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Bras-Panon walks
The Bassin de la Mer from the Bassin de la Paix
Located on the Rivière des Roches, these two pools are very well known and always have water, even at the end of the dry season. The walk is a round trip from Bassin de la Paix to Bassin de la Mer via a very easy trail with numerous viewpoints, particularly over Bassin de la Mer, which is paradoxically located upstream. Ideal for children (under supervision, however). The ground is fairly clayey with few stones, except around the second pool.
The Bassin de la Mer and the Bassin des Aigrettes
The east of Réunion Island is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. Among these are the Mer and Aigrettes pools. They are amongst the best known on the island. This region is also notable for the surrounding vegetation, which remains green almost all year round. The walk is flat to begin with before becoming more challenging as you approach the Bassin des Aigrettes.
Cascade-Blanche
From the Pont-de-L'Escalier car park, take a path of about three and a half kilometres that will take you to Cascade-Blanche, the third highest waterfall in France.
The tour of the Grand Étang and the Bras d'Annette waterfalls
The natural reservoir of the Grand Étang allows you to spend a few hours walking in the woods and admiring one of the island's rare lakes. There are no difficulties except for a narrow passage between the cliff and the lake shore, which is secured by a handrail (and can be bypassed), and access to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls, with its narrow path and a few slightly high steps. But what a treat for the eyes, with several waterfalls and a pool that invites meditation and picnics.
Pools and waterfalls on the Sainte-Suzanne River
The Sainte-Suzanne River is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. This walk takes in all the waterfalls between Bassin Cannes and Bassin Pilon. Most of the walk consists of a constant succession of fairly steep ascents and descents, some of which are quite dizzying. No fewer than ten waterfalls and pools can be seen on this walk, which is fairly short in terms of kilometres but will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall from Salazie
An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.
Cap Anglais
A very challenging circular walk that takes you through the beautiful, colourful forest on the heights of Bélouve whilst offering splendid views across the entire Cirque de Salazie. The climb to Cap Anglais is gruelling and very difficult, and most of the elevation gain is on this section. Going the other way, the circular route is a little easier. The walk passes through the village of Hell-Bourg, where you can stock up on supplies. Allow a little extra time to visit the village.
Le Trou de Fer via the Bélouve lodge and the Allée Cavalière trail
Le Trou de Fer is an iconic location on Reunion Island. Countless waterfalls plunge into this immense and impressive cavity. Located in the east of Reunion, it is one of the wettest places on the island! It can be reached from Bras-Panon and from the Bélouve forest. From this dense forest, there are three possible access routes: via the Trou de Fer trail, the bridle path or the École Normale trail.
Bélouve Forest – Tamarinaie Trail
Although it is virtually impenetrable, the Bélouve Forest can be explored via a few more or less hidden trails. The Tamarinaie trail is certainly one of the most interesting. This circular route, starting from the Bélouve lodge, allows you to look out over the Salazie cirque and return to the start via the primary forest.
Please note: as of 24 June 2026, this trail is reportedly no longer passable.
Sainte-Suzanne – Cambuston
Twelfth stage, running close to the railway line. This stage is flat, but crossing the Sainte-Suzanne and Saint-Jean rivers may pose a problem for beginners. It is the second-shortest stage of the trek. This stage is divided into three sections: the first is urban, the second rural, and the third is urban again. However, there are fewer railway remains on this section, and those that are present have been left to fall into disrepair.
Crossing the Bélouve and Bébour forests, starting from Hell-Bourg
Crossing the forests of Bébourg and BélouveHiking in Réunion: Closed trailsview the decree
Hell Bourg and the Three Waterfalls
The village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful on the island. Many tourists come specifically to see its beautiful Creole houses and their ‘guétali’. The village is home to numerous museums and offers a wide range of accommodation options. This circular walk takes in the village’s main attractions; it is suitable for families, and the only challenging part is the round trip to the Trois Cascades: the path is a bit of a workout, but it’s a short climb and the site is enchanting.
From Hell-Bourg to Bélouve
The Cirque de Salazie is renowned for its hikes. The one linking Hell-Bourg to Bélouve is a classic. It climbs along a rampart for about 500 m of elevation gain. The climb is often winding and rarely difficult, although the slope is present almost all the way. Much of the hike is in the undergrowth. However, this climb offers sumptuous views of the entire cirque, with the final viewpoint at the lodge providing a spectacular finale.
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
The Cirque de Salazie is dominated by several peaks, including Piton Plaine des Fougères. Two trails, starting from the Plaine des Fougères, lead to the eponymous peak and form a circular route. The plain is home to countless tamarind trees, each as remarkable as the next. The return trail features a few information boards. The southernmost section runs alongside an imposing escarpment, offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Salazie.
