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Access: From Saint-Paul, head towards Plateau-Caillou then Le Guillaume, where you’ll need to take the Route du Maïdo. Park in the car park on the left, located near the final bend at the end of the road.
(S/E) Take the path heading towards Ti Col and Ilet Alcide. Atthe first junction, go straight on towards Ti Col along a narrow path overgrown with prickly European gorse: long sleeves are recommended for this section. Other sections, however, are quite steep on basalt ground but offer remarkable views of the ocean and the Cirque de Mafate.
When you reach asecond junction, turn right to quickly reach Ti Col.
Take a moment here to enjoy the view of Mafate.
(1) Start the long descent to the right towards Mafate and La Brèche via the Roche Plate path. The descent begins with switchbacks before skirting the cliff along a flat, narrow and vertiginous section with sweeping views of Piton Bérone and Ilet des Orangers. Continue down the steeper descent with switchbacks and pebbles to reach the edge of the caldera.
(2) Turn right towards the viewpoint. This is reached quickly after a few steep steps. From here, you can see Le Bronchard and the remaining route ahead. Return to the previous junction and keep right to continue the descent via the switchbacks.
(3) Reach a ridge along which the path runs, marked by a cross. After the ridge, the path is drier but remains technical due to the numerous pebbles. The slope becomes slightly steeper at Ravine la Brèche. Reach the Brèche junction and the GRR2 and R3 trails.
(4) Then head right towards Roche Plate. The view from this point is stunning. The first few metres are, however, dizzying. Cables can provide reassurance on this section. Some sections consist of steps. The path quickly enters a forest of casuarina trees and passes close to a few old settlements where only the stone walls remain. Pass to the west of Piton de Roche Plate. Arrive at the first lodges of Roche Plate. Ignore all the paths leading to the lodges and houses and stay on the main path towards La Nouvelle.
Walk past the school in Roche Plate.
(5) Continue on to the GR®® junction. Take the left-hand path, which is the GRR2. Continue towards La Nouvelle. Cross the Ravine Anny. Shortly afterwards, you’ll reach another junction near a lodge. Keep left on theGR®®. Ignore the path leading right to Roche Plate Church and keep left on a path that runs alongside the houses. This path then climbs slightly.
(6) Ignore another path branching off to the right towards Roche Plate Église.
At the crossroads, ignore the Sentier Dacerle which heads off to the left. You will very quickly reach a pass and a new crossroads marked by a cross.
(7) Turn left towards Le Bronchard. The climb to the summit is short but a little technical.
(8) At the summit, walk around the Bronchard in a clockwise direction. The path is almost flat but remains stony, offering an almost uninterrupted 360° view. A few ajoupas are visible along the edge of the path.
Take a break at the summit of Le Bronchard and finish the circuit.
Then follow the same route back to the Maïdo car park (S/E).
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