Le Port (La Réunion) walks

Eighth stage of the island tour, following the railway line as closely as possible. After the long flat stretch of the previous stages, this short stage sees a return to uphill terrain. As access to the tunnel is officially prohibited, you must go via the Chemin des Anglais, which includes sections with steep gradients. This is a very old paved path that is now a must-do hike on the island.

One way to access the Cirque de Mafate is from Sans Souci. The pipeline path may seem long, but the landscape overlooking the Rivière des Galets from a height of 500 m is breathtaking. From above, you can see Deux Bras and the narrow gorge through which the Rivière des Galets flows out of the Cirque de Mafate. The canal path has a gentle slope. After the water catchment, access to Îlet des Orangers is via a narrow gorge after a steep climb. Estimated elevation gain: approximately 700 metres.

The west of Réunion is very popular for its white sandy beaches stretching for miles! Starting from Saint-Paul, you’ll come across plenty of sights. Some beaches are particularly beautiful when they’re not crowded. Of course, you can take your time visiting the coastal towns along the way or taking a dip in the water. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments all along the route! But we strongly recommend bringing a hat!

This short hike offers magnificent views of the Mafate cirque on one side and the coast of La Possession on the other, with the Dos-d'Àne islet in the foreground. This is the easiest place to get a spectacular, unobstructed view of Mafate.

La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.

Located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, the Plaine d’Affouche overlooks Îlet à Guillaume and forms an integral part of the Roche Écrite Reserve. Keep your ears and eyes peeled, as you may spot or hear the tuit-tuit, a bird found only on Réunion and exclusively in this part of the island. Please note: this hike can be completed in under 8 hours. The elevation gain is overestimated: there is approximately 1,500 metres of ascent and descent, not 2,375.

Roche Écrite offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Salazie, Gros Morne, Piton des Neiges, Col des Boeufs (access to Mafate) and beautiful views of the Cirque de Mafate, Grand Bénare and Maido. From Camp Mamode, access is less difficult than from Grand Ilet and shorter than from Dos d'Âne.

An easy hike to see all the islets of the Cirque de Mafate. It is best to set off no later than 10:00 a.m. to enjoy the magnificent views along the edge of the rampart. The start and end of the route are on forest roads. It is possible to picnic along these roads on the way back.

The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.

The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.

The route to Mafate via Maïdo is one of the most challenging ways to reach Mafate. This fairly strenuous round trip allows you to see the charming village of Roche Plate and go beyond it to Le Bronchard, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. The village of Roche Plate is typical of the villages in Mafate with its Creole houses. It is quite spread out and consists of two neighbourhoods. There are numerous lodges in the area.

This short hike along the Grand Bord du Maïdo offers the same superb views of Mafate as a longer hike.

Located a short walk from Saint-Denis, this short trail allows you to discover some of the island’s endemic plants. It winds through one of the first forests to have been altered by humans. This trail is easily manageable with young children and offers beautiful views of Saint-Denis during the first part of the walk. It is also the starting point ofthe GR® R2. This walk shares a section with the Sentier Mercure, one of the island’s most popular trails.

Pic Adam is a peak in the north of the island that is visible for several kilometres around due to its distinctive shape. There are two ways to reach it, both of which are described in this guide. This hike allows you to explore a small section of the trail linking La Roche Écrite to Bois de Nèfles. From its vantage point, there is a breathtaking panorama of the entire north. Its name comes from one of the island's first botanists.

Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.

The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.

First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.

This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.

The hike from Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle offers an accessible route for exploring the Cirque de Mafate. This excursion can be done in one day or over two days if you book a lodge. It allows you to discover the Plaine des Tamarins, the small hamlets of La Nouvelle (considered the capital of Mafate) and Marla.