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Petite-Île walks
The Beach and the Piton de Grande Anse
Visorando Member
1.59 mi
+262 ft
-262 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Petite-Île (Réunion)
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!
Margosiers Circular
6.56 mi
+2,867 ft
-2,874 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.
Part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise
4.57 mi
+1,198 ft
-1,217 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Piton Babet
0.92 mi
+354 ft
-338 ft
0h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Piton Babet is an iconic peak in the commune of Saint-Joseph. It is named after the former mayor, who is buried at the summit of the peak. This walk is very short and can easily be combined with another hike, such as Piton de l’Entonnoir. The sound of the waves will never cease. Just before the start of the climb, don’t miss the Caverne des Hirondelles. It’s also possible to walk all the way round the piton, but this has the drawback of passing through built-up areas.
Bassin Dix-Huit and the Terre Rouge circular loop
2.69 mi
+299 ft
-289 ft
1h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Circular loop at Pointe de Langevin
0.93 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
0h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This route offers a circular path at Pointe de Langevin on a very popular, high-quality trail. Lovers of rugged landscapes will delight in the spectacle of the sea crashing against this rugged coastline. It is also possible to take a dip in the pools of the Langevin River.
Walk at Le Tampon
3.38 mi
+587 ft
-587 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
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.
La Mare via the Forêt des Hauts de Mont Vert
3.66 mi
+545 ft
-535 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Terre Rouge, Cap Jaune and the Plateau
1.79 mi
+161 ft
-138 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located in the south of the island, Cap Jaune is a natural curiosity that is a must-see if you come to Vincendo. This site owes its name to its yellow colour! The trail runs along the coastline and offers superb panoramic views! It also crosses landscapes specific to the Wild South (jagged landscapes, vackoas, volcanic rocks, blowholes, etc.).
Moderator's note added on 21/07/2021: There have been a few changes to the terrain since this hike was published. See reviews.
The Ouaki circular route
3.27 mi
+630 ft
-653 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A relatively easy route with a picnic by the water’s edge.
Dassy Trail - Pont de la Liane
1.92 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,099 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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 Bras de la Plaine Gorges from the Entre-Deux
6.10 mi
+3,150 ft
-3,173 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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 Petite Ravine Trail
1.93 mi
+1,440 ft
-1,440 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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!
The Bassin Sassa
1.46 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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.
Le Morne Langevin from Pas des Sables
4.52 mi
+410 ft
-407 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This short hike offers beautiful views of the Plaine des Sables and Piton de la Fournaise to start with.
Finally, the Morne Langevin viewpoint is the ultimate reward: panoramic views of Grand Galet, Grand Coude, Saint-Joseph and the ocean... if there are no clouds in the sky!
The Sainte-Thérèse Oratory and the Plaine des Sables
4.67 mi
+666 ft
-696 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This short hike, which starts at Pas des Sables, continues along the cliff edge and offers beautiful views of the Plaine des Sables, then the rampart and the Rivière de l'Est riverbed. After the oratory, a fairly steep descent leads to the Plaine des Sables. Crossing this plain allows you to discover the beauty of the landscapes in this arid area. The return to the car park is by road.
Pas des Sables Sainte Thérèse Oratory
3.26 mi
+417 ft
-410 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A short walk for young walkers, but one that offers the same superb views of the Plaine des Sables as a longer hike and allows you to appreciate all the volcanic vegetation.
A circular walk in Curepipe
4.15 mi
+725 ft
-725 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
The Grande Ferme Forest Road
4.66 mi
+581 ft
-581 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Le Zèbre via the Sentier Marron from Bras Long and the Sentier Rosélie
5.52 mi
+2,123 ft
-2,119 ft
4h 25
Difficult
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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.
Saint-Louis – l’Étang-Salé les Bains
11.19 mi
+102 ft
-285 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Piton de Bois Vert or Piton de Bert
7.90 mi
+305 ft
-308 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This hike offers beautiful views of the Enclos Fouqué and the Plaine des Sables region. We did this hike to see the volcanic eruption of May 2015! To do so, we got up early in the morning to enjoy the best possible view.
The Mare Longue botanical trail
1.32 mi
+325 ft
-325 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Philippe (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion has many botanical trails. The Mare Longue trail is one of the best known. It offers a short family walk through the forest. The route consists of two circular loops, and it is possible to do just one. The forest you walk through is a remnant of the Bas colour-wood forest. Many of the species encountered are endemic and sometimes have remarkable aerial roots.
Le Bras Long
1.53 mi
+374 ft
-374 ft
30 mins
Easy
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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.
The climb up Ravine Barrage
4.74 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
Les Canaux from Gol-les-Hauts via the Ravine des Merles
3.69 mi
+571 ft
-561 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
Rivals craters in the furnace enclosure
5.49 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,388 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
In the Fournaise enclosure, as an alternative to Piton de la Fournaise, there is the Rivals Crater Trail, which is easy and almost flat except for the steps down into the enclosure. The craters are very beautiful with two magnificent geodes.
The Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale)
2.76 mi
+292 ft
-295 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This route leads to the Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale), a peak situated to the north-west of the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure. There are numerous splendid panoramic views from here, including of the Savane Cimetière and the most recent eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, which took place just a few months ago! Once you reach Piton de Partage, you can even see the Pointe des Cascades and the Bois-Blanc coastline in the distance!
The Kapor Trail
4.97 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,240 ft
3h 20
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This trail, laid out in the Enclos Fouqué, allows you to immerse yourself in the mineral landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise, with a distance and elevation gain that remain accessible to most people. You will discover several types of lava: cordée, grattons, scories, etc., and cross relatively recent lava flows (2016).
Please note that this hike is not accessible in the event of a volcanic eruption (which have been relatively frequent in the 2010s). Check in advance.
Climbing the Volcano of Réunion
7.29 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A mineral, even lunar landscape with breathtaking views. An extraordinary hike, close to the volcano.
Please note: since the 2007 lava flows, access to the Bory Crater is no longer possible. Until further notice, follow the route described here as a round trip.
From Tapage to La Fenêtre
7.42 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
The circular of the Canals
4.56 mi
+1,759 ft
-1,759 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
The Grand Case Trail circular loop
7.39 mi
+2,238 ft
-2,238 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
La Pièce Jeanne is best known for its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. However, this area does offer a few hiking options. The best-known trail links La Pièce Jeanne to Les Makes. But it is possible to do a circular route by returning via the little-known Sentier Grand Case, which is actually well signposted despite not appearing on maps or in guidebooks. This circular route offers stunning views of the south and north of the island and is not particularly difficult.