Visiting Cirque de Salazie
According to various linguists, the name Salazie likely translates to tripod for a cooking pot or good campsite in the Malagasy language. In practice, Cirque de Salazie is one of the three major cirques on Réunion. Located in the northern part of the island, the only road access is from Saint-André. Despite this, it remains the most accessible cirque on the island, with visitors able to reach it from the coast in about thirty minutes. Often described as less rugged than Mafate, Cirque de Salazie feels more traditional than Cilaos, making it a balanced choice for travelers. This village, set deep within emerald-green mountains, offers a striking visual experience. It is worth taking the time to explore Cirque de Salazie to get a genuine sense of the local culture on Réunion.
Greenery as far as the eye can see
It is a lesser-known fact that Cirque de Salazie is one of the wettest places on Earth. This explains why the vegetation is so lush and vibrant, punctuated by gigantic waterfalls. The climate is perfect for growing chouchous, local vegetables that Réunion residents frequently serve as a side dish. The cirque itself encompasses several small villages and hamlets worth visiting. Hell-Bourg, for example, is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This designation is well-earned, as Cirque de Salazie still preserves superb Creole houses and gardens that define the island's character. Whether you come for the dramatic landscapes or the architectural heritage, Cirque de Salazie is a mandatory stop for any traveler visiting the island.
This is without a doubt the most beautiful place I could have visited on Reunion Island. On vacation for two weeks to go see my daughter who lives there, I was lucky enough to drive right into the middle of this cirque. Even the drive itself is a feast for the eyes. Lush vegetation combined with magnificent waterfalls make this spot the most beautiful place on the island (in my opinion, of course...). So yes, the lagoon at Saint-Gilles is very pleasant or the turtles at Kelonia are very endearing, but the Cirque de Salazie, with its little villages, totally won me over. There are even some short hikes for people who are no longer able to do hikes that last several hours.