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From Saint-Pierre: head towards Bourg Murat. Pass the Cité du Volcan and continue towards Saint-Benoît. Take the second street on the right (just before the next bridge). Park just after the first road on the left.
From Saint-Benoît: head towards Bourg Murat. Pass the Col de Bellevue, then the Source Reilhac picnic area and its car park, and take the second road on the left. Park just after the first road on the left.
(S/E) First and foremost, enjoy the view of Piton Dugain and Nez de Bœuf in the distance.
With your back to the car park, take the path opposite that runs between the N3 road and the buildings (Route des Herbes Blanches). This is a very pleasant concrete path if there aren't too many vehicles.
(1) Take the first track on the right, which starts just before you cross a ravine. From here, I recommend downloading the route as there are numerous intersections.
(2) Leave the right-hand track immediately and keep left at the next two junctions to start walking along a small path. It is suitable for families: it is very well maintained and has almost no incline. It is flat for most of the way and is often covered by trees. Don't hesitate to stop and enjoy the views of Piton des Neiges, which only rarely lives up to its name. A few rare and beautiful arums (white flowers: see "Things to see") grow peacefully along the edge of the path. The sun's rays penetrating the forest can create magical moments at the start of the day. When you reach a 4x4 area, follow the track carefully to cross it.
(3) After the 4x4 terrain, you will arrive at a roundabout and take the road on the right. It offers beautiful views towards Nez de Bœuf, making it easy to guess the rest of the route.
(4) Take the first path on the left: it is straight, clearly visible and passes between the barbed wire. The steps may be a little high for young children. After a flat section, the path turns at a 90° angle and continues straight ahead, still climbing. It approaches Piton Guichard and its forest of cryptomeria trees. The path is a little flatter after a steep climb.
(5) Keep left at the crossroads. Enter a forest of cryptomeria and pine trees: pine cone enthusiasts will be in their element here. Without realising it, the path goes around Piton Guichard on its western side. However, it can be quite dark here, even during the day, as the trees are very dense. Then leave the barbed wire and turn east onto a completely shaded path. Keep to the right until you reach the road and the picnic area.
(6) Cross the road and take the path that starts just opposite. Keep going, you're more than halfway there. Ignore all the paths leading off to the right.
(7) You will come to the road again: follow it to the left until it turns at a right angle to the left and a track starts that goes straight ahead, marked by a sign saying "sauf ayant droit" (except authorised persons).
(8) Turn right onto the path. At the next junction, keep left on a path that runs alongside barbed wire and meadows: these still offer good views.
(9) Don't miss the beautiful tamarind tree on the right: this is the Tamarin Dodo. It is one of the oldest and best known on the island. It invites contemplation and photo opportunities.
After passing the tamarind tree, the path moves away from the barbed wire and plunges into the vegetation. Picking pink and white flowers or wild strawberries can take hours, as there are so many along the edge of the path. Start a short climb and you will come to a fork.
(10) Keep to the left. Cross a stream and tackle a short climb.
(11) Cross the road and take the path that starts opposite and continue until you reach the sign for "Sous le Nez de Bœuf".
(12) At the sign, take the discreet path that branches off to the right to reach the summit of Nez de Bœuf: Please note that the climb is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo!
The path is easy at first, but the slope quickly becomes steep. It is steep but short. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the path increasingly exposed. The higher you climb, the closer you get to the edge and the more dizzying it becomes!
(13) Once you reach the summit of Nez de Boeuf, take time to enjoy the view: the 360° panorama is breathtaking, especially when there are no clouds. It is one of the most beautiful views on the island and only a 10-minute walk from the road. As is often the case on the island, the view cannot be described, but must be earned. For an average walker, it takes between 2 and 3 hours of walking from the start.
After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the road.
(11) Cross the road and reach the fork before beginning the descent.
(10) Leave the path you took on the way up and continue left towards the Trous Blancs. The trail alternates between ascents and descents as it crosses several ravines. The first Trou Blanc is easily spotted on the left before the next intersection. It is actually a crater with part of its rock face white. It is in fact a maar (volcanic explosion crater).
Keep right at the next crossroads and after a few minutes, don't miss a second crater on the left: this is the second Trou Blanc. Take a few minutes to look at it, then keep left at the next crossroads.
(8) Then return to the vehicle via the same route you took on the way there (S/E).
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