The Sainte-Thérèse Oratory via the Caverne des Lataniers

The volcano region is brimming with hiking opportunities. The best-known walks are in the Enclos, but there are other places where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, such as the area around the Oratoire Sainte-Thérèse. It is accessible from several locations. This walk is the shortest and easiest route to the oratory, passing by the memorial to Josémen Lauret and the Caverne des Lataniers.

Details

n°1048999
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.05 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 348 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 348 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7,913 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7,562 ft

Description of the walk

Access: head towards Bourg-Murat and take the Route Forestière du Volcan. Stay on this road, passing the Nez de Bœuf viewpoint, the Piton Textor mast and then the Bois Ozoux picnic area. Park by the footpath a little further up on the left, as indicated by a sign.

(S/E) You can walk up to the rampart to enjoy a magnificent view over the valley of the river of the same name. Then set off along the path – the GRR2, marked in red and white – and turn right after the first few metres. The path is very stony but offers beautiful views of the island’s highest peaks.
You’ll then reach the memorial to Josémont Lauret, which is beautifully decorated with flowers.

(1) Continue straight ahead along the path. Note, however, that the vegetation will hardly change: it will consist solely of branles. To the left lies the Piton des Feux. Follow the path until you reach two warning tape markers at the junction for the Caverne des Lataniers.

(2) Turn right onto the track, following the orange markings. At the third marking, turn right onto a very inconspicuous path. Within a few seconds, it leads to the beautiful, deep Caverne des Lataniers.

(3) Return to the previous junction.

(2) Turn right, rejoining the GRR2.
The path remains flat. You’ll reach the foot of the oratory. Make the short climb to reach the Rempart des Basaltes, then turn right to reach the Oratoire Sainte-Thérèse.
Enjoy the view of the Piton des Basaltes mast, the Savane Cimetière, the Fond de la Rivière de l’Est and the volcano.
Note: it is possible to do a longer route by taking one of the three other paths leading from the oratory (see the ‘Practical information’ section).

(4) Follow the route back in the opposite direction to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7,566 ft - Route du Volcan
  2. 1 : mi 0.17 - alt. 7,644 ft - Josémont Lauret memorial stone
  3. 2 : mi 0.48 - alt. 7,720 ft - Turn right
  4. 3 : mi 0.55 - alt. 7,733 ft - Caverne des Lataniers
  5. 4 : mi 1.09 - alt. 7,910 ft - Oratoire Sainte-Thérèse
  6. S/E : mi 2.05 - alt. 7,566 ft - Route du Volcan

Notes

You can have a picnic at Bois Ozoux (just before the start of the trail)
There are several options from the Sainte-Thérèse Oratory to extend the route: take a circular route via the Plaine des Sables; or continue left to the Piton de l’Eau

Worth a visit

Places to visit:
(1) The Josémont Lauret Stele,
(3) The Caverne des Lataniers,
(4) The Sainte-Thérèse Oratory and its viewpoint.

The view over the Rivière des Remparts at the start of the walk

Continuing along the Route du Volcan: the Commerson Crater, the Plaine des Sables, the Pas de Bellecombe and its viewpoint.

On the Route du Volcan before the starting point: the locomotive, the Nez de Boeuf viewpoint, the Maison du Volcan.

Enjoy the various panoramic views.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
patrick.guerin974
patrick.guerin974

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Thank you for the comprehensive and accurate information in your walking guides and the .gpx files

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