Cilaos is well worth the journey. Nestled at 1,200 meters above sea level in the heart of the island, this impressive cirque attracts hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers and foodies. To get there, you’ll need to drive along the famous road of 400 bends from Saint-Louis - an adventure in itself. Renting a car with Tropicar is almost essential if you want to experience Cilaos in the best possible way.
The road leading to Cilaos is part of the destination’s charm. Driving it at your own pace with your own vehicle allows you to enjoy the many viewpoints along the way. Plan stops to admire La Roche Merveilleuse or the narrow road to Îlet à Cordes. Without a car, this trip would be much more restrictive, especially with the limited schedules of public transport.
Once there, you can freely explore the village center, stroll down the main street, visit the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges church or relax by the Mare à Joncs. On Sunday mornings, the Cilaos market is the perfect opportunity to discover local lentils, wine, embroidery and handicrafts. Having a car makes it easy to move between these scattered spots.
Cilaos is also a major starting point for many hiking trails, including the path to Piton des Neiges. With your Tropicar rental car, you can easily reach the trailheads, the embroidery house, or the Cilaos thermal baths located slightly outside the village. Renting a car with Tropicar gives you the freedom to explore Cilaos without constraints, entirely at your own pace.