Piton de la Croix sits just above the village of Cilaos and offers one of the easiest high viewpoints in the cirque. The trail is short and well-marked, starting near the town center and climbing gently through pine trees before reaching the summit. From the top, you can see across the rooftops of Cilaos and all the way to the ridges surrounding Piton des Neiges.

It’s a quiet place, rarely crowded, even though it’s close to town. The cross at the summit marks the spot where locals often come to sit, reflect, or enjoy the morning light before the mist rolls in. It’s not dramatic, but it’s peaceful and worth the short effort.

👉 Hike up at sunrise with a thermos of coffee. It’s one of the calmest moments you’ll experience in Cilaos.