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Le Port (La Réunion) walks
Mafate via the Rivière des Galets
Tourist office
10.40 mi
+440 ft
-449 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The Cirque de Mafate is accessible from many different points. The flat track is easy to follow and suitable for everyone. Families can come on this walk and turn back at any time. You can even take a dip in the Rivière des Galets. The track runs straight ahead, winding its way between rock faces that grow ever higher as you go.
La Possession – Grande Chaloupe
Visorando Member4.76 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,135 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Réunion
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.
The Bassin Vital
1.44 mi
+686 ft
-686 ft
1h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Étang Saint-Paul is designated as a nature reserve. There are several walking routes around it, including the Bassin Vital trail. Perched at an altitude of just over 150 metres, you can reach it via a short, fairly steep climb or by following a circular route. The views over Étang Saint-Paul are absolutely stunning! You can combine this walk with others in the area.
Îlet des Orangers via the canal
17.14 mi
+4,409 ft
-4,409 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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 Chemin Pavé Lougnon
2.17 mi
+768 ft
-771 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Saint-Paul region once had three paved roads: the Chemin Charrette Boeuf, the Chemin du Bernica and the Chemin Pavé Lougnon. They were built by Governor Antoine Desforges-Boucher in the18th century. Goods were previously transported from the hills above Saint-Paul to the town via unpaved tracks, which is why Antoine Desforges-Boucher decided to build these paved roads. The route of the Chemin Pavé de Lougnon was rediscovered by Albert Lougnon.
From Saint-Paul to Trou d'Eau via the beaches
9.42 mi
+75 ft
-89 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
Bottle Rock
2.08 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,017 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
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 via Dos d'Âne
13.58 mi
+4,436 ft
-4,416 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
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.
The tour of the Plaine d'Affouche via Îlet à Guillaume
16.08 mi
+5,591 ft
-5,591 ft
12h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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 from Camp Mamode
11.69 mi
+3,553 ft
-3,553 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Piton des Orangers and return via the Omega Forest Road
4.61 mi
+932 ft
-906 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
4.34 mi
+3,583 ft
-1,683 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
Aurére – Cayenne
4.46 mi
+1,565 ft
-2,812 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
Scout Trail starting from Grand Place
7.28 mi
+4,288 ft
-2,090 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.
From Maïdo to Le Bronchard
9.44 mi
+4,213 ft
-4,190 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Maïdo and Grand Bord
2.60 mi
+541 ft
-554 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This short hike along the Grand Bord du Maïdo offers the same superb views of Mafate as a longer hike.
Le Grand Bénare from Le Maïdo
10.54 mi
+2,431 ft
-2,454 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
There are several notable peaks on Réunion. Two of them rise above 3,000 metres: Gros Morne and Piton des Neiges. The third is none other than Grand Bénare. The latter is accessible from several points. The routes via Le Grand Bord and La Glacière are the easiest. It is advisable to take the outward route via Le Grand Bord to enjoy the views over Mafate before the clouds roll in. The summit offers a 360-degree view, and the return via La Glacière adds a touch of history.
The Mercure Trail
6.27 mi
+2,635 ft
-2,635 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Mercure Trail is one of the island’s most popular trails. It connects La Providence to Le Brulé. It is also the first stage of the GRR2, or the last, depending on which direction you take it. The first part of the trail shares a section with the botanical trail. It runs the entire length through the beautiful Providence Departmental Forest, one of the first forests to be modified by humans and a true green lung just a stone’s throw from the town.
The Providence Botanical Trail
1.59 mi
+614 ft
-614 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Roche Plate – La Nouvelle
5.03 mi
+2,923 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A stage made all the more enjoyable by the unforgettable setting of the Trois Roches.
The Pic Adam circular
4.64 mi
+1,873 ft
-1,873 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Roche Plate – Grand Place
6.56 mi
+2,897 ft
-4,016 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 4 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we set off from Roche Plate and head for Grand Place les Hauts, passing through the hamlets of Les Orangers, Les Lataniers and Cayenne.
At a place known as La Brèche, we’ll cross the path leading up to Le Maïdo.
Roche Plate - Marla
5.01 mi
+2,680 ft
-968 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier
4.09 mi
+1,926 ft
-1,227 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.
Grand Place via the Augustave path and Aurère
8.87 mi
+3,615 ft
-5,833 ft
7h 15
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
A beautiful route offering the chance to explore Mafate and its extraordinary and varied views.
Le Bélier - Aurére
5.08 mi
+1,063 ft
-3,458 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
3.50 mi
+2,608 ft
-2,631 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
From Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle
7.02 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,073 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
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.
From Col des Bœufs to Marla
8.25 mi
+2,451 ft
-2,438 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
From the Col des Bœufs, a forest track leads you to the edge of the Cirque de Salazie, where you’ll discover the majestic pass and its breathtaking views over the Cirque de Mafate. Your walk begins on a path carved into the mountainside, offering a dizzying view. You’ll then enter the tamarind forest. After crossing a clearing, you’ll descend towards the pebble-strewn river, discovering a hidden pool along the way. Finally, a short climb takes you to the village of Marla, where you can rest.