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From Saint-Louis:
Head towards Saint-Pierre via the N1. After crossing the Rivière Saint-Étienne, take the next exit onto the D26 towards l’Entre-Deux. At the roundabout, take the third exit, then the opposite exit at the next two roundabouts. After the third roundabout, take the first B-road on the left. Continue to the end of the road, marked by a “Stop” sign, then turn left towards Entre-Deux. Stay on the same road until you reach the Town Hall, then turn immediately left at the next junction. At the end of the road, continue straight ahead. Then continue to the end of the road.
From Saint-Pierre:
Head towards Saint-Louis via the N1. After crossing the Ravine des Cabris, take the next exit onto the D26. At the roundabout, take the first exit, then the second at the next one. Then take the first D-road on the left. Continue to the end of the road, marked by a “Stop” sign, then turn left towards Entre-Deux. Stay on the same road until you reach the Town Hall, then turn immediately left at the next junction. At the end of the road, continue straight ahead. Then continue to the end of the road.
(S/E) A wayside shrine on the left-hand side of the road marks the start of the route. To our right, we can see the Zèbre, which will stay with us throughout the entire route!
Take the dirt track that starts just beyond the D26E. This route is simple: just follow the track to the end! The first few metres of the track are pleasant, running alongside some plantations. After the first bend, cross the Bras Long for the first time; you’ll follow its course for just over a kilometre.
(1) You’ll soon reach the Bras Long picnic area, which is welcoming and very well-equipped. From here, you can see the source of the Bras Long in the distance, as well as one of its waterfalls (which was dry that day). To our left stands the Crête du Bras Long, which will remain with us throughout the entire outing! A short tarmac section makes it easy to tackle a very short climb, followed by another unpaved section, leading out of the picnic area. This path is rutted and somewhat slippery.
From this point onwards, the track alternates between flat sections where stones are few and far between, and steeper sections where they are, unfortunately, very numerous, adding an extra challenge. Some sections of the track are covered in lichen, making them slightly slippery. The track winds between the Zèbre and the Bras Long, which can be glimpsed from time to time through the vegetation. About ten minutes after setting off, cross the Bras Long a second time before following the ridge of the same name.
(2) After yet another short, slippery and stony slope, you’ll arrive in front of the Bras Long water treatment plant – a sign that the end of the track is very near!
(3) The path ends about 200m past the plant and after about fifteen minutes’ cycling from the starting point.
After a short break, return to the starting point via the same route, taking care on the stony sections! (S/E).
