City of Cilaos

Located in the heart of Reunion, the city of Cilaos extends its territory in its natural circus formed by the Piton des Neiges. Surrounded by the various municipalities in the north, west and south, the municipality of Cilaos has about 5,500 inhabitants for an area of 84.4 km2.

Presentation of the city of Cilaos

In the 18th century, Cilaos was first a refuge for chestnuts, slaves on the run taking advantage of the difficult access to the town. Unfortunately, they were quickly found by the “chestnut hunters” and many perished in this run.

Uninhabited for almost 100 years, Cilaos became populated in 1835 with the arrival of modest settlers who cultivated lentils and others. fruits and vegetables. The first owners settled at the beginning of the 20th century. A road was built in 1932 to facilitate traffic and Cilaos became a municipality in 1965.

Epicenter of Reunion, Cilaos is a spa town in the middle of the circus, living mainly from tourism, cultivation of lentils, vines and renowned for its embroidery. Around it, we find some neighborhoods:

• Palmiste Rouge in the south, which is the second most populous village in the town;
• Bras Sec to the east next to the rampart of Kerveguen with a few lodges and guest rooms;
• Ilet à Cordes to the west, made up of houses and fields of lentils as far as the eye can see.

What to do in town in Cilaos?

Visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church, which has been listed as a historical monument since 2000. Its construction is fairly recent, beginning in 1937 and ending in 1942. It is the only parish to have a carillon and concerts there. are regularly given.

Meet at the thermal baths of Cilaos for a moment of relaxation in its sources. On the program, relaxing massages, hydromassage bath, jacuzzi or hammam. The Cilaos covered market awaits you every morning from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the fairground market is present every Sunday morning.

Do not leave Cilaos without having tasted its famous dish of lentils and sausages and its pei wine which is the pride of the town.

If you go in October do not miss the famous Cilaos lentil festival

Top accommodations in Cilaos

• Hotel des Neiges
• Hotel le Cilaos
• Tsilaosa hotel

Top Restaurants in Cilaos

• The flavors workshop
• The Pleasure Moment
• The Pearl of the Lake

To see in the town of Cilaos

• Piton des Neiges
• The Cirque of Cilaos
• Church of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges

To find out more about the city of Cilaos and its municipality, visit the website Cilaos town hall