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L'Étang-Salé walks
A short forest walk from Étang-Salé les Bains
Visorando Member
4.45 mi
+203 ft
-203 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
A pleasant walk through varied woodland. A lovely glimpse of the local flora.
L’Étang-Salé les Bains – Saint-Leu
8.39 mi
+141 ft
-138 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
The third stage of the route runs closest to the railway line. It starts in the charming seaside village of Étang-Salé les Bains and ends in another seaside town: Saint-Leu. The terrain is flat throughout, but a few off-trail sections are tricky. There are numerous remains of the railway line on this stage, far more than on the previous one. This stage runs constantly along the coast and also offers some beautiful views of the ocean and the hills.
Bois-Blanc and the Piton la Mare circuit
7.63 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,444 ft
1.5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Les Avirons (Réunion)
Piton la Mare is visible for kilometres around. This is because there is a high-voltage pylon on its summit, making it visible and recognisable from a distance despite its relatively low altitude (617m).
Walking around the piton is pleasant and fairly easy, but it would be a shame to do this route without visiting Bois Blanc, which is less than a kilometre away. This mini cirque is well worth a visit and can be distinguished from Réunion’s three main cirques as it shares the same characteristics.
Piton de la Croix
1.20 mi
+630 ft
-630 ft
1h 05
Moderate
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
Piton la Croix is a peak in the commune of Étang-Salé. From its summit, you can enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful views! Indeed, from up there you have a 360° panorama stretching from Saint-Pierre to Étang-Salé-les-Bains, taking in Piton des Neiges, the hills above Étang-Salé, Saint-Louis, Le Tampon, L’Étang-Salé-les-Hauts, La Rivière and L’Entre-Deux! It’s also a wonderful spot for quiet reflection!
The Grand Case Trail circular loop
7.39 mi
+2,238 ft
-2,238 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
La Pièce Jeanne is best known for its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. However, this area does offer a few hiking options. The best-known trail links La Pièce Jeanne to Les Makes. But it is possible to do a circular route by returning via the little-known Sentier Grand Case, which is actually well signposted despite not appearing on maps or in guidebooks. This circular route offers stunning views of the south and north of the island and is not particularly difficult.
The climb up Ravine Barrage
4.74 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Ravine du Gol is fed by three main branches: the Ravine de Bellevue, the Ravine Barrage and the Ravine Goyaves. This guide allows you to hike the entire length of the Ravine Barrage as far as the Source de l’Éperon. The stream is usually dry, but a few springs provide patches of water here and there. The going isn’t too difficult over the pebbles, and those who enjoy large boulders will be in their element!
The circular of the Canals
4.56 mi
+1,759 ft
-1,759 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
From Les Canaux to Le Grand Serré
2.70 mi
+1,138 ft
-1,129 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This walk takes you to Les Canaux in Le Grand Serré, a village you pass through on your way to Les Makes, offering beautiful panoramic views of this part of the island. There are several information boards along the first part of the route, providing details about the plant species you’ll encounter. There are no particular difficulties on this walk apart from the descent at Ravine Montplaisir, which is technically challenging and can be slippery depending on conditions.
Saint-Louis – l’Étang-Salé les Bains
11.19 mi
+102 ft
-285 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The second stage of the walk runs closest to the railway line; it begins in the multicultural town of Saint-Louis and takes you past two branch lines of the railway. It then winds through the Étang-Salé forest, following the main railway line as closely as possible, before arriving at the peaceful seaside village of Étang-Salé les Bains. Of course, you’ll come across a few remnants of the railway line.
Les Canaux from Gol-les-Hauts via the Ravine des Merles
3.69 mi
+571 ft
-561 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Here’s a lovely idea for a family walk off the beaten track. This route lets you explore the Canaux and Gol-les-Hauts area via a few small paths and old alleyways. The route offers some stunning panoramic views, especially when the reeds have been cut back!
The blowholes from Pointe au Sel to Cap du Portail
1.30 mi
+85 ft
-85 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion used to be a self-sufficient producer of sea salt. The salt pans at Pointe au Sel bear witness to this and are open to visitors.
Along the coast, the rough sea crashes with such force that the water passes through the rock faces via crevices known as ‘souffleurs’. The water gushes several metres above the rocks, providing a spectacular sight.
This short walk takes you to discover the ‘souffleurs’ at Pointe au Sel.
From Pointe au Sel to Stella via the Sentier Sucré Salé
Tourist office3.42 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion has a few remarkable museums, such as the Salt Museum and the Stella Matutina Museum. It is possible to visit both by taking a circular route via the Sentier Sucré Salé, which was used by the Stella factory owners to come and help the workers in the salt flats during the Second World War. You can also return via Piton des Roches Tendres, which offers a lovely view of the west of the island.
A circular walk in Curepipe
4.15 mi
+725 ft
-725 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
It’s always possible to go for a walk in an area where there are no marked footpaths. This walk, which starts in the Curepipe neighbourhood at La Rivière, follows dirt tracks and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the plains.
From the Montplaisir Plateau to La Fenêtre
4.59 mi
+1,161 ft
-1,188 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Alternative route to the previously suggested walk from Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes, taking the concrete forest track, as the forest was subject to logging operations until mid-September 2026 and the path has been rendered unusable for the time being as it has been ravaged by loggers.
From Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes
3.70 mi
+1,273 ft
-1,296 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This hike offers beautiful panoramic views of Cilaos! On the way back, we pass through the magnificent Bras Patate valley.
The Bras Patate valley
2.76 mi
+722 ft
-735 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
From Tapage to La Fenêtre
7.42 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This hike takes you to Les Makes (at the La Fenêtre viewpoint) via a rarely visited spot: Le Tapage. This route offers magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos and the south of the island. On the way back, we take a detour through the beautiful Bras Patate valley.
The Ouaki circular route
3.27 mi
+630 ft
-653 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A relatively easy route with a picnic by the water’s edge.
Fenêtre des Makes Piton Cabri
3.57 mi
+1,640 ft
-1,673 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
La Fenêtre des Makes at Camp 2000
5.77 mi
+2,221 ft
-2,208 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
An easy hike starting from a charming village offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos.
Heading towards Peter Both from the Pavillon
3.53 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,722 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The climb to Cilaos is reputed to be long and tiring – why not stop off at Le Pavillon on the way for a walk that you can extend as far as Peter Both?
The path has just been refurbished by the ONF, much to our delight, and Îlet-Haut is secluded and unspoilt.
A truly unique viewpoint overlooking the peaks of the Cilaos cirque. If you’re heading up to Cilaos for the first time, this is a great introduction to understanding just how isolated the cirque is.
Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir trails
6.91 mi
+2,848 ft
-2,844 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Cirque de Cilaos is brimming with remarkable hikes. Among them is the route from the Pavillon to Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir paths. This breathtaking hike offers stunning views of the Cirque de Cilaos. Whilst it is certainly less well-known than the route linking Îlet à Cordes to Cilaos, it is by no means lacking in appeal. You can even stop for a swim at Les Trois Bras.
This walk passes through challenging but safe terrain.
More walks in L'Étang-Salé
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