Caverne Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Cilaos

(S) Leave the Caverne Dufour lodge by 4.00 am at the latest to reach the summit before sunrise (around 6.00 am in autumn). Begin the ascent by headlamp along the very stony path, parts of which have been roughly carved into steps. White markings on the rocks make it easy to follow the path. As you approach the summit, in good weather, the sky clears and turns pink towards the east. A marker indicating the summit is located at the top.

(1) Sheltered by the rocks, wait for the sun to rise fully and admire the 360° panorama. Red rocks alternate with black ones, and jagged peaks stand out all around. Below, to the east, you can see the Indian Ocean, and further down to the south-west, the town of Cilaos.

Head back down the same path, taking in a landscape that is initially arid before giving way to sparse vegetation in the morning sun. To the south-east, the Piton de la Fournaise and its surrounding craters come into view. Make your way to the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour.

After a breakfast break, begin the descent towards Cilaos until you reach the first junction of paths.

(2) Continue straight along the path towards Le Bloc, leaving the path on the left. After a stunning view of the Piton des Neiges, the path begins a rapid, zigzagging descent down the mountainside. A long descent, consisting of steep steps, then begins, passing through increasingly dense vegetation.

(3) On reaching the Matarun Nature Reserve, beautiful plant species and flowers line the path. Continue descending steeply until you emerge from the forest and reach the Route de Bras Sec.

(4) Turn right onto Route du Bras Sec and carry on past the junction with Chemin de la Roche Merveilleuse. Immediately after this, you’ll find the start of a footpath on the left.

(5) Take this path on the left, which passes through a lovely forest and bypasses part of the road before rejoining it.

(6) Turn left back onto the Route de Bras Sec and continue along it to Cilaos. Pass the spa and, a few bends further on, cross in front of the church. At the roundabout, take the small road on the right leading to the car park (E).

It is in this car park that you’ll find the car you left nine days earlier, and this is where the circular Three Cirques loop comes to an end.

For the Caverne Dufour refuge, bring a sleeping bag or duvet as only a duvet is provided.
Bring warm clothing as it is cold at the summit of Piton des Neiges around 5 am.
Bring a head torch for the night-time ascent.
Bring water with you, as the water at Caverne Dufour is generally not drinkable.

The magical view of the sunrise at the summit of Piton des Neiges.