Mouirange Viewpoint Rock

Park at the Sentier des Cohons Trailhead car park: search for the name on Google Maps.

(S/E) Take the red earth track that climbs up to your right. The track is wide and there are no navigation difficulties on this first section; you won’t come across any junctions. Be careful, however, not to slip when the red rock is wet. Climb steadily for about 1.5 km, passing through a section where the track has been eroded by runoff, forming a small canyon 2 to 3 m wide that you’ll need to cross. Take your time going down, using your hands to steady yourself as you navigate the slope.

(1) Leave the Sentier des Cohons – which is barely visible and will be your return route – on your right, and walk for about 150 m to reach another junction.

(2) This junction is not visible at all. The track naturally continues downwards to the right, whilst the path, also to the right, is somewhat hidden in the grass of the maquis and it is easy to walk straight past it without noticing it. Do not hesitate to use your GPS to backtrack a little and locate it if necessary. Once on the path, it is clearly marked and easy to follow. Climb gently towards the rock viewpoint, occasionally stepping on steps carved directly into the red earth.

(3) Keep to the left to reach the viewpoint about a hundred metres further on.

(4) Enjoy the panoramic view before heading back down to the left. Then follow a small ridge path directly in front of you to reach a viewpoint overlooking the Rivière Blanche valley: the southern section of the Rivière Bleue Nature Reserve.

(5) The ridge path is on the left. It isn’t very well maintained – the vegetation has taken over – but fortunately, it doesn’t take long to reach the viewpoint.

(6) Turn back.

(5) Head straight on along the path, which soon turns left and descends eastwards, quickly entering the rainforest. The path remains easily passable and well-maintained. Reach the junction with the Sentier des Cohons.

(7) Turn right. From here, there are no further junctions: follow the path through the rainforest until you rejoin the main track you came up on. The junction is on a slope beneath the trees, which explains why this path isn’t very visible on the way up.

(1) Head left and then make your way down gently, taking great care not to slip, of course. Return to the car park (S/E).

Accessible by city car; the route is entirely on tarmac, with no tracks to follow.

As with many walks in the Southern Province, the paths are on red earth which is extremely slippery in wet weather: make sure you wear suitable footwear and do not walk in the rain.

There is no shade on the ascent, so make sure you’re properly equipped.

The circular return loop takes you through rainforest, so the heat is more bearable there.

There is no water along the route, so make sure you bring plenty with you beforehand.

(4) Mouirange viewpoint rock.

Multiple panoramic views of Mont Dore and the surrounding valleys.

A very rich, damp forest.