Grand Place via the Augustave path and Aurère

A beautiful route offering the chance to explore Mafate and its extraordinary and varied views.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Boucle de Mafate Nord

Details

n°81197

Creation:
24 Sep 2014

Last update:
16 Oct 2023

Last review:
09 Mar 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 8.87 mi
Average duration: 7h 15
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: No
Ascent: + 3,615 ft
Descent: - 5,833 ft
Highest point: 5,098 ft
Lowest point: 1,155 ft

Country: France
Areas: Cirque de Mafate, Cirque de Salazie
City: Salazie (97433)
Start: S 21.0488° / E 55.454637°
End: S 21.045745° / E 55.411564°
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Description of the walk

On the road to the Col des Bœufs, there is an unsupervised car park at the start of the trail.

(S/E) Take the path that descends alongside the Ravine Savon. The slope, which is a little steep at the start, levels out afterwards. You will cross the ravine in several places.

(1) The path continues without any major difficulty, running alongside the drainage channel, and ends on a ledge before reaching Aurère.

(4) As you pass through Aurère, leave the paths leading to Îlet à Malheur on your left and carry on straight ahead.
On leaving Aurère, rejoin the^GR®^R2–GR® R3 and head towards Bord Bazar. Take the path on the right, which offers beautiful views. At Bord Bazar, there’s a breathtaking viewpoint!

(3) Continue down a fairly long descent towards the Rivière des Galets and carry on towards Îlet Fougères.

(5) Turn left towards Cayenne and continue the descent to the next junction.

(6) Turn left again towards Cayenne to follow the^GR® R3.

(7) Before reaching Cayenne, pass the path leading to Îlet des Lataniers on your right and carry on straight ahead

(8) On leaving Cayenne, ignore the path towards Roche Plate, which continues straight on, and head up to the left towards Grand Place, which you cross to head towards Grand Place les Hauts.

(9) In this area, you’ll come across several paths and may be unsure which to take. Signposts are often not far away (20–50 metres) and, with a bit of searching, you’ll eventually reach the lodge without really going astray, even though at times you might have felt as though you’d got lost.
After this long day, the peace and quiet and the view from the lodge allow us to enjoy a well-deserved rest (S/E).

Waypoints

S : mi 0 - alt. 5,098 ft - Car park on the Route du Col des Boeuf
1 : mi 3.01 - alt. 3,238 ft - Corniche
2 : mi 3.7 - alt. 3,045 ft - Aurère
3 : mi 4.53 - alt. 3,110 ft - Bord Bazar
4 : mi 4.98 - alt. 2,372 ft - Rivière des Galets
5 : mi 5.74 - alt. 1,637 ft - Îlet Fougères
6 : mi 5.97 - alt. 1,286 ft - Junction
7 : mi 7.3 - alt. 1,677 ft - Crossroads
8 : mi 7.86 - alt. 1,804 ft - Cayenne
9 : mi 8.47 - alt. 2,484 ft - Grand Place
E : mi 8.87 - alt. 2,881 ft - Lodge

Notes

Snack bar, water point and picnic area in Aurère. Water point at the Cayenne campsite. Shop and bakery in Grand Place les Hauts at the Le Pavillon lodge.
Bring sun cream, a hat and a windbreaker or rainwear.
This route is not recommended in wet weather due to steep sections.

Worth a visit

Enjoy the breathtaking views and the varied terrain throughout the route.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5

Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

Fred-92100

09 Mar 2026 at 10:00 3600

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 04, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This route was completed while the Augustave trail was officially closed due to the partial absence of a footbridge along the wall at one point. The start is rather steep and slippery as it is very wet early in the morning. The first part along the Ravine Savon should therefore be tackled with caution to avoid slipping. Take a critical look at the signposted places to cross the Ravine at several points, as the place that was right at the time of signposting may have changed by the time you arrive. Once this part is completed, often under the trees, the slightly dizzying part of the path (clinging to the wall and sometimes above the void) is magnificent. Then follow the pipeline on a fairly easy route. The break at Aurère is very pleasant. The climb up to Grand Place les Hauts was a little tough at the end of the hike, but the Le Pavillon lodge is very pleasant and the hosts are friendly. A truly enjoyable hike with breathtaking scenery, but one that is best suited to walkers in good physical condition.

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le dd

18 Nov 2022 at 23:24 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An exceptional hike, forming part of the two-day route around northern Mafate, which we completed on the 29th and 30th.
The route is very exposed, so those prone to vertigo should take care. The panoramic views are breathtaking and magnificent. Do stop for a coffee in Aurére.
We stayed in Cayenne at the “Lodge le Cayenne”, which I highly recommend. A young couple recently took over this establishment, and their kindness and warm welcome are among their finest qualities. The local cuisine is perfect and exquisite, with plenty of little touches for the guests. Comfortable accommodation with a splendid view.
Thank you for this route

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