Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
amazing variety of aromatic, edible, medicinal and decorative plants, and give insights in-
to local culture - unfortunately, only in French.
Thermal Bath
RUIN
Visitors can see the ruins of the old baths, which were in use until 1948. They are
found in a ravine a 10-minute walk west of town (walk past Le Relais des Cimes hotel;
it's signposted). It's a quiet and leafy spot.
Îlet-à-Vidot
( )
The landscape surrounding the hamlet of Îlet-à-Vidot, about 2km from Hell-Bourg,
is little short of breathtaking. The iconic, flat-topped Piton d'Enchaing, covered with thick
vegetation, seems to stand guard over the town.
VILLAGE
Rivière du Mât
From Îlet-à-Vidot, the asphalted road continues for about 2km until a small parking lot.
From here, a steep footpath leads in about 15 minutes to the Rivière du Mât valley. Cross
the footbridge and you'll soon reach a lovely picnic site by the river.
RIVER
Bé Mahot
About 3.5km from Hell-Bourg, Bé Mahot is a cute hamlet that's well worth visiting. With
its clunky, colourful Creole houses clinging on the hillside and fantastic vistas of the
Cirque, it's scenic to boot. There are several picnic sites along the road.
VILLAGE
HIKING IN HELL-BOURG
Not surprisingly, the Hell-Bourg area is an adventure playground for hiking enthusiasts, with a good selection of
day hikes. Hikers doing the Tour des Cirques (
Click here
) route will have to pass through Hell-Bourg as they
cross the Cirque de Salazie.
»
Hell-Bourg-Gîte de Bélouve - about four hours return, with 570m of altitude gain. From Gîte de Bélouve
(
Click here
)
, you can continue to the Trou de Fer viewpoint (seven hours return from Hell-Bourg).
»
Îlet-à-Vidot-Piton d'Enchaing - this soaring 1356m peak is a popular but challenging five- to six-hour hike (re-
turn), with 670m of altitude gain.
»
Hell-Bourg-Terre Plate-Source Manouilh-Îlet-à-Vidot-Hell-Bourg - an exhilarating six-hour loop, with a net
altitude gain of about 600m.
»
Hell-Bourg-Gîte du Piton des Neiges - a pleasant alternative to Cilaos if you're planning to hike up to Piton
des Neiges. Expect a tough seven-hour climb (one way), with a net altitude gain of 1470m.
