The Bassin Vital

How to get there.

If you’re coming from Saint-Pierre: head towards Saint-Paul and take the Savanna junction exit. Take the second exit at the first two roundabouts, then the first exit at the third roundabout. Follow the road until you reach the car park on the left.
If you’re coming from Saint-Denis: head towards Saint-Paul and exit at the Savanna junction. Take the third exit at the first two roundabouts, then the second at the next one, and finally the first at the fourth. Follow the road to the car park on the left.

(S/E) Set off along the path that heads straight ahead. From the car park, you can see part of the high cliff overlooking the Bassin Vital. The path is very pleasant and runs alongside the Ravine Bassin. Caves of varying sizes can be found on either side of the path. The beautiful trees are already a sight to behold, and some are very tall! The first few metres are the perfect warm-up for what lies ahead.

(1) At the first junction, turn left and begin a slightly steep climb, particularly over the first few metres! The Bassin Vital is then signposted to the right on the rocks: this is the correct route. The climb can be gruelling in direct sunlight, but it’s short-lived. Soon, views open up over the hills towards Bellemène and Maison Rouge. The vegetation is dry and typical of lower altitudes. Reaching some very beautiful tamarind trees signals that the pond is near. The slope becomes gentler from this point onwards.

(2) At the next junction, turn right towards the pool, which you’ll reach very quickly. The pool is very beautiful, as is its setting, but the slightly murky water doesn’t really encourage a swim. It’s surrounded by a high cliff inhabited by a few birds. The waterfall feeding the pool is, however, only impressive during periods of heavy rain. Cross the ravine by hopping from pebble to pebble and take the path on the other side. The slope climbs a little steeply again, though not as steeply as on the first few metres of the circular route. Some sections may be a bit muddy. Here too, a few tamarins put on a show.

Then take the first path on the right. From here, you can see part of the Étang de Saint-Paul. The descent follows a very stony path, but the views of the Étang de Saint-Paul National Nature Reserve are stunning. In season, flower lovers can come and photograph the pitaya flowers, which only bloom at night. The path becomes more open towards the end of the descent, offering views towards Macabit and the Saint-Paul viaduct. The first section winds down in hairpin bends, whilst the second is more open and straight.

(3) Turn right onto a path that descends steeply towards the ravine. Halfway down, you can see the route you took from the Bassin Vital. Continue to the ravine and then to the junction you passed on the way there.

(1) Turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

Take water and a cap with you!
Watch out for mosquitoes!
Come after a spell of rain to see the waterfall.

(S/E) Drinking water available at the car park.

Places to see:
-Étang Saint-Paul and the Tour des Roches watermill (from the car park (S/E), follow the road). The pond is on the right and the mill on the left.
-The few caves at the start of the trail.
-The Bassin Vital (2).
-The viewpoint by turning left at (2).

You can extend the walk by taking:

The Chemin Pavé Lougnon
The Ravine du Bernica
The Ravine Divon