Refine your search for walks in Caverne de la Glacière
Caverne de la Glacière walks
Le Grand Bénare from Le Maïdo
Visorando Member
10.54 mi
+2,431 ft
-2,454 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
There are several notable peaks on Réunion. Two of them rise above 3,000 metres: Gros Morne and Piton des Neiges. The third is none other than Grand Bénare. The latter is accessible from several points. The routes via Le Grand Bord and La Glacière are the easiest. It is advisable to take the outward route via Le Grand Bord to enjoy the views over Mafate before the clouds roll in. The summit offers a 360-degree view, and the return via La Glacière adds a touch of history.
Le Grand Bénare via the Tamarin Lodge
Tourist office
9.30 mi
+3,629 ft
-3,629 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Le Grand Bénare is an iconic peak on the island. The approach via the Tamarin Lodge is much more strenuous than from Le Maïdo. You’ll need calves of steel to tackle the inevitable sharp rocks. The views are spectacular, and this is the case well before you reach the summit. The climb is steady and the elevation gain is quite significant. The route through the Caverne de la Glacière and the various shafts encountered during the ascent add an extra dimension to this hike.
La Glacière from Le Maïdo
6.74 mi
+1,178 ft
-1,201 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion was for a long time a place of slavery. In Madame Desbassins’s day, ice was stored at the Caverne de la Glacière. As she enjoyed serving syrup to her guests, the slaves were tasked with walking several tens of kilometres between the Glacière and her estate in Villèle. Today, the site is more easily accessible from Le Maïdo via a very stony track.
Caverne de la Glacière via the Tamarin Lodge
4.82 mi
+2,300 ft
-2,300 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
The Grand Bénare area is known for its cool or sub-zero temperatures in winter. During this period, ice forms in the ravines. In the past, ice was stored in wells and in the Caverne de la Glacière. The route via the Maïdo is accessible to everyone and is very easy. However, reaching the cave via the Tamarin Lodge is a more challenging alternative, reserved for those with very strong calves.
Maïdo, Grand Bénare, from Vaudeville to Trois Bassins
23.51 mi
+5,712 ft
-5,705 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Set off on an epic hike in the Hauts de Trois-Bassins! Starting from the Vaudeville trail, head to Maïdo, continue to the legendary Grand Bénare, then return via Petit Bénare for an unforgettable circular tour in the heart of Réunion's mountains. Breathtaking panoramas of Mafate, legendary peaks and endemic forest!
Walks near Caverne de la Glacière
Marla - Roche Plate
5.15 mi
+1,037 ft
-2,726 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 3 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we’ll make our way from Marla to Roche Plate via the superb site of the 3 Roches. It is here that the Galets River disappears into an impressive crevasse.
The Roche Plate site is situated directly below the Maïdo viewpoint.
Marla – Rivière des Galets
1.27 mi
+0 ft
-1,056 ft
0h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
After crossing the Col du Taïbit, which offers a magnificent view of the cirques of Cilaos and Mafate, this challenging descent towards the Rivière des Galets allows you to continue exploring the southern part of the Mafate cirque. This stage can be included in a multi-day route.
Marla - Cilaos
2.65 mi
+1,588 ft
-2,687 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.
La Nouvelle – Hell-Bourg
10.81 mi
+3,156 ft
-4,724 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A lovely walk – long but not too difficult, apart from the climb up and descent from the Col de Fourche.
Roche Plate - Marla
5.01 mi
+2,680 ft
-968 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.
Roche Plate – Grand Place
6.56 mi
+2,897 ft
-4,016 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 4 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we set off from Roche Plate and head for Grand Place les Hauts, passing through the hamlets of Les Orangers, Les Lataniers and Cayenne.
At a place known as La Brèche, we’ll cross the path leading up to Le Maïdo.
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier
4.09 mi
+1,926 ft
-1,227 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.
Roche Plate – La Nouvelle
5.03 mi
+2,923 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A stage made all the more enjoyable by the unforgettable setting of the Trois Roches.
Cilaos – La Nouvelle
6.40 mi
+3,691 ft
-3,163 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
This is the first stage of a 3-day route in the Cirque de Mafate. It follows well-known trails and takes you to La Nouvelle, the largest îlet in Mafate, through idyllic countryside surrounded by the impressive peaks of Piton des Neiges and the Trois Salazes.
