Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) walks

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.

A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful hike offering stunning views of Grand Bassin in a superb setting. It begins with a 750m descent, which you then have to climb back up! From Grand Bassin, a detour to the Voile de la Mariée waterfall and its pool is a must (swimming, picnic, etc.). N.B. The displayed elevation gain of 1,340 metres is overestimated; the actual elevation gain is around 800 metres.

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.

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!

A lovely hike starting from Fenêtre des Makes which, in addition to magnificent views of Cilaos, allows you to discover completely different vegetation depending on the altitude.

A magnificent hike in the Cirque de Cilaos, with numerous streams and waterfalls, including Bras Rouge, Fouquet and Alfred. The hike sometimes