The Petite Ravine Trail

Access: From Le Tampon, head towards Bras de Pontho via the D3. In the village, stay on this road and drive through it. There is a car park on the left by the church (this adds an extra 15-minute walk). Otherwise, continue straight on until you reach the signs indicating the exit from Bras de Pontho and the arrival at Pont d’Yves. To the left of the two signs is the Chemin de la Petite Ravine. Park nearby.

(S/E) Take the Chemin de la Petite Ravine, from where you can see the Dimitile massif ahead.
Ignore all the lanes branching off to the right and keep left at each junction to stay on the Chemin de la Petite Ravine.

(1) Then take the first path on the left: this is the Sentier de la Petite Ravine. The start is marked by a green arrow and begins right next to number 27. A sign also indicates the start of the path. The descent begins immediately with a series of switchbacks through fairly dry vegetation. From there, follow the path to the river (Bras de la Plaine). The stream already runs alongside the path, which is very busy. It starts in the undergrowth but becomes increasingly open as the descent continues.

The gradient varies depending on the section, but presents no major difficulty for the average walker. Watch out for a few stony sections. During this descent, all the views are of the Bras de la Plaine. If it has rained heavily, you may be able to see the huge waterfall at the Ravine de l’Argamasse. There are several flat sections during the descent.

Pass close to a wayside shrine: you are more than halfway down. Allow a further 15 minutes to reach the Bras de la Plaine.

(2) Once you have passed under a culvert, reach the Bras de la Plaine and cross it using a cable. Do not attempt the crossing if the water level is too high! Reach the opposite bank and follow it to the left.

(3) You will then very quickly reach the beautiful Caverne de la Petite Ravine. It is very large and quite deep. You can swim at the foot of the cave or rest before tackling the climb. Further down lie the magnificent Bras de la Plaine gorges (see ‘Practical Information’).

Then follow the same route back to Rue Émile Zola (S/E).

-There are few parking spaces at the starting point! To be sure of a space, we recommend parking near the church at Bras de Pontho (on the left as you head towards (S/E)) and allowing around 30 minutes for the return walk.
-Do not attempt to cross the Bras de la Plaine if the water level is too high!
-You can extend the walk by following the Bras de la Plaine downstream to enjoy the magnificent gorges and then heading back up via the Dassy

Places to see:
-The Bras de Pontho viewpoint (it is on the left of the road leading to the starting point and is located near the church at Bras de Pontho).
-The Caverne de la Petite Ravine (3)
-The Bras de la Plaine gorges (follow the river downstream to (3))

Enjoy the various panoramic views