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Park at the end of Route du Maïdo in the designated car park.
(S/E) Cross the car park and follow the concrete path towards the weather observatory. You will reach the junction with the Sentier du Grand Bord.
(1) Head up this path to the left. It is, however, quite inconspicuous: a GPS is useful. You’ll need strong calves as the stones and rocks won’t let up until the end of the hike. After a climb, you’ll reach a small summit with a statue of the Virgin Mary and a view of the Cirque de Mafate.
(2) Continue along the path before descending slightly and then climbing again. Shortly afterwards, ignore the descending paths to the right. Several junctions are not marked on the maps and paths criss-cross from here to the Grand Bénare: a GPS is strongly recommended as the markings are difficult to spot. Do not get too close to the edge of the cliff either, as there are numerous faults and the risk is real. You’ll reach a Fork in the road with a post.
(3) Leave the path that descends to the right and continue straight on. You will reach the “Grand Bord” signpost.
(4) Continue straight on towards the Grand Bénare. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse, offering views of the west coast of Réunion and the island’s highest peaks. Continue to the second “Grand Bord” signpost.
(5) Stay along the cliff and tackle a short but steep climb before joining the Glacière path.
(6) Head straight on towards Grand Bénare. The climb is gentler but very stony. Then reach the antenna and turn left at the “Grand Bénare” signpost to reach the summit cross and enjoy a view of Mafate, Cilaos, Piton des Neiges, the plains and the volcano.
(7) Return to the Glacière crossroads via the same route.
(6) Turn left onto a path that remains just as stony before reaching a Fork in the road with the old Grand Bénare path.
(8) Continue to the right. Here too, numerous paths cut across the switchbacks: stay on the official path by following the white markings to the right, then take the switchbacks and keep to the left (the GPX track is useful). At the junction, keep left then left again to reach the Glacière site.
(9) Climb the steps, then head right and left towards the track: follow this to the post.
(10) Head straight on to the next Fork in the road.
(11) Stay on the track until you reach a gate.
(12) Take the tarmac road on the right and follow it all the way up to the junction from the outward journey.
(1) Continue towards the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Easy 
Tourist office
Very difficult 
Moderate 
