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Saint-Benoît (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.
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.
The Bassin de la Mer and the Bassin des Aigrettes
The east of Réunion Island is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. Among these are the Mer and Aigrettes pools. They are amongst the best known on the island. This region is also notable for the surrounding vegetation, which remains green almost all year round. The walk is flat to begin with before becoming more challenging as you approach the Bassin des Aigrettes.
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 des Songes
A small peak located in Plaine-des-Palmistes, the Piton des Songes is well known to Catholics, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross, the Glorious Cross and the statue of Our Lady of Hope situated at its foot. From its summit, it offers a stunning view over Plaine-des-Palmistes. This family-friendly route takes you all the way round the hill and introduces you to birds and plant species endemic to Réunion.
The glorious cross of Piton des Songes
If you're worried about a more "challenging" hike, here's a short circular that allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Plaine des Palmistes and a quick but exciting exploration of the forest.
The Trail of 58 Native Plants
As its name suggests, this trail offers the chance to discover plants endemic to Réunion. Furthermore, the Piton des Songes is a place much favoured by the religious, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross. At the summit of the piton, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Plaine des Palmistes!
Pools and waterfalls on the Sainte-Suzanne River
The Sainte-Suzanne River is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. This walk takes in all the waterfalls between Bassin Cannes and Bassin Pilon. Most of the walk consists of a constant succession of fairly steep ascents and descents, some of which are quite dizzying. No fewer than ten waterfalls and pools can be seen on this walk, which is fairly short in terms of kilometres but will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Bras Cabot botanical trail: arum circular
If you have between half an hour and 45 minutes to spend in the magnificent Bébour Forest, especially with children, here is a very pretty walk that starts in undergrowth filled with arums (ideal in hot, humid weather) and continues in an enchanted forest atmosphere with lichen, twisted trees, etc. Absolutely no difficulty walking.
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.
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.
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.
Sainte-Suzanne – Cambuston
Twelfth stage, running close to the railway line. This stage is flat, but crossing the Sainte-Suzanne and Saint-Jean rivers may pose a problem for beginners. It is the second-shortest stage of the trek. This stage is divided into three sections: the first is urban, the second rural, and the third is urban again. However, there are fewer railway remains on this section, and those that are present have been left to fall into disrepair.
Piton Ste Rose – Anse and Pointe des Cascades
Anse des Cascades is one of the coastal gems of eastern Réunion. This route offers the chance to discover it at the end of an easy walk that skirts around Pointe des Cascades. Accessible to all, this walk does, however, require sturdy footwear.
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.
Sainte-Marie – Sainte-Suzanne
The eleventh stage of the walk takes you right alongside the railway line. This stage is short and very easy. It is also the only section where you’ll follow the entire route of the railway line. This section is regularly used by joggers. The path runs fairly close to the coast and occasionally offers some lovely views of the sea. There are also numerous railway remains along this section.
More walks in Saint-Benoît (La Réunion)
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