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Access: the hike starts in the Cirque de Salazie towards Hell Bourg. On the way, you will pass through the villages of Grand Îlet and Le Bélier. Take the Haut Mafate forest road to reach the Col des Bœufs car park, located at an altitude of over 1,900 metres. The car park is at Col des Bœufs. Bus from Monday to Saturday, line 82 C.
(S/E) Continue along the track that extends from the forest road until you reach a crossroads.
(1) Leave the track that descends and continue towards the pass and its viewpoint.
(2) Take a short 10-minute walk to the Col des Bœufs oratory to enjoy a panoramic view of the cirques of Mafate and Salazie, as well as Piton Maïdo and the town of Le Port in the background. The hike continues with a descent of about 45 minutes, offering views of Mafate and the Plaine des Tamarins. Further on, leave the path leading to the Col de Fourche on your left and reach the Plaine des Tamarins crossroads.
(3) Continue straight ahead. The trail becomes flat, crossing through magnificent forest vegetation dominated by the tamarin des hauts, an endemic species. This is a peaceful spot, ideal for a break. Continue to a crossroads at the tamarins des hauts.
(4) Ignore the path on the left. Continue straight ahead at the next crossroads to reach La Nouvelle, a peaceful hamlet nestled at an altitude of 1,450 metres, renowned for its gentle way of life.
(5) You can stop here for lunch and admire the church and colourful Creole huts. Keen hikers can choose to continue towards the hamlets of Marla (4 km away) and Roche Plate, with the option of visiting the Trois Roches waterfall on the way. Return to the car park (S/E) via the same route in reverse.
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Very difficult 
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