La Possession walks

Eighth stage of the island tour, following the railway line as closely as possible. After the long flat stretch of the previous stages, this short stage sees a return to uphill terrain. As access to the tunnel is officially prohibited, you must go via the Chemin des Anglais, which includes sections with steep gradients. This is a very old paved path that is now a must-do hike on the island.

Here’s an original way to get from La Possession to Saint-Denis. This is the final section of the Grand Raid, one of the world’s toughest mountain races. Nearly half of the walk follows the Chemin des Anglais, a cobbled path steeped in history and offering stunning views. This route passes through La Grande-Chaloupe and Le Colorado. This walk requires a certain level of fitness.

The Cirque de Mafate is accessible from many different points. The flat track is easy to follow and suitable for everyone. Families can come on this walk and turn back at any time. You can even take a dip in the Rivière des Galets. The track runs straight ahead, winding its way between rock faces that grow ever higher as you go.

What hiker hasn’t dreamt of walking the Cirque de Mafate on Réunion? This hike is renowned for being challenging, with a considerable elevation gain. But the scenery is spectacular! Please note: the elevation gain given is an overestimate; it is actually only about 1,200 metres uphill and 800 metres downhill.

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.

The title of this walk forms part of the route along the former TiTrain de la Réunion line: 126.2 km between Saint-Benoît and Saint-Pierre. This route runs parallel to the TiTrain route, which passes through a tunnel between Ravine à Jaques and Saint-Denis. Further on, the railway line passes through two other tunnels: one between Ravine à Jacques and La Grande Chaloupe, and another between La Grande Chaloupe and La Possession. The main attraction of this route is that it provides a continuous link along the railway route. The route is a return route that can be completed on foot or by bike along the old cliff-top road, which is now closed to motor vehicles. This walk can be complemented by a visit to La Grande Chaloupe, the headquarters of the TiTrain association, which works to preserve and promote Réunion’s railway heritage.

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.

La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.

Here’s a pleasant way to explore the northern part of the Mafate cirque via a path that climbs on the way there and therefore descends on the way back – a rare route for entering Mafate. If you’re fit enough, you can complete the round trip in a single day. Otherwise, you can easily stay overnight at Îlet à Malheur (remember to book) and make the return journey the following day, for example via Aurère (see the Îlet à Malheur – Deux Bras route via the La Noix basin).

A detour to the centre of Mafate.

The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.

The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.

The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.

A lovely walk – long but not too difficult, apart from the climb up and descent from the Col de Fourche.

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.

From the Col des Bœufs, a forest track leads you to the edge of the Cirque de Salazie, where you’ll discover the majestic pass and its breathtaking views over the Cirque de Mafate. Your walk begins on a path carved into the mountainside, offering a dizzying view. You’ll then enter the tamarind forest. After crossing a clearing, you’ll descend towards the pebble-strewn river, discovering a hidden pool along the way. Finally, a short climb takes you to the village of Marla, where you can rest.