Cirque de Cilaos

城市概覽

History The name Cilaos is traced back to the Malagasy Tsilaosa, which means something like "someone you don't leave" or "place where you're safe": The first inhabitants of the basin were slaves who had escaped from the sugar cane plantations on the coast in the 18th century ("Noirs marrons"). After the end of slavery, impoverished sages ("petits blancs") also immigrated.

Landscape The crater of the Cirque de Cilaos has a diameter of approximately 11 km, and the valley floor is at an altitude of approximately 1200 metres. The region is drained by the Bayonne Gorge.

Flora and fauna

Climate

如何抵達

By car Access by car is only possible on the extremely winding RN 5 from the south from Saint-Louis, Saint-Pierre.

By hiking

The neighbouring Cirque de Mafate crater basin on the northwest side (which has no road and only accessible on foot and from the air anyway) can be reached by hiking on the hiking trail sGR R1 and GR R2 over the Col du Taïbit pass (2142 m). Total walking time to Marla (first place in the Cirque de Mafate) takes approximately 5 hours, can be shortened by a good two hours with the local bus Pastel (line to Îlet à Cordes, stop Col du Taïbit). The Cirque de Salazie crater basin on the northeast side can be reached on the GR R1 hiking trail via the ascent to the Caverne Dufour hut on the Piton des Neiges and from there then further to the northwest as a hike.

當地交通

The operator for the bus routes in the valley basin is the CIVIS association of cities .

體驗活動

Hiking

The trails can be accessed from Saint-Louis by the road of 420 bends (route aux 420 virages). Whilst in this welcoming village sat at the foot of the Piton des Neiges cliff, be sure not to miss the embroidery museum (musée de la broderie).

Cilaos. A paradise for hikers of all abilities. With the circuit of the volcano, the most famous hike is most definitely the ascent of the Piton des Neiges. To make the most of the hike, be sure to be well-equipped: solid hiking footwear, water, cereal bars, dried fruits, an IGN map of the St-Pierre region, and a second pair of lighter sandals for severe weather or downpours. The tracks are very well marked-out and maintained, making it fairly difficult to get lost. The remaining hiking time (for the competent walker) is also marked on each signpost. To get warmed up first, start out with an easy walk (such as the Bras-Rouge waterfall) before tackling a visit to Mafate (Marla by the Taïbit pass) or the Piton des Neiges. Cilaos is also a passing point of the GR1 and GR2 hiking trails. La Roche Merveilleuse is a rocky headland in the heart of the forest, where you will be greeted by a stunning panoramic view across the cirque and its villages. It can be reached by car in 15 minutes on tarmacked roads. Get here by taking the route du Bras-Sec and follow signs for the forêt de cryptomérias (Japanese cedar forest). Ilet-à-Cordes. Nestled on a clearing at the foot of the Grand-Bénare, Ilet-à-Cordes was one a popular sanctuary for indigenous "Noirs marrons". Nowadays it is dedicated to agriculture (lentils, citrus fruits and wine-growing). It is a well-earned place to rest up after a journey along the mountainside, where locals extend a warm welcome to visitors and gladly engage in conversation about their daily lives. Another place to stop by is the old thermal baths at the Bras-Rouge waterfall. The journey leaves a little further up from la Chapelle, approximately 5 hours. La cascade de Bras-Rouge. Found in the Bras-Rouge