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Les Trois-Bassins walks
Maïdo, Grand Bénare, from Vaudeville to Trois Bassins
Visorando Member
23.51 mi
+5,712 ft
-5,705 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Set off on an epic hike in the Hauts de Trois-Bassins! Starting from the Vaudeville trail, head to Maïdo, continue to the legendary Grand Bénare, then return via Petit Bénare for an unforgettable circular tour in the heart of Réunion's mountains. Breathtaking panoramas of Mafate, legendary peaks and endemic forest!
From Cayenne to Bras Mouton
Tourist office2.71 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,467 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Cayenne is a small village not far from Kélonia. Many people pass through this village on their way to Saint-Gilles (or Saint-Leu) but don’t stop, except to look at the sea. A path runs through the village and leads to Bras Mouton in the hills above Saint-Leu, offering some panoramic views of this part of the island.
Le Grand Bénare via the Tamarin Lodge
9.30 mi
+3,629 ft
-3,629 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Le Grand Bénare is an iconic peak on the island. The approach via the Tamarin Lodge is much more strenuous than from Le Maïdo. You’ll need calves of steel to tackle the inevitable sharp rocks. The views are spectacular, and this is the case well before you reach the summit. The climb is steady and the elevation gain is quite significant. The route through the Caverne de la Glacière and the various shafts encountered during the ascent add an extra dimension to this hike.
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.
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.
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.
Saint-Gilles – Saint-Paul
6.73 mi
+673 ft
-679 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Fifth stage of the island tour, running close to the railway line. This stage is flat and relatively easy. The first section is urban and passes through the tourist towns of Saint-Gilles and Boucan Canot, renowned for their white sandy beaches. The second section is more rural, running along the cliffs of Cap la Houssaye. The final section is urban once again and takes you through the town of Saint-Paul. Along the way, you’ll come across around ten remnants of the railway line.
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.
From Pointe au Sel to Stella via the Sentier Sucré Salé
3.42 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion has a few remarkable museums, such as the Salt Museum and the Stella Matutina Museum. It is possible to visit both by taking a circular route via the Sentier Sucré Salé, which was used by the Stella factory owners to come and help the workers in the salt flats during the Second World War. You can also return via Piton des Roches Tendres, which offers a lovely view of the west of the island.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
More walks in Les Trois-Bassins
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