Entre-Deux

Introducing Entre-Deux

This sweet little village high in the hills 18km north of St-Pierre got its name (which means ‘between two’) because it is situated between two rivers – the Bras de Cilaos and the Bras de la Plaine, which join to form the Rivière St-Étienne. Entre-Deux is a delightful place to stay and get a taste of rural life. It boasts a wealth of cases créoles, traditional country cottages surrounded by well-tended and fertile gardens, many of which are being restored. There’s also a strong tradition of local crafts, including natty slippers made from the leaves of an aloe-like plant called choca.

The tourist office (0262 39 69 80; ot.entredeux@wanadoo.fr; 9 Rue Fortuné Hoareau; 8am-5pm Mon-Sat) occupies a pretty case créole on the road into the village. Staff give guided visits (usually in French) of the village (adult/child €9/5) and can provide leaflets on walks in the region (including climbing Le Dimitile) and on local artisans.

Opportunities for hiking abound. Many visitors come here for the tough hike up the slopes of iconic Le Dimitile (1837m) to a sensational view over the Cirque de Cilaos. If you leave at dawn, the ascent and descent can be done in a single day. You should plan on at least eight hours, however, and unless you’re superhuman it’s preferable to stay at one of the two gîtes near the summit. The tourist office can provide information and sketch maps detailing the various routes.

Feeling lazy? Join a 4WD tour. Kreolie 4x4 (0262 39 50 87; www.kreolie4x4.com in French; 4 Impasse des Avocats) runs day trips that include Entre-Deux and the viewpoint at Le Dimitile (€92, including lunch). Guides are informative, providing interesting titbits on the area’s flora and fauna (in French).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009