Refine your search for walks in Forêt Départemento-domaniale de la Plaine des Fougères
Forêt Départemento-domaniale de la Plaine des Fougères walks
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
Visorando Member
9.66 mi
+2,152 ft
-2,152 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Walks near Forêt Départemento-domaniale de la Plaine des Fougères
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
7.39 mi
+5,259 ft
-266 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
5.26 mi
+5,292 ft
-240 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
Le Bélier - Aurére
5.08 mi
+1,063 ft
-3,458 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.
Aurére – Cayenne
4.46 mi
+1,565 ft
-2,812 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
Scout Trail starting from Grand Place
7.28 mi
+4,288 ft
-2,090 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
4.34 mi
+3,583 ft
-1,683 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
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.
Dufour Cave - Cilaos
5.04 mi
+328 ft
-4,485 ft
2h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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.
Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg
7.96 mi
+2,041 ft
-6,946 ft
5h 25
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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.
