Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Philippe Turpin's Studio
( 0692 28 03 03, 0262 31 73 64; 2 Route des Sources; 9am-6pm)
The sculptor, painter and print-
maker Philippe Turpin, who etches on copper and then rolls the prints off the inky plates,
has a studio that is open to the public. Turpin captures the wonder of Réunion in a fantast-
ical, almost medieval way; his renditions of the Cirques resemble illustrations of fairy
kingdoms.
GALLERY
La Roche Merveilleuse
(Marvellous Rock)
Head to the Marvellous Rock for an eagle-eye panorama of Cilaos. It's ac-
cessible on foot or by road. From Cilaos, take the road to Bras-Sec. The turn-off to La
Roche Merveilleuse is signposted on the left, after about 2km.
Bring a picnic - the setting is enchanting and there are a few kiosks (wooden shelters)
to protect picnickers from any rain.
LOOKOUT
A TOAST IS IN ORDER
You mustn't leave Cilaos without sampling a glass (or three) of
vin de Cilaos
(Cilaos wine). Not to be deprived of
their wine, the French brought vines with them to Réunion in the 17th century. They were originally grown along
the west coast, but in the late 19th century settlers introduced vines into the Cirques, cultivating them on trellises
outside their houses or on tiny terraces hacked out of the hillside. For years, the wines they produced were sugary
sweet whites, reminiscent of sherry and tawny port. In the late 1970s, however, a few enterprising growers in Cil-
aos upgraded their vine stock and began producing something far more palatable. In addition to sweet and dry
whites, growers now produce reds and rosés. They are not necessarily the most distinguished of wines but they're
improving in quality, especially the rosés.
Activities
Canyoning
Of the stellar spots for canyoning in Réunion, the Cilaos area tops the list, with three ma-
jor canyons that draw action-seekers like bees to a honey pot: Canyons de Gobert, Fleurs
Jaunes and Bras Rouge. All are very atmospheric; you can expect various jumps, leaps in-
to natural pools and jaw-dropping rappelling. Access to the canyons involves a prelimin-
ary five- to 45-minute hike. The time spent in the canyon is about three to five hours. The
most suitable canyons for beginners and families are Canyon de Gobert and Mini Fleurs
