Cilaos, Mountain commune in Réunion, France
Cilaos is a mountain settlement in Réunion located inside a caldera at 1,214 meters elevation, surrounded by steep slopes and high peaks. The place features natural hot springs and is accessed through winding roads that descend into the isolated valley.
Settlement started around 1850 when a spa station was established to take advantage of the hot springs. The place gradually grew into a destination for visitors seeking the therapeutic waters throughout the following decades.
The embroidery tradition of Cilaos took root in the early 1900s and remains visible in local shops where artisans continue to create detailed needlework. Visitors can observe craftspeople at work and purchase handmade pieces that reflect generations of skill.
The settlement is accessible only by a winding mountain road that requires careful driving and takes several hours from the coast. Visitors should expect cool, wet weather and bring layers and rain gear, especially during the damp season.
In January 1966 the settlement received approximately 1,800 millimeters of rain in a single day, setting a global record at the time. This extraordinary downpour illustrates how intense the weather can become in this remote mountain region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
