Heading towards Peter Both from the Pavillon

When you reach the hamlet of Le Pavillon, coming from Saint-Louis, cross the metal bridge; the road then passes between the two or three houses that make up the hamlet.
Above these houses, less than 50 metres away, a very wide track on your left allows you to park without obstructing access to the EDF site.
To the right of the road to Cilaos is the bus stop.

(S/E) Follow the first circular tarmac road bend uphill to find, in the dip of the second circular bend, a path signposted with a sign reading “Le Pavillon – alt 405m, Îlet-Haut 1h00”.

(1) This recently resurfaced path takes you downhill to cross the “Petit Bras de Cilaos” stream, then climbs very steeply for an hour to reach Îlet-Haut (signposted).

(2) The main path is well signposted on the descent and winds its way between the houses; all other access routes are private. There are no signposts in Îlet-Haut.

(3) Once over the ridge, the path follows the 730-metre contour line, offering some very pretty views of the Pitons de Cilaos.

(4) Due to a lack of time, we stopped at this final viewpoint before descending into the ravine, but the path continues towards Peter Both without any difficulty other than the descent.
The return journey follows the same route (S/E).

No water sources. You’ll need to cross the Petit Bras de Cilaos at the start and on the way back – take care if the water is flowing strongly.
A makeshift lodge (still in use??) at Îlet-Haut.
Low-cut walking shoes are sufficient; walking poles are useful. The climb begins immediately and takes an hour. Avoid this route in wet weather – it’s slippery! – but it is doable...

Private property must be avoided; the locals are friendly but do not appreciate trespassing on private land.
Take great care with your walking poles and shoes not to damage the water supply pipes running along the path – it’s a matter of survival here.

Our car journey took us to Cilaos, so the hiking break was most welcome.
Please note that this walking route ended at the last viewpoint, before the descent into the ravine; if you have time, you can do the round trip to Peter Both. In that case, allow around 5 hours.

However, having spoken to locals, it may be more efficient in terms of elevation gain and quicker in terms of time to take the No. 60 bus from Saint-Pierre, get off at Peter Both at elevation 874, hike via Îlet-Haut to Le Pavillon, and then take the No. 60 bus back to Cilaos or return to Saint-Pierre, as there’s a bus stop at Le Pavillon. It’s simply a one-way hike in the opposite direction, but shorter and more complete.

A quick reminder about the bus stops: mention this to the bus driver at the start of the journey and clap your hands when you arrive at Peter Both – he’ll stop at elevation 874. It’s magical!