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Saint-Denis (La Réunion) walks
The Providence Botanical Trail
Visorando Member
1.59 mi
+614 ft
-614 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located a short walk from Saint-Denis, this short trail allows you to discover some of the island’s endemic plants. It winds through one of the first forests to have been altered by humans. This trail is easily manageable with young children and offers beautiful views of Saint-Denis during the first part of the walk. It is also the starting point ofthe GR® R2. This walk shares a section with the Sentier Mercure, one of the island’s most popular trails.
The Mercure Trail
6.27 mi
+2,635 ft
-2,635 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Mercure Trail is one of the island’s most popular trails. It connects La Providence to Le Brulé. It is also the first stage of the GRR2, or the last, depending on which direction you take it. The first part of the trail shares a section with the botanical trail. It runs the entire length through the beautiful Providence Departmental Forest, one of the first forests to be modified by humans and a true green lung just a stone’s throw from the town.
Tour of the old town of Saint-Denis
3.24 mi
+98 ft
-112 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This itinerary offers a tour of Saint-Denis (Reunion Island), allowing you to visit the prefecture and see the main sights: colonial houses, the market and the jetty, in particular.
In Saint-Denis, avoid travelling during ‘rush hour’; opt for off-peak times instead to avoid wasting time in traffic jams.
The Pic Adam culvert
2.13 mi
+518 ft
-512 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Pic Adam is named after one of the island’s botanists. Its western flank is criss-crossed by numerous small streams that often carry water. Several catchments were subsequently created and are linked by a pipeline designed to supply water to the homes downstream. It is possible to follow this pipeline on a walk that presents no major difficulties, but which does include some tricky sections for children, particularly on the way to the beautiful waterfall on the Ravine Blanche.
The Pic Adam circular
4.64 mi
+1,873 ft
-1,873 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Pic Adam is a peak in the north of the island that is visible for several kilometres around due to its distinctive shape. There are two ways to reach it, both of which are described in this guide. This hike allows you to explore a small section of the trail linking La Roche Écrite to Bois de Nèfles. From its vantage point, there is a breathtaking panorama of the entire north. Its name comes from one of the island's first botanists.
The tour of the Plaine d'Affouche via Îlet à Guillaume
16.08 mi
+5,591 ft
-5,591 ft
12h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, the Plaine d’Affouche overlooks Îlet à Guillaume and forms an integral part of the Roche Écrite Reserve. Keep your ears and eyes peeled, as you may spot or hear the tuit-tuit, a bird found only on Réunion and exclusively in this part of the island.
Please note: this hike can be completed in under 8 hours. The elevation gain is overestimated: there is approximately 1,500 metres of ascent and descent, not 2,375.
Sainte-Marie – Sainte-Suzanne
4.65 mi
+105 ft
-112 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Roche Écrite from Camp Mamode
11.69 mi
+3,553 ft
-3,553 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Roche Écrite offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Salazie, Gros Morne, Piton des Neiges, Col des Boeufs (access to Mafate) and beautiful views of the Cirque de Mafate, Grand Bénare and Maido. From Camp Mamode, access is less difficult than from Grand Ilet and shorter than from Dos d'Âne.
The Sentier de l’Échelle
1.61 mi
+961 ft
-974 ft
1h 35
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This family-friendly circular walk is situated in the hills above Saint-Denis. It can be completed in under an hour but does feature steep slopes with very high steps! This walk offers the chance to spot species endemic to the island, and much of the path is shaded. The path is regularly maintained by a local charity. The southernmost section, however, is in the open and offers magnificent views of the north of the island.
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
9.66 mi
+2,152 ft
-2,152 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
La Roche Écrite via Dos d'Âne
Tourist office13.58 mi
+4,436 ft
-4,416 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.
Sainte-Suzanne – Cambuston
4.24 mi
+79 ft
-23 ft
2h 00
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Suzanne (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Bottle Rock
2.08 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,017 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
This short hike offers magnificent views of the Mafate cirque on one side and the coast of La Possession on the other, with the Dos-d'Àne islet in the foreground. This is the easiest place to get a spectacular, unobstructed view of Mafate.
La Possession – Grande Chaloupe
4.76 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,135 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Réunion
Eighth stage of the island tour, following the railway line as closely as possible. After the long flat stretch of the previous stages, this short stage sees a return to uphill terrain. As access to the tunnel is officially prohibited, you must go via the Chemin des Anglais, which includes sections with steep gradients. This is a very old paved path that is now a must-do hike on the island.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
3.50 mi
+2,608 ft
-2,631 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
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.
Aurére – Cayenne
4.46 mi
+1,565 ft
-2,812 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
Sans-Souci – Roche Plate
10.39 mi
+4,117 ft
-2,087 ft
8h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
What hiker hasn’t dreamt of walking the Cirque de Mafate on Réunion? This hike is renowned for being challenging, with a considerable elevation gain. But the scenery is spectacular!
Please note: the elevation gain given is an overestimate; it is actually only about 1,200 metres uphill and 800 metres downhill.
Cascade-Blanche
2.02 mi
+1,004 ft
-981 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Îlet des Orangers via the canal
17.14 mi
+4,409 ft
-4,409 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
One way to access the Cirque de Mafate is from Sans Souci. The pipeline path may seem long, but the landscape overlooking the Rivière des Galets from a height of 500 m is breathtaking. From above, you can see Deux Bras and the narrow gorge through which the Rivière des Galets flows out of the Cirque de Mafate.
The canal path has a gentle slope. After the water catchment, access to Îlet des Orangers is via a narrow gorge after a steep climb.
Estimated elevation gain: approximately 700 metres.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall from Salazie
1.51 mi
+427 ft
-446 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.
Mafate via the Rivière des Galets
10.40 mi
+440 ft
-449 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The Cirque de Mafate is accessible from many different points. The flat track is easy to follow and suitable for everyone. Families can come on this walk and turn back at any time. You can even take a dip in the Rivière des Galets. The track runs straight ahead, winding its way between rock faces that grow ever higher as you go.
Cayenne - Roche Plate
4.34 mi
+3,583 ft
-1,683 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The passage near the Ravine Grand Mère caldera is breathtaking.
The Bassin Vital
1.44 mi
+686 ft
-686 ft
1h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Étang Saint-Paul is designated as a nature reserve. There are several walking routes around it, including the Bassin Vital trail. Perched at an altitude of just over 150 metres, you can reach it via a short, fairly steep climb or by following a circular route. The views over Étang Saint-Paul are absolutely stunning! You can combine this walk with others in the area.
More walks in Saint-Denis (La Réunion)
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