UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 2010, the three cirques of La Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie — concentrate the tropical and volcanic soul of the island. For your guests who picked your La Réunion property, an outing into the cirques is a must. Here is a short guide to advise them, and to understand what makes this nature unique in the world.
Three cirques born from a single collapsed volcano
The cirques of La Réunion are remnants of the collapse of Piton des Neiges, a former volcano that once peaked at 3,070 m. Ringed by dizzying ramparts, crossed by rivers and ravines, dotted with perched villages and iconic pitons, they offer a striking diversity of landscapes. UNESCO inscribed them alongside Piton de la Fournaise, the still-active volcano, within La Réunion National Park.
Mafate: the cirque only reachable on foot
Mafate is the wildest and most iconic cirque. No road leads to it: it is reachable only by foot or helicopter. Its ten hamlets (îlets — Marla, La Nouvelle, Roche-Plate, Aurère, Grand-Place, Cayenne, Îlet à Bourse, Îlet à Malheur, Lataniers, Îlet des Orangers) host a few hundred permanent residents and dozens of mountain lodges for hikers.
Advice for your guests: plan 2 to 4 days for a proper traverse. Lodge booking is essential weeks ahead in high season. FFRP trail guides are available, and local hiking guides are strongly recommended for beginners.
Cilaos: the cirque of thermal water and wine
Cilaos is reached via the mythical 420-bend road from Saint-Louis. The town of Cilaos, perched at 1,200 m altitude, is known for its thermal springs, its wine (the only tropical vineyard of metropolitan France), its embroidery and its cabri-massalé cheese. Piton des Neiges is reachable from Cilaos via Le Bloc.
Advice for your guests: scenic but winding road — plan 2 hours from Saint-Pierre, 2h30 from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Overnight stay required before the Piton des Neiges climb (departure at 2-3 a.m. for sunrise).
Salazie: the green cirque and the Bridal Veil waterfall
Salazie is the wettest and most lush cirque. The Hell-Bourg road, the village classified among the most beautiful villages of France, runs through spectacular landscapes: the Voile de la Mariée (Bridal Veil) waterfall, Mare à Poule d’Eau, authentic Creole guesthouses. Hell-Bourg is also a starting point for hikes toward Piton des Neiges and the highlands.
Advice for your guests: 1h30 from Saint-Denis, easy road. Ideal for a day trip. Authentic Creole restaurants (cari chicken, rougail saucisse, chouchou gratin). Wetter weather than the other cirques — warm clothing and a windbreaker recommended.
When to go?
The dry season (April to November) is ideal for hiking: cool temperatures at altitude (10-20°C), dry trails, maximum visibility. December to March is the rainy season — muddy trails, risk of landslides, possible temporary closures. For guests who want to truly walk in the cirques, advise the May-September window, with a sweet spot in July-August for the mildest temperatures.
Why it is an asset for your short-term rental
Travellers who choose La Réunion often come for this exceptional volcanic nature. Highlighting the proximity of your property to the cirques’ trailheads — Saint-Denis for Salazie, Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul for Cilaos, Sainte-Suzanne or Le Port for Mafate — can lift your booking rate and average basket.
Yes Conciergerie updates your listing with these specific location strengths, recommends trail guides, provides practical info to your guests in their welcome booklet and can even connect them to local hiking guides. Discover our service in La Réunion.
