

Fleur Jaune canyoning in Cilaos, abseils and sculpted rock

01AdventureThe star canyon

€75

Fleur Jaune canyon

The most scenic canyon in Cilaos, and one of the finest on the island: a technical half-day descent with waterfall abseils (up to 50 m), natural slides and optional jumps. The vertical setting is exceptional and the water crystal clear. You must go with a qualified instructor, and all the gear is provided.

Good to know

For experienced participants only (good fitness, no fear of heights). From age 12 depending on the operator. December-April for full pools; May-November is doable but with less water.

Book the Fleur Jaune canyon

Bras Rouge canyoning in Cilaos with an airy abseil in a basalt gorge

02Adventure

€70

Bras Rouge canyon

A more accessible canyon than Fleur Jaune, ideal for a first time. Three abseils, including an airy 25 m drop above a pool, several natural slides and optional jumps, in a striking rocky setting with the blue and black stone typical of Cilaos.

Good to know

Half-day or full-day. Beginner level welcome. From age 12. Average fitness is enough. Wetsuit, helmet and harness provided. Book 24-48 hours ahead.

Book the Bras Rouge canyon

03Adventure€55

Rock climbing on the Cilaos cliffs

Cilaos is one of the island's major climbing sites, with several bolted routes on 10 to 30 m cliffs. Grades run from 4a to 8a, so it suits beginners and experienced climbers alike. A half-day taster session is available with a qualified instructor, with all gear provided.

Good to know

Half-day, two time slots available (morning or afternoon). No experience needed for the taster session. Trainers are enough to start, climbing shoes provided for more technical routes.

Book the climbing session

Quad bike on a mountain trail in Cilaos with a view over the cirque

04Adventure

€105

Quad biking to Le Dimitile

A quad-bike trip along the trails of Le Dimitile (the cirque's south side, a former refuge for escaped slaves). Half-day or full-day depending on the option, with open panoramas over Cilaos and the south coast. Each session starts with a technical briefing and is led by an instructor.

Good to know

The driver must hold a driving licence. Passengers from age 6. Suit and helmet provided. Several options: 1 hour, 2 hours, half-day, or a full day with a Creole lunch.

Book the Dimitile quad trip

Camping at the summit of Piton des Neiges at 3,070 m, sunrise over Reunion Island

05HikingThe island's roof

Free (or €50 with a guide)

Piton des Neiges ascent from Cilaos

The roof of the Indian Ocean at 3,070 m, reachable over two days from Cilaos with a night at the Caverne Dufour refuge. An unforgettable sunrise at the summit, with a view over the whole island in clear weather. The classic route: Le Bloc in Cilaos, a steady climb over 2,200 m of elevation gain, dinner and a night at the refuge, setting off around 4am for the summit.

Good to know

Booking the refuge is ESSENTIAL, several weeks ahead (limited spots, especially during French school holidays). Warm clothing is a must, as temperatures can drop below zero at 3,070 m at night. A head torch is essential for the night climb. You need to be a fit, experienced hiker.

See the guided Piton des Neiges ascent

The Chapelle hike in Cilaos through a narrow gorge sculpted by water

06Hiking

Free (or €50 with a guide)

The Chapelle hike

A 5-hour loop through a narrow gorge in the Piton des Neiges massif, with river crossings and rock formations sculpted by water. One of the most picturesque trails in the cirque, with a return leg that climbs back up the main slope (around 600 m of elevation gain on the way back).

Good to know

For fit, experienced hikers (significant elevation gain, slippery terrain in the wet season). High-cut hiking boots are essential. Best avoided after recent rain (flash flood risk in the gorge). A guided hike can be booked for safety and to learn the geological history.

Book the guided Chapelle hike

View over the Cilaos cirque from a viewpoint during a guided excursion

07Sightseeing

€159

Guided Cilaos excursion from Saint-Louis

For anyone who'd rather not drive the 420 bends: a full-day minibus excursion from the south coast, with a French-speaking guide, a Creole lunch included, Cilaos wine tasting and viewpoint stops. Ideal for discovering the cirque with zero logistics.

Good to know

Pick-up from Saint-Louis or hotels in the south-west. A full day (around 7-9 hours), including transport, lunch, visits and tastings. Book 48 hours ahead in high season.

Book the Cilaos excursion

The village of Cilaos with its church, flowers and the cirque's mountains in the background

08Sightseeing

Free

Village and embroidery visit

The village of Cilaos has been UNESCO-listed since 2010 (as part of the Pitons, cirques and ramparts of Reunion Island). Explore the centre on foot: the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church, the Maison de la Broderie (a PGI craft since 2010), and the cellars producing Cilaos wine.

Good to know

Paid parking in the town centre. The tourist office runs themed guided tours (around €12, 2 hours). Perfect for a rainy day, which is common in Cilaos during the wet season.

09RelaxationVaries

The thermal baths and relaxation

Cilaos owes its tourist origins to the thermal springs discovered in the 19th century. The baths now offer treatment courses, day treatments and a wellness area open to the public. Ideal for recovering after a day of canyoning or hiking.

Good to know

Prices vary by treatment. Booking recommended. Lightly mineralised water, temperatures around 35-37°C. Combine with Cilaos wine tasting to round off the day.

10RelaxationFree

Camping at Bras Rouge

A camping area at the foot of Col du Taïbit, on the trail leading towards Mafate. It has an open view over the cirque and easy access from the D242 road out of Cilaos. Ideal for an early start towards Marla or Mafate, or simply for a night out in nature.

Good to know

Wild camping is tolerated on the marked area. Pack up at first light (the official rule). There is no water on site, so bring 2 L per person. Composting toilets near the car park. The dry season (May-November) is recommended.

See the Bras Rouge camping spot

Accommodation

Where to stay in Cilaos

A selection of hotels and guesthouses in the Cilaos cirque, from a gîte in Bras-Sec to guesthouses in the village, plus a link to compare the full range on Booking.