Réunion walks

A mineral, even lunar landscape with breathtaking views. An extraordinary hike, close to the volcano. Please note: since the 2007 lava flows, access to the Bory Crater is no longer possible. Until further notice, follow the route described here as a round trip.

This short hike offers magnificent views of the Mafate cirque on one side and the coast of La Possession on the other, with the Dos-d'Àne islet in the foreground. This is the easiest place to get a spectacular, unobstructed view of Mafate.

the Bras Rouge waterfall is a must-see site in the Cirque de Cilaos. Two trails lead to the waterfall: the first starts at the old thermal baths and the second at the start of the Taïbit trail. This itinerary is the first of the two. Easy and family-friendly, it offers beautiful views of the western part of the cirque. It is a classic in Cilaos and is very popular!

One of the most beautiful hikes around Cilaos, offering the chance to discover an exceptional site: the entrance to a canyon carved out by the river through a monolith over 100 metres wide and high, with three pools of clear, cool water.

A lovely hike starting from Fenêtre des Makes which, in addition to magnificent views of Cilaos, allows you to discover completely different vegetation depending on the altitude.

This short hike along the Grand Bord du Maïdo offers the same superb views of Mafate as a longer hike.

La Roche Merveilleuse offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Cilaos. It would be a shame to miss it. There are a few trails here and there that allow you to hike peacefully around the viewpoint. There is even a discovery trail. The proposed hike is not particularly difficult.

Le Trou de Fer is an iconic location on Reunion Island. Countless waterfalls plunge into this immense and impressive cavity. Located in the east of Reunion, it is one of the wettest places on the island! It can be reached from Bras-Panon and from the Bélouve forest. From this dense forest, there are three possible access routes: via the Trou de Fer trail, the bridle path or the École Normale trail.

The hike from Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle offers an accessible route for exploring the Cirque de Mafate. This excursion can be done in one day or over two days if you book a lodge. It allows you to discover the Plaine des Tamarins, the small hamlets of La Nouvelle (considered the capital of Mafate) and Marla.

A magnificent hike in the Cirque de Cilaos, with numerous streams and waterfalls, including Bras Rouge, Fouquet and Alfred. The hike sometimes follows a balcony path at the foot of the three Salazes and Piton des Neiges. You can take the time to relax in the Alfred pools and its small waterfall.

Located in the south of the island, Cap Jaune is a natural curiosity that is a must-see if you come to Vincendo. This site owes its name to its yellow colour! The trail runs along the coastline and offers superb panoramic views! It also crosses landscapes specific to the Wild South (jagged landscapes, vackoas, volcanic rocks, blowholes, etc.). Moderator's note added on 21/07/2021: There have been a few changes to the terrain since this hike was published. See reviews.

This hike offers beautiful views of the Enclos Fouqué and the Plaine des Sables region. We did this hike to see the volcanic eruption of May 2015! To do so, we got up early in the morning to enjoy the best possible view.

A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.

Trou de Fer is an iconic location on Reunion Island. Countless waterfalls plunge into this immense and impressive cavity. Located in the east of Reunion, it is one of the rainiest places on the island!It is accessible from Bras-Panon and from the Bélouve Forest. From this dense forest, there are three possible access routes: via the Trou de Fer trail, the Allée Cavalière or the École Normale trail.

An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.

This is an original way to hike off the GR® trails. There are few trails winding through the Chaîne du Bois de Nèfle. This route takes you deep into the heart of this mountain range through a dense forest of colourful woods and offers some panoramic views of the south of the island and Les Makes. In addition, a picnic area has been set up at the end of the hike. Avoid this route in rainy weather!

The natural reservoir of the Grand Étang allows you to spend a few hours walking in the woods and admiring one of the island's rare lakes. There are no difficulties except for a narrow passage between the cliff and the lake shore, which is secured by a handrail (and can be bypassed), and access to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls, with its narrow path and a few slightly high steps. But what a treat for the eyes, with several waterfalls and a pool that invites meditation and picnics.

The village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful on the island. Many tourists come especially to see the beautiful Creole houses and their guétali. The village has numerous museums and offers a wide range of accommodation options. This circular route takes you past the village's main attractions. It is suitable for families and the only difficulty is the return trip to the Three Waterfalls: the access is challenging, but short, and the site is enchanting.

A beautiful hike offering stunning views of Grand Bassin in a superb setting. It begins with a 750m descent, which you then have to climb back up! From Grand Bassin, a detour to the Voile de la Mariée waterfall and its pool is a must (swimming, picnic, etc.). N.B. The displayed elevation gain of 1,340 metres is overestimated; the actual elevation gain is around 800 metres.

This short hike, which starts at Pas des Sables, continues along the cliff edge and offers beautiful views of the Plaine des Sables, then the rampart and the Rivière de l'Est riverbed. After the oratory, a fairly steep descent leads to the Plaine des Sables. Crossing this plain allows you to discover the beauty of the landscapes in this arid area. The return to the car park is by road.

The ascent of Piton des Neiges, the highest point on the island of Réunion (and in the entire Indian Ocean), offers a unique 360° panorama. This is a popular hike, for which we suggest a less travelled descent route.

Pic Adam is a peak in the north of the island that is visible for several kilometres around due to its distinctive shape. There are two ways to reach it, both of which are described in this guide. This hike allows you to explore a small section of the trail linking La Roche Écrite to Bois de Nèfles. From its vantage point, there is a breathtaking panorama of the entire north. Its name comes from one of the island's first botanists.

The Cirque de Salazie is renowned for its hikes. The one linking Hell-Bourg to Bélouve is a classic. It climbs along a rampart for about 500 m of elevation gain. The climb is often winding and rarely difficult, although the slope is present almost all the way. Much of the hike is in the undergrowth. However, this climb offers sumptuous views of the entire cirque, with the final viewpoint at the lodge providing a spectacular finale.

One way to access the Cirque de Mafate is from Sans Souci. The pipeline path may seem long, but the landscape overlooking the Rivière des Galets from a height of 500 m is breathtaking. From above, you can see Deux Bras and the narrow gorge through which the Rivière des Galets flows out of the Cirque de Mafate. The canal path has a gentle slope. After the water catchment, access to Îlet des Orangers is via a narrow gorge after a steep climb. Estimated elevation gain: approximately 700 metres.

Dimitile is known for its many hiking trails. The shortest and easiest route to the summit is via the Sentier de la Chapelle trail. This hike offers magnificent views of the south of the island and then the Cirque de Cilaos at the end of the climb. It allows you to encounter some endemic plants and see various types of vegetation. It also provides a historical perspective on slavery with the character of Dimitile and the current Camp Marron.

The Makes region offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. The Bras Patate valley trail is one of the easiest and best known. The trail winds its way through a magnificent valley, offering superb views of Cilaos. Bras Patate was the entrance to the Cirque de Cilaos before the Piton des Neiges collapsed. However, the water did not have time to carve out a deep canyon like the Bras de Cilaos, but be sure to bring your camera: you will see many endemic birds.

A round trip to enjoy the view at Col du Taïbit. View of the Cirque de Cilaos and, on the other side, the Cirque de Mafate. On the way, you will pass by Îlet des Salazes.

From the Pont-de-L'Escalier car park, take a path of about three and a half kilometres that will take you to Cascade-Blanche, the third highest waterfall in France.

This hike offers beautiful panoramic views of Cilaos! On the way back, we pass through the magnificent Bras Patate valley.

Roche Écrite offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Salazie, Gros Morne, Piton des Neiges, Col des Boeufs (access to Mafate) and beautiful views of the Cirque de Mafate, Grand Bénare and Maido. From Camp Mamode, access is less difficult than from Grand Ilet and shorter than from Dos d'Âne.

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.

This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.

Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.

Nez de Bœuf is an iconic peak on the Route du Volcan. There is a magnificent viewpoint at its foot. However, the view from the summit is much better. This hike takes you there from the peaceful village of Bourg Murat, crossing rural landscapes with magnificent views. However, it is strongly recommended that you start at 7 a.m. at the latest to get the best views. Especially the one at the summit, which will leave you with unforgettable memories.

First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.

The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.

This old road once connected the Route du Volcan to Grande-Ferme. This family walk is not difficult. The first part of the circular route offers beautiful views of Bourg-Murat and its surroundings, Piton des Neiges and the south coast from Saint-Pierre to Étang-Salé-les-Hauts, while the second part is under cryptomeria trees with a few gaps offering views of Piton des Neiges.

This short hike offers beautiful views of the Plaine des Sables and Piton de la Fournaise to start with. Finally, the Morne Langevin viewpoint is the ultimate reward: panoramic views of Grand Galet, Grand Coude, Saint-Joseph and the ocean... if there are no clouds in the sky!

An easy hike starting from a charming village offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos.

Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.

A gruelling 4-hour climb over log steps or very slippery boulders leading to the Refuge de la Caverne Dufour.

There are several ways to reach the Bras de la Plaine. The route via the Sentier de la Petite Ravine is fairly well-known but rarely featured in guidebooks! This relatively short path leads right next to the beautiful Caverne de la Petite Ravine. If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to have a swim in the river or go and see the magnificent gorges downstream from the cave: do not attempt either of these if the water level is too high!

This route offers a circular path at Pointe de Langevin on a very popular, high-quality trail. Lovers of rugged landscapes will delight in the spectacle of the sea crashing against this rugged coastline. It is also possible to take a dip in the pools of the Langevin River.

Anse des Cascades is one of the coastal gems of eastern Réunion. This route offers the chance to discover it at the end of an easy walk that skirts around Pointe des Cascades. Accessible to all, this walk does, however, require sturdy footwear.

This walk is part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail. It is also a section of the Grand Raid. As you pass by the pastures, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy beautiful views towards the west and south. This section follows the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail between Domaine Vidot and the first strawberry field. Fairly easy, although with a few steep steps, it is possible to continue much higher up towards Notre-Dame de la Paix.

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.

The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.

A fairly technical circular route starting from the Creole village of Hell-Bourg in the Terre Plate Forest, offering beautiful panoramic views of the stunning Cirque de Salazie.

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.

A lovely hike starting from the magnificent village of Hell-Bourg to reach the impressive Trou de Fer site, and a circular route to explore the Bélouve Primeval Forest.