Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Maison de la Broderie
( 0262 31 77 48; Rue des Écoles; admission €1; 9.30am-noon & 2-5pm Mon-Sat, 9.30am-noon Sun)
The
originator of Cilaos' embroidery tradition was Angèle Mac-Auliffe, the daughter of the
town's first doctor of thermal medicine. Looking for a pastime to fill the long, damp days
in the Cirque, Angèle established the first embroidery workshop with 20 women produ-
cing what later evolved into a distinctive Cilaos style of embroidery.
Nowadays, the Maison de la Broderie is home to an association of 30 or so local wo-
men dedicated to keeping the craft alive. They embroider and sell children's clothes, ser-
viettes, place settings and tablecloths. It's laborious work: a single placemat takes between
12 and 15 days to complete.
MUSEUM
Thermes de Cilaos
( 0262 31 72 27; thermes-cilaos@cg974.fr; Route de Bras-Sec; daily, by appointment)
The
sources ther-
males
(thermal springs) of Cilaos were first brought to the attention of the outside world
in 1815 by a goat hunter from St-Louis, Paulin Técher. A track into the Cirque was con-
structed in 1842, paving the way for the development of Cilaos as a health spa for rich co-
lonials. The spring is heated by volcanic chambers far below the surface. It's said to re-
lieve rheumatic pain, among other bone and muscular ailments.
The old thermal station was opened in 1896, but the spring became blocked in a cyc-
lone that occurred in 1948. The project was revived in 1971, only to close in 1987 because
of damage to the buildings caused by the chemicals in the spa water. The latest incarna-
tion of the Cilaos spa is the Thermes de Cilaos at the north end of town. Several health
treatments are offered, including a 20-minute hydromassage (€15). This is a perfect way
to rejuvenate tired and sore muscles after your hike.
BATHHOUSE
Maison des Vins du Chai de Cilaos
WINE
( 0262 31 79 69; 34 Rue des Glycines; 9am-noon & 2-5.30pm Mon-Sat)
You can learn more
about Cilaos wine at the Maison des Vins du Chai de Cilaos. A short film (in French) is
followed by a wine tasting session. Take home a bottle from about €13.
