A mountain amphitheatre of hiking trails and hot springs
The Cirque de Cilaos is one of three vast natural amphitheatres carved into the flanks of Piton des Neiges, part of the UNESCO-listed Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Réunion. The road up from Saint-Louis twists through hundreds of bends and narrow tunnels. The town of Cilaos has thermal springs, lentil fields and small vineyards producing a sweet wine. It is a base for canyoning and hiking, including the dawn climb to the summit of Piton des Neiges and trails into the neighbouring Cirque de Mafate, reachable only on foot.