Mountain biking in Cilaos by campervan
53 km of marked trails, vertigo-inducing panoramas over the cirque ramparts and electric assistance to spare you the climbs: mountain biking in Cilaos is a must-do experience.
Nestled at 1,200 metres above sea level in the heart of its namesake cirque, Cilaos is one of the most spectacular mountain-biking spots in Réunion Island. Surrounded by dizzying ramparts, the village offers an exceptional network of marked trails, from the family route to the big loop for seasoned riders.
With your campervan, you can sleep in the heart of the cirque the night before, hit the trails at dawn with the golden morning light, then carry on with a night at altitude or head back down to the coast. This guide explains everything: where to rent a bike, which routes to choose, where to sleep and our best tips.
Why go mountain biking in Cilaos?
Cilaos is not a cirque like any other. It’s a natural amphitheatre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ringed by 1,500-metre cliffs and dominated by the Piton des Neiges (3,070 m), the highest point in the Indian Ocean. Mountain biking in this setting is an experience few places in the world can offer.
The local network includes around ten marked circuits totalling 53 km, from the short 1.5 km route (Petit Matarum, family-friendly) to the Grande Boucle de Cilaos (20 km, very demanding). Each trail crosses different landscapes: tamarind forests, vineyard terraces, lentil fields, Creole hamlets and natural viewpoints.
With modern electric-assist mountain bikes, you no longer need to be an athlete: the assistance helps you on the climbs while keeping the pleasure of pedalling. Cilaos becomes accessible to everyone.
Cilaos is one of the 3 cirques of Réunion Island, along with Mafate and Salazie. It’s the only one accessible by car (and therefore by campervan), via the famous 400-bend road from Saint-Louis. A challenge in itself.
Where to rent your bike in Cilaos
Several rental shops are based in the village centre. Our recommendation goes to Tof’Bike, at 68 rue du Père Boiteau, in the heart of Cilaos. The shop is run by Christophe Payet, a former Réunionese cycling champion, which guarantees both quality equipment and spot-on advice on the trails.
The shop offers high-end electric-assist mountain bikes (Scott and KTM) by the half-day or full day, with a detailed trail map provided. You pick up your bike, set off on your own, and come back whenever you like.
Booking recommended on weekends and during school holidays — electric bikes go fast, especially in high season.
Call or email the evening before to book your bike and set the pick-up time. Christophe knows the trails by heart and can point you to the circuit that matches your level and the time you have.
The must-ride trails
Here’s a selection of the most memorable routes to explore by electric mountain bike:
Petit Matarum (1.5 km — very easy) — The ideal ride to warm up and test the bike. A short loop around the lake and the crops, with views of the ramparts. Perfect with children.
Bras-Sec loop (8 km — intermediate) — Crossing hamlets and farming terraces, with a plunging view over the Bras de Cilaos gorges. Very photogenic at sunrise.
Îlet à Cordes (12 km — demanding) — The great classic. You ride along the eastern rampart of the cirque to Îlet à Cordes, perched above the void. 360° view guaranteed and a technical descent on the way back.
Grande Boucle de Cilaos (20 km — very demanding) — The ultimate challenge. The full tour of the cirque, passing through the Taïbit pass and the best viewpoints. Allow a good half-day. For experienced riders only, even with assistance.
Riding in Cilaos at sunrise means having the cirque to yourself. The clouds often stay in the valley, the ramparts glow in the golden light, and the electric assistance lets you enjoy the scenery rather than suffer.
Which level for which trail
Cilaos is for everyone, as long as you choose the right route. Here’s how to place yourself:
Family with children (8 and over) — Stick to Petit Matarum or easy sections of Bras-Sec. Allow 1 to 2 hours of relaxed riding. Electric assistance lets children keep up without wearing themselves out.
Occasional sporty couple — The Bras-Sec loop or a return trip to Îlet à Cordes (without the technical descent) is the ideal format. 2 to 3 hours, elevation handled by the assistance, beautiful panoramas guaranteed.
Experienced mountain bikers — Take on the Grande Boucle or chain several circuits in a day. Cilaos then offers an unlimited playground, with technical descents on trails and forest tracks.
Even with electric assistance, Cilaos remains a mountain environment with significant elevation gain. Bring water (1.5 L minimum per person), a snack, and keep an eye on the weather: showers come quickly and trails can become slippery.
Where to sleep by campervan in Cilaos
Sleeping in Cilaos the night before your MTB outing is highly recommended: you save more than an hour of driving in the morning and you enjoy sunrise in the cirque, one of the most beautiful sights in Réunion Island.
Several options to park your campervan:
• The village centre — Several areas let you park a campervan overnight, right next to the shops and the rental shop. Convenient but can be busy in high season.
• Bras-Sec — A hamlet 5 km above Cilaos, quieter. Magnificent view when you wake up.
• Îlet à Cordes — For the more adventurous, sleeping right up there offers a unique experience. The road is narrow and winding, but the sunset is worth every detour.
At 1,200 m altitude, nights in Cilaos are cool: 10 to 15°C in the austral winter (June-August), sometimes less. Bring a warm sleeping bag and clothing for the morning before the sun warms the cirque.
Everything you need to know before setting off
A recap of the key points for a successful MTB outing in Cilaos by campervan:
Best season
May to October (austral winter). Clear skies and ideal temperatures for riding.
Start time
Set off early (7-8 am) to enjoy the cool air and avoid the afternoon mist.
Hydration
Minimum 1.5 L of water per person. A few water points in the hamlets.
What to bring
Helmet (provided), sunscreen, windbreaker, energy snack, smartphone.
Access road
RN5 from Saint-Louis: 400 bends, allow 1h30. Avoid in case of a cyclone.
Mobile network
Good in the village, patchy in the heights. Offline maps recommended.
Tof’Bike
Our go-to bike partner in Cilaos. Christophe Payet, a former cycling champion, rents you high-end Scott and KTM electric mountain bikes with a detailed trail map. Tailored advice to match the route to your level.
Ready to live this adventure?
Book your campervan and combine a night in Cilaos, a day of mountain biking in the cirque and a scenic return via the 400-bend road.
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