The Providence Botanical Trail

Access: Head towards Saint-Denis and join Boulevard Sud. Follow this boulevard and, if you are coming from Le Port, continue until you see a sign for ‘Centre de pneu Sautron’ on the right at an intersection. Then take the road on the right that leads towards this sign at the junction. If you are coming from Sainte-Marie, follow Boulevard Sud until you reach the exit of the next tunnel and turn left at the next junction. Drive until you see the sign on the right indicating the botanical trail. Take the path indicated by the sign and follow it to its end.

(S/E) At the start, note the beautiful plantation of imposing and magnificent royal palms of impressive height. There are a few tables and a water point at the start of the trail, which begins at the top right of the car park and is very well signposted! The trail quickly leaves the royal palms behind and enters lowland vegetation comprising, amongst other things, bougainvilleas, blackwood and chocas.

The slope soon becomes steep. The path is rocky but very well maintained throughout. In some places, steps have even been carved into the rock. The first information boards about the plants encountered appear very quickly and are of a very high standard. The view then opens up, offering an increasingly clear view of the Camélias district and the higher parts of the town. After a 15-minute walk, you reach a gazebo offering a beautiful view of the eastern part of Saint-Denis and the higher ground of the Camélias district. Take a few minutes to admire the view before continuing along the path.

Then leave the return path on your right and turn left. The views gradually fade away, giving way to dry undergrowth with plenty of chocas. The path winds around two or three bends before climbing in a straight line. It is rocky with a few roots here and there as you pass close to some casuarinas or flamboyant trees.

(1) At the junction, ignore the path that continues straight on to Le Brulé and turn right. The path, which remains very pleasant, levels out and runs alongside a forest of cryptomerias.

(2) You’ll soon reach the road; turn right, where you’ll occasionally catch glimpses of Saint-Denis. Then take the path that starts on the right and is clearly signposted. Gently sloping, it allows you to avoid a section of the tarmac road. At the end of the path, turn right onto the road and pass a beautiful tree on the right known as a rubber tree.

(3) Then take the next path on the right, which is still well signposted. This leads onto a flat section.

(1) Continue straight ahead and return to the starting point via the same route (S/E).

Water point and tables available at the starting point (S/E).

Things to see:
- The various plants.
- The view from the gazebo between (S/E) and (1).
- The various panoramic views.

Things to do:
- Visit the town of Saint-Denis.
- Option to extend the walk to Le Brulé by continuing straight on at (1).