Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
CLIMBING PITON DES NEIGES
The mind-boggling ascent to Réunion's highest point (3070m) is vigorous, but the 360-degree panorama at the
summit is worth the effort. It's usually done in two days, with an overnight stay in
Gîte de la Caverne Dufour
(
0262 51 15 26; dm €17, breakfast/dinner €5/15) , reached after three hours from the start of the path at Le
Bloc, between Cilaos and Bras-Sec (it's signposted). From the
gîte
, the summit is reached after about 1½ hours
amid lunar landscapes. Hard-core hikers may want to complete the round trip in one day (about 10 hours).
Tof Bike
MOUNTAIN BIKING
( 0692 01 90 80; 68 Rue du Père Boiteau; half/full day €14/19; 8.30am-noon & 2.30-6pm Mon-Sat, 8.30am-
noon Sun)
This outfit rents out mountain bikes in tip-top condition and gives advice on vari-
ous circuits.
Festivals & Events
Cilaos has two great rural fairs, the
Fête de la Vigne
(Wine Harvest Festival) in January and
the
Fête des Lentilles
(Festival of Lentils) in October. The
Cross du Piton des Neiges
(running race
to the Piton des Neiges) is held in October.
Sleeping
Cilaos has ample choice of accommodation options, but it can become crowded at week-
ends and during the tourist season.
La Case Bleue
GÎTE
€
( 0692 65 74 96;
www.gitecasebleue.com
; 15 Rue Alsace Corré; dm/d €15/40)
An excellent deal, this
gîte
d'étape
(walkers' lodge) occupies an attractive Creole house painted in blue. Top marks
go to the light-filled dorm, the back-friendly mattresses, the salubrious bathrooms and the
impeccable communal kitchen. There's also a smallish double with its own entrance and
bathrooms - ideal for couples, although it opens onto the dorm's terrace, which may be
noisy if the
gîte
is full. Meals (breakfast €6, dinner €20) come in for warm praise and the
owners are well clued up on hiking in the Cirque. There are only 10 beds, so book ahead.
Le Calbanon
GÎTE
€
