Piton de la Croix

Access:

From St-Louis: Head towards Étang-Salé-les-Hauts. In the village, continue on the D11 towards Les Avirons, then turn right onto the D19 towards Les Canots (a sign indicates the direction to take for Les Canots). Follow this for about 1.5 km, then turn left onto the Chemin de l’Entre-Deux towards l’Entre-Deux-des-Canots (a sign indicates the direction to take for l’Entre-Deux-des-Canots). Drive for about 6 km, then park at the start of the path, which is on the left-hand side of the road and marked by a tourist sign.

From Les Avirons: Head towards Étang-Salé-les-Hauts. At the entrance to the village, cross the Ravine Sèche, then at the next junction turn left onto the D19 towards Les Canots (a sign indicates the direction to follow to reach Les Canots). Follow this for about 1.5 km, then turn left onto the Chemin de l’Entre-Deux towards l’Entre-Deux-des-Canots (a sign indicates the direction to take for l’Entre-Deux-des-Canots). Drive for about 6 km, then park at the start of the footpath, which is on the left-hand side of the road and marked by a tourist sign.

(S/E) Take the dirt track that starts to the right of the tourist sign and climbs towards Piton la Croix. It climbs gently but is very slippery! After the second bend, take the path that starts sharply to the left via some steps. The slope is steep throughout the climb but offers beautiful panoramic views from the very first few metres. It’s also not uncommon to come across guava trees. The path is, however, very slippery and climbs steadily all the way! It runs alongside a drainage channel, passes close to a wayside shrine and crosses a few benches where you can rest.

(1) At the first junction, turn right towards Piton la Croix. The path then follows a ridge, offering views over the Grand-Bras to the west and the Petit-Bras to the east. After a 30-minute climb, which is steep in places, you reach the summit of Piton la Croix and its famous cross. From there, you’re treated to a spectacular panorama over much of the south of the island and the hills of Étang-Salé! It’s one of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints! After the summit, the slope levels out.

(2) At the next junction, turn left onto the path that runs alongside a pipe. You’ll come across a table made of guava wood, which is a great spot for a picnic. Take care on the descent as the path is extremely slippery

(1) Carry on straight ahead, then return to the starting point via the same route (S/E).

Important notes: the path is very slippery. Make sure you wear good walking boots. Avoid this route during or after a spell of rain.
Suitable for a picnic.
There are several benches where you can rest.
At (2), you can continue on to Camp Jacquelin, or to Tévelave, Les Makes and La Pièce Jeanne by turning right.

See the viewpoint at Piton la Croix.
See the cross at the summit of the piton and the wayside shrine on the path.