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Le Tampon walks
Walk at Le Tampon
A short family walk there and back with a few variations, either along the Rivière d’Abord or alongside the sugarcane fields. On the riverside path, you can admire the pools carved into the rock.
Dassy Trail - Pont de la Liane
A fairly short, easily accessible walk that follows a route well known to trail running enthusiasts: do not try to keep up with those training for the Diagonale des Fous. A quick and deep immersion in nature in the Ravine des Citrons; beautiful views, lots of vegetation and birds. Beautiful view of the ravine and the river before starting the climb.
The Ligne d’Équerre from Bérive
La Ligne d’Équerre is a small hamlet situated at an altitude of around 900 metres. Just a short walk from the village lies a beautiful forest criss-crossed by a number of paths. This guide takes you along these paths, starting from Bérive via the Piton Nathalie trails. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints along this circular route, which follows tracks for part of the way, as well as roads winding through crops and sugarcane fields.
The Petite Ravine Trail
There are several ways to reach the Bras de la Plaine. The route via the Sentier de la Petite Ravine is fairly well-known but rarely featured in guidebooks! This relatively short path leads right next to the beautiful Caverne de la Petite Ravine. If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to have a swim in the river or go and see the magnificent gorges downstream from the cave: do not attempt either of these if the water level is too high!
Part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise
This walk is part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail. It is also a section of the Grand Raid. As you pass by the pastures, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy beautiful views towards the west and south. This section follows the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail between Domaine Vidot and the first strawberry field. Fairly easy, although with a few steep steps, it is possible to continue much higher up towards Notre-Dame de la Paix.
The Bras de la Plaine Gorges from the Entre-Deux
Here is an extraordinary water-based hike. This ascent of the Bras de la Plaine through the gorges is a hike that has to be earned. All along the way, it is a succession of caves, rock formations and very narrow passages where light struggles to penetrate. You will very often get your feet wet in this magnificent area, and that is what makes this hike so charming. However, GPS reception is very poor in the steep-sided sections.
The Bassin Sassa
The Bassin Sassa takes its name from a slave called Sassa. This short circular walk takes you as close as possible to the basin, allows you to walk along part of the Bras Long and explore the town of L’Entre-Deux. This family-friendly route is one of the easiest in the area. However, it should be avoided during or after heavy rain, as nearly half the route runs along the bottom of a ravine.
Piton de Mont-Vert
Rising to an altitude of 636 metres, the Piton de Mont Vert is an iconic peak in the south of the island. It is an ancient crater dating back 30,000 years! Visible for kilometres around, it is criss-crossed by several kilometres of footpaths. Winding through a beautiful forest, these paths are the best way to discover the flora and fauna of this piton. The climb is sometimes steep but only for short stretches.
The Ouaki circular route
A relatively easy route with a picnic by the water’s edge.
Le Zèbre via the Sentier Marron from Bras Long and the Sentier Rosélie
L'Entre-Deux is a hiker’s paradise. This route follows the Sentier Rosélie and the Sentier du Zèbre. The latter is, in fact, one of the best-known trails in the region. You can complete a circular route by taking the Sentier Marron du Bras Long: it is very strenuous, quite demanding and technical, and is only recommended for very experienced walkers. This trail was little known before but is becoming increasingly popular. It also offers the chance to enjoy splendid panoramic views.
From Bois d’Olives to the Bras de Pontho viewpoint
Bras de Pontho is a small village situated at an altitude of 600 metres. Just behind its church, it offers a stunning view over the Bras la Plaine, which is far less well-known than the one at Bois-Court. This route, comprising two circular loops, starts at Bois-d’Olives and leads to the Bras de Pontho viewpoint, passing via the Bras de la Plaine Bridge, the Pouzzolane cliffs and the Parc des Palmiers.
Le Bras Long
Located on the heights of the Entre-Deux, this short mountain bike ride follows the Bras Long, passing by the eponymous picnic area which is very popular at weekends. It allows you to discover a little-known part of the Dimitile whilst riding between the Crête du Bras Long and the Zèbre.
La Mare via the Forêt des Hauts de Mont Vert
La Mare is a very small lake surrounded by arum plants, situated in the hamlet of the same name in the hills above Petite-Île. This walk, starting from the D36, passes through the beautiful Forêt des Hauts de Mont Vert, offering stunning views of the south of the island at the end of the route, as well as of the Rivière des Remparts, whilst following a well-maintained track lined with arums. It is possible to extend the walk to the Relais de Petite Île or to the Domaine Vidot.