The Trou de Fer from Hell-Bourg and a circular tour through the Belouve Forest
A lovely hike starting from the magnificent village of Hell-Bourg to reach the impressive Trou de Fer site, and a circular route to explore the Bélouve Primeval Forest.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
Bras Cabot botanical trail: arum circular
If you have between half an hour and 45 minutes to spend in the magnificent Bébour Forest, especially with children, here is a very pretty walk that starts in undergrowth filled with arums (ideal in hot, humid weather) and continues in an enchanted forest atmosphere with lichen, twisted trees, etc. Absolutely no difficulty walking.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
You reach the most legendary point of the Tour des Trois Cirques as you approach Piton des Neiges. The prettiest path, even if it is longer, goes through the Bélouve Forest with its splendid view of Piton des Neiges and its mountainous surroundings, and the primeval forest with its twisted trees and wild vegetation. As you arrive at the Caverne Dufour, there is a magnificent view of the Fournaise volcano and the other craters.
Circular route in the Terre Plate Forest from Hell-Bourg
A fairly technical circular route starting from the Creole village of Hell-Bourg in the Terre Plate Forest, offering beautiful panoramic views of the stunning Cirque de Salazie.
Piton des Songes
A small peak located in Plaine-des-Palmistes, the Piton des Songes is well known to Catholics, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross, the Glorious Cross and the statue of Our Lady of Hope situated at its foot. From its summit, it offers a stunning view over Plaine-des-Palmistes. This family-friendly route takes you all the way round the hill and introduces you to birds and plant species endemic to Réunion.
The glorious cross of Piton des Songes
If you're worried about a more "challenging" hike, here's a short circular that allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Plaine des Palmistes and a quick but exciting exploration of the forest.
The Trail of 58 Native Plants
As its name suggests, this trail offers the chance to discover plants endemic to Réunion. Furthermore, the Piton des Songes is a place much favoured by the religious, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross. At the summit of the piton, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Plaine des Palmistes!
The Sentier de l’Échelle
This family-friendly circular walk is situated in the hills above Saint-Denis. It can be completed in under an hour but does feature steep slopes with very high steps! This walk offers the chance to spot species endemic to the island, and much of the path is shaded. The path is regularly maintained by a local charity. The southernmost section, however, is in the open and offers magnificent views of the north of the island.
Sainte-Marie – Sainte-Suzanne
The eleventh stage of the walk takes you right alongside the railway line. This stage is short and very easy. It is also the only section where you’ll follow the entire route of the railway line. This section is regularly used by joggers. The path runs fairly close to the coast and occasionally offers some lovely views of the sea. There are also numerous railway remains along this section.
Circular walk through the Plaine des Cafres Forest
The Plaine des Cafres region is brimming with walking routes. This one is among the muddiest on the island. However, it takes you around the Forêt Départemento-Domaniale, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as you pass through pastures, primary forests, cryptomeria woodlands and then branles. The slopes are sometimes steep on this circular route, and the vegetation here is exceptionally rich and still well-preserved. You should, however, set off early in the morning to avoid the clouds.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.
Dufour Cave - Cilaos
Due to a typhoon passing near the island, bad weather prevented us from climbing to Piton des Neiges. So we descended directly to Cilaos from the Dufour cave refuge.
Caverne Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Cilaos
It is on this final day that you reach the legendary summit of Piton des Neiges at sunrise. The descent in broad daylight offers a breathtaking view of this volcanic desert, which is gradually becoming covered in vegetation. The long descent towards Cilaos, following the other side of Piton des Neiges, takes you through a fascinating nature reserve.
Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg
A gruelling hike (in terms of duration), with a night-time ascent of Piton des Neiges to watch the sunrise, a return to the refuge to collect your rucksack, then a descent to Hell Bourg. Consider spending a day in Hell Bourg and visiting the ancient thermal baths.
Cilaos le Bloc - Dufour Refuge
A gruelling 4-hour climb over log steps or very slippery boulders leading to the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour.
Piton des Neiges and Coteau Kervéguen
The ascent of Piton des Neiges, the highest point on the island of Réunion (and in the entire Indian Ocean), offers a unique 360° panorama. This is a popular hike, for which we suggest a less travelled descent route.
Bonnet de Prêtre, Cilaos
This short walk around Cilaos allows you to appreciate the area’s rich vegetation and varied terrain. It is suitable for everyone and can be combined with a visit to Cilaos.
From the Plateau des Chênes to La Roche Merveilleuse
La Roche Merveilleuse offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Cilaos. It would be a shame to miss it. There are a few trails here and there that allow you to hike peacefully around the viewpoint. There is even a discovery trail. The proposed hike is not particularly difficult.
More walks in Bras-Panon
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