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Saint-André (La Réunion) walks
The Bassin de la Mer from the Bassin de la Paix
Located on the Rivière des Roches, these two pools are very well known and always have water, even at the end of the dry season. The walk is a round trip from Bassin de la Paix to Bassin de la Mer via a very easy trail with numerous viewpoints, particularly over Bassin de la Mer, which is paradoxically located upstream. Ideal for children (under supervision, however). The ground is fairly clayey with few stones, except around the second pool.
Cascade-Blanche
From the Pont-de-L'Escalier car park, take a path of about three and a half kilometres that will take you to Cascade-Blanche, the third highest waterfall in France.
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
The Cirque de Salazie is dominated by several peaks, including Piton Plaine des Fougères. Two trails, starting from the Plaine des Fougères, lead to the eponymous peak and form a circular route. The plain is home to countless tamarind trees, each as remarkable as the next. The return trail features a few information boards. The southernmost section runs alongside an imposing escarpment, offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Salazie.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall from Salazie
An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.
The tour of the Grand Étang and the Bras d'Annette waterfalls
The natural reservoir of the Grand Étang allows you to spend a few hours walking in the woods and admiring one of the island's rare lakes. There are no difficulties except for a narrow passage between the cliff and the lake shore, which is secured by a handrail (and can be bypassed), and access to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls, with its narrow path and a few slightly high steps. But what a treat for the eyes, with several waterfalls and a pool that invites meditation and picnics.
Le Trou de Fer via the Bélouve lodge and the Allée Cavalière trail
Le Trou de Fer is an iconic location on Reunion Island. Countless waterfalls plunge into this immense and impressive cavity. Located in the east of Reunion, it is one of the wettest places on the island! It can be reached from Bras-Panon and from the Bélouve forest. From this dense forest, there are three possible access routes: via the Trou de Fer trail, the bridle path or the École Normale trail.
Cap Anglais
A very challenging circular walk that takes you through the beautiful, colourful forest on the heights of Bélouve whilst offering splendid views across the entire Cirque de Salazie. The climb to Cap Anglais is gruelling and very difficult, and most of the elevation gain is on this section. Going the other way, the circular route is a little easier. The walk passes through the village of Hell-Bourg, where you can stock up on supplies. Allow a little extra time to visit the village.
Bélouve Forest – Tamarinaie Trail
Although it is virtually impenetrable, the Bélouve Forest can be explored via a few more or less hidden trails. The Tamarinaie trail is certainly one of the most interesting. This circular route, starting from the Bélouve lodge, allows you to look out over the Salazie cirque and return to the start via the primary forest.
Please note: as of 24 June 2026, this trail is reportedly no longer passable.
Crossing the Bélouve and Bébour forests, starting from Hell-Bourg
Crossing the forests of Bébourg and BélouveHiking in Réunion: Closed trailsview the decree
Hell Bourg and the Three Waterfalls
The village of Hell Bourg is one of the most beautiful on the island. Many tourists come especially to see the beautiful Creole houses and their guétali. The village has numerous museums and offers a wide range of accommodation options. This circular route takes you past the village's main attractions. It is suitable for families and the only difficulty is the return trip to the Three Waterfalls: the access is challenging, but short, and the site is enchanting.
From Hell-Bourg to Bélouve
The Cirque de Salazie is renowned for its hikes. The one linking Hell-Bourg to Bélouve is a classic. It climbs along a rampart for about 500 m of elevation gain. The climb is often winding and rarely difficult, although the slope is present almost all the way. Much of the hike is in the undergrowth. However, this climb offers sumptuous views of the entire cirque, with the final viewpoint at the lodge providing a spectacular finale.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
A warm-up hike to the Piton des Neiges, though this is only suitable for experienced walkers as the slope is steep.
The Trou de Fer from Hell-Bourg and a circular tour through the Belouve Forest
A lovely hike starting from the magnificent village of Hell-Bourg to reach the impressive Trou de Fer site, and a circular route to explore the Bélouve Primeval Forest.
Hell-Bourg – Caverne Dufour
You reach the most legendary point of the Tour des Trois Cirques as you approach Piton des Neiges. The prettiest path, even if it is longer, goes through the Bélouve Forest with its splendid view of Piton des Neiges and its mountainous surroundings, and the primeval forest with its twisted trees and wild vegetation. As you arrive at the Caverne Dufour, there is a magnificent view of the Fournaise volcano and the other craters.
Circular route in the Terre Plate Forest from Hell-Bourg
A fairly technical circular route starting from the Creole village of Hell-Bourg in the Terre Plate Forest, offering beautiful panoramic views of the stunning Cirque de Salazie.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.
Dufour Cave - Cilaos
Due to a typhoon passing near the island, bad weather prevented us from climbing to Piton des Neiges. So we descended directly to Cilaos from the Dufour cave refuge.
Caverne Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Cilaos
It is on this final day that you reach the legendary summit of Piton des Neiges at sunrise. The descent in broad daylight offers a breathtaking view of this volcanic desert, which is gradually becoming covered in vegetation. The long descent towards Cilaos, following the other side of Piton des Neiges, takes you through a fascinating nature reserve.
Refuge Dufour – Piton des Neiges – Hell Bourg
A gruelling hike (in terms of duration), with a night-time ascent of Piton des Neiges to watch the sunrise, a return to the refuge to collect your rucksack, then a descent to Hell Bourg. Consider spending a day in Hell Bourg and visiting the ancient thermal baths.