A circular walk in Curepipe
It’s always possible to go for a walk in an area where there are no marked footpaths. This walk, which starts in the Curepipe neighbourhood at La Rivière, follows dirt tracks and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the plains.
Le Dimitile via the Sentier de la Chapelle trail
Dimitile is known for its many hiking trails. The shortest and easiest route to the summit is via the Sentier de la Chapelle trail. This hike offers magnificent views of the south of the island and then the Cirque de Cilaos at the end of the climb. It allows you to encounter some endemic plants and see various types of vegetation. It also provides a historical perspective on slavery with the character of Dimitile and the current Camp Marron.
Bassin Dix-Huit and the Terre Rouge circular loop
Bassin Dix-Huit (or Bassin 18) is one of the best-known pools in the south. Several legends circulate about it. The approach is very short but quite technical: best avoided with children, which explains its ‘medium’ difficulty rating. The pool is deep and the water is beautifully clear! To extend the walk, this route suggests completing a circular route at Pointe du Bois de Buis. This section, which follows the coast and offers some lovely views, presents no difficulty whatsoever.
Grand Bassin and the Voile de la Mariée
A beautiful hike offering stunning views of Grand Bassin in a superb setting. It begins with a 750m descent, which you then have to climb back up!
From Grand Bassin, a detour to the Voile de la Mariée waterfall and its pool is a must (swimming, picnic, etc.).
N.B. The displayed elevation gain of 1,340 metres is overestimated; the actual elevation gain is around 800 metres.
From Tapage to La Fenêtre
This hike takes you to Les Makes (at the La Fenêtre viewpoint) via a rarely visited spot: Le Tapage. This route offers magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos and the south of the island. On the way back, we take a detour through the beautiful Bras Patate valley.
Jacky Inard Trail
A walk along the Crête du Dimitile with magnificent views over Cilaos and the Plaine des Cafres.
The Ruisseau Loop
This walk, located at La Rivière, takes you round the Ruisseau, alternating between roads, tracks and footpaths. It offers access to beautiful panoramic views of the south of the island. This route follows a few small footpaths that are still passable. I recommend doing this walk in early December, as the cut sugarcane offers sweeping views and walkers will be treated to lychees.
I would advise against taking children on certain sections as they are overgrown or tricky.
The tour of the Chaîne du Bois de Nèfles
The Chaîne du Bois de Nèfles is recognisable from a great distance thanks to its distinctive shape and its ridges and valleys, formed by the numerous ravines. It shares the same geological origin as the Dimitile. It is possible to walk all the way round it. This offers the chance to enjoy stunning views across varied terrain. It is best to walk the circular route anti-clockwise to make the most of the views over Cilaos and the south of the island.
Les Canaux from Gol-les-Hauts via the Ravine des Merles
Here’s a lovely idea for a family walk off the beaten track. This route lets you explore the Canaux and Gol-les-Hauts area via a few small paths and old alleyways. The route offers some stunning panoramic views, especially when the reeds have been cut back!
Nez de Bœuf from Bourg-Murat
Nez de Bœuf is an iconic peak on the Route du Volcan. There is a magnificent viewpoint at its foot. However, the view from the summit is much better. This hike takes you there from the peaceful village of Bourg Murat, crossing rural landscapes with magnificent views. However, it is strongly recommended that you start at 7 a.m. at the latest to get the best views. Especially the one at the summit, which will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Saint-Louis – l’Étang-Salé les Bains
The second stage of the walk runs closest to the railway line; it begins in the multicultural town of Saint-Louis and takes you past two branch lines of the railway. It then winds through the Étang-Salé forest, following the main railway line as closely as possible, before arriving at the peaceful seaside village of Étang-Salé les Bains. Of course, you’ll come across a few remnants of the railway line.
Margosiers Circular
A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.
The Beach and the Piton de Grande Anse
Grande Anse beach is renowned for being almost perfectly suited to a family picnic. For tourists, it also offers the chance to enjoy a fairly short, relaxing discovery walk with a lovely view from the top of the piton.
Beach, shaded areas, picnic spots and viewpoints overlooking the sea or the beach: the epitome of Réunion’s hospitality!
The Grande Ferme Forest Road
This old road once connected the Route du Volcan to Grande-Ferme. This family walk is not difficult. The first part of the circular route offers beautiful views of Bourg-Murat and its surroundings, Piton des Neiges and the south coast from Saint-Pierre to Étang-Salé-les-Hauts, while the second part is under cryptomeria trees with a few gaps offering views of Piton des Neiges.
The circular of the Canals
This is an original way to hike off the GR® trails. There are few trails winding through the Chaîne du Bois de Nèfle. This route takes you deep into the heart of this mountain range through a dense forest of colourful woods and offers some panoramic views of the south of the island and Les Makes. In addition, a picnic area has been set up at the end of the hike. Avoid this route in rainy weather!
From Les Canaux to Le Grand Serré
This walk takes you to Les Canaux in Le Grand Serré, a village you pass through on your way to Les Makes, offering beautiful panoramic views of this part of the island. There are several information boards along the first part of the route, providing details about the plant species you’ll encounter. There are no particular difficulties on this walk apart from the descent at Ravine Montplaisir, which is technically challenging and can be slippery depending on conditions.
Heading towards Peter Both from the Pavillon
The climb to Cilaos is reputed to be long and tiring – why not stop off at Le Pavillon on the way for a walk that you can extend as far as Peter Both?
The path has just been refurbished by the ONF, much to our delight, and Îlet-Haut is secluded and unspoilt.
A truly unique viewpoint overlooking the peaks of the Cilaos cirque. If you’re heading up to Cilaos for the first time, this is a great introduction to understanding just how isolated the cirque is.
The climb up Ravine Barrage
The Ravine du Gol is fed by three main branches: the Ravine de Bellevue, the Ravine Barrage and the Ravine Goyaves. This guide allows you to hike the entire length of the Ravine Barrage as far as the Source de l’Éperon. The stream is usually dry, but a few springs provide patches of water here and there. The going isn’t too difficult over the pebbles, and those who enjoy large boulders will be in their element!
Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir trails
The Cirque de Cilaos is brimming with remarkable hikes. Among them is the route from the Pavillon to Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir paths. This breathtaking hike offers stunning views of the Cirque de Cilaos. Whilst it is certainly less well-known than the route linking Îlet à Cordes to Cilaos, it is by no means lacking in appeal. You can even stop for a swim at Les Trois Bras.
This walk passes through challenging but safe terrain.
From the Montplaisir Plateau to La Fenêtre
Alternative route to the previously suggested walk from Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes, taking the concrete forest track, as the forest was subject to logging operations until mid-September 2026 and the path has been rendered unusable for the time being as it has been ravaged by loggers.
From Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes
This hike offers beautiful panoramic views of Cilaos! On the way back, we pass through the magnificent Bras Patate valley.
The Bras Patate valley
The Makes region offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. The Bras Patate valley trail is one of the easiest and best known. The trail winds its way through a magnificent valley, offering superb views of Cilaos. Bras Patate was the entrance to the Cirque de Cilaos before the Piton des Neiges collapsed. However, the water did not have time to carve out a deep canyon like the Bras de Cilaos, but be sure to bring your camera: you will see many endemic birds.
Circular walk through the Plaine des Cafres Forest
The Plaine des Cafres region is brimming with walking routes. This one is among the muddiest on the island. However, it takes you around the Forêt Départemento-Domaniale, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as you pass through pastures, primary forests, cryptomeria woodlands and then branles. The slopes are sometimes steep on this circular route, and the vegetation here is exceptionally rich and still well-preserved. You should, however, set off early in the morning to avoid the clouds.
Fenêtre des Makes Piton Cabri
A lovely hike starting from Fenêtre des Makes which, in addition to magnificent views of Cilaos, allows you to discover completely different vegetation depending on the altitude.
La Fenêtre des Makes at Camp 2000
An easy hike starting from a charming village offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos.
Piton de l’Entonnoir
Piton de l’Entonnoir is best known as a paragliding launch site. There are a few footpaths leading up to it. It offers a remarkable view of the south of the island! Guava enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on this very short walk. It is therefore strongly recommended that you combine this walk with another. The route is less than a kilometre long and is suitable for families with children.
More walks in Le Tampon
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