Refine your search for walks in La Plaine-des-Palmistes
La Plaine-des-Palmistes walks
The glorious cross of Piton des Songes
Visorando Member
1.02 mi
+328 ft
-315 ft
0h 45
Easy
Departure from La Plaine-des-Palmistes (Réunion)
If you're worried about a more "challenging" hike, here's a short circular that allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Plaine des Palmistes and a quick but exciting exploration of the forest.
The tour of the Grand Étang and the Bras d'Annette waterfalls
4.42 mi
+420 ft
-430 ft
2h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Benoît (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Bras Cabot botanical trail: arum circular
0.82 mi
+30 ft
-26 ft
0h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Benoît (La Réunion) (Réunion)
If you have between half an hour and 45 minutes to spend in the magnificent Bébour Forest, especially with children, here is a very pretty walk that starts in undergrowth filled with arums (ideal in hot, humid weather) and continues in an enchanted forest atmosphere with lichen, twisted trees, etc. Absolutely no difficulty walking.
The Grande Ferme Forest Road
4.66 mi
+581 ft
-581 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Nez de Bœuf from Bourg-Murat
8.51 mi
+1,870 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
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.
The Kapor Trail
4.97 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,240 ft
3h 20
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This trail, laid out in the Enclos Fouqué, allows you to immerse yourself in the mineral landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise, with a distance and elevation gain that remain accessible to most people. You will discover several types of lava: cordée, grattons, scories, etc., and cross relatively recent lava flows (2016).
Please note that this hike is not accessible in the event of a volcanic eruption (which have been relatively frequent in the 2010s). Check in advance.
Climbing the Volcano of Réunion
7.29 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Pas des Sables Sainte Thérèse Oratory
3.26 mi
+417 ft
-410 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A short walk for young walkers, but one that offers the same superb views of the Plaine des Sables as a longer hike and allows you to appreciate all the volcanic vegetation.
The Sainte-Thérèse Oratory and the Plaine des Sables
4.67 mi
+666 ft
-696 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Le Morne Langevin from Pas des Sables
4.52 mi
+410 ft
-407 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
Rivals craters in the furnace enclosure
5.49 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,388 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
In the Fournaise enclosure, as an alternative to Piton de la Fournaise, there is the Rivals Crater Trail, which is easy and almost flat except for the steps down into the enclosure. The craters are very beautiful with two magnificent geodes.
The Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale)
2.76 mi
+292 ft
-295 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This route leads to the Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale), a peak situated to the north-west of the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure. There are numerous splendid panoramic views from here, including of the Savane Cimetière and the most recent eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, which took place just a few months ago! Once you reach Piton de Partage, you can even see the Pointe des Cascades and the Bois-Blanc coastline in the distance!
Piton de Bois Vert or Piton de Bert
7.90 mi
+305 ft
-308 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Grand Bassin and the Voile de la Mariée
5.25 mi
+3,310 ft
-3,307 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
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.
Bélouve Forest – Tamarinaie Trail
2.36 mi
+374 ft
-374 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
Although it is virtually impenetrable, the Bélouve Forest can be explored via a few more or less hidden trails. The Tamarinaie trail is certainly one of the most interesting. This circular route, starting from the Bélouve lodge, allows you to look out over the Salazie cirque and return to the start via the primary forest.
Please note: as of 24 June 2026, this trail is reportedly no longer passable.
Cap Anglais
8.70 mi
+4,117 ft
-4,098 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
A very challenging circular walk that takes you through the beautiful, colourful forest on the heights of Bélouve whilst offering splendid views across the entire Cirque de Salazie. The climb to Cap Anglais is gruelling and very difficult, and most of the elevation gain is on this section. Going the other way, the circular route is a little easier. The walk passes through the village of Hell-Bourg, where you can stock up on supplies. Allow a little extra time to visit the village.
Le Trou de Fer via the Bélouve lodge and the Allée Cavalière trail
5.89 mi
+738 ft
-722 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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 Trou de Fer from Hell-Bourg and a circular tour through the Belouve Forest
12.09 mi
+3,133 ft
-3,136 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
Crossing the Bélouve and Bébour forests, starting from Hell-Bourg
8.19 mi
+2,375 ft
-2,388 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
Crossing the forests of Bébourg and BélouveHiking in Réunion: Closed trailsview the decree
Hell Bourg and the Three Waterfalls
3.94 mi
+1,089 ft
-1,093 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
From Hell-Bourg to Bélouve
3.32 mi
+1,791 ft
-1,795 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
5.26 mi
+5,292 ft
-240 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
Circular route in the Terre Plate Forest from Hell-Bourg
3.53 mi
+1,663 ft
-1,640 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
7.39 mi
+5,259 ft
-266 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.