Roche Plate – Grand Place

(S) We set off again from our lodge, Le Mahafaty, retracing the path in the opposite direction to our arrival until we reach the entrance to Roche Plate, which we will cross. We follow the GRR2 to Roche Plate, then join the GRR3.

(1) Cross Roche Plate and continue on to La Brèche.

(2) Carry on straight ahead, ignoring the path on the left which climbs up to Maïdo. Before reaching La Brèche, watch out for a slightly ‘technical’ section (there is a cable to secure yourself when passing near the drop-off).

(3) Carry on to the Îlet des Orangers, where there are two possible routes:
- before the islet, take the path on the right to cross the Orangers,
- continue along the^GR® and walk alongside the islet; the two paths rejoin at the exit. Continue on to the Îlet des Lataniers.
Leave the Orangers pipeline path on your left (closed when we were there).
Before reaching Îlet des Lataniers, there are two further options:
- cross the Îlet des Lataniers, which is what we did,
- carry on straight ahead.

(4) We set off again towards Cayenne, which means heading back down to reach the Rivière des Galets.

(5). Cross the river, then take the path on the right and head uphill; pass another path on the left and continue uphill until you reach the^GR® R2, which you follow to the right.
Carry on to a junction where you have two options:
- left to head straight back up to Grand Place,
- turn right to head towards Cayenne. We chose the second option, which takes you through the very pretty hamlet of Cayenne.

(6) On leaving Cayenne, turn left to continue on to Grand Place les Hauts.

(7) After the nature trail, turn left to reach the lodge Le Pavillon (E), where we’ll be spending the night.

We spend the night at the Pavillon de Grand Place les Hauts lodge. This lodge is more commercial than the stopover lodges on our previous stages. The shop is impressive for the range of products on offer (pretty much everything).
A very good meal in pleasant surroundings.
There are several water points and shelters along the route.
Please alsobe aware that the calculated ascents and descents on this route are overestimated. This is likely due to the Maïdo rampart, which we walk alongside. The altitude (highest point) given is incorrect; the highest point of this stage is at La Brèche at 1,293 metres.

(4) The Îlet des Lataniers and the path leading out from it are very pleasant; we recommend them (plus you can enjoy some refreshments there).
Depending on your fitness level, there are several options on this route, including the climb from La Brèche to the viewpoint or to Maïdo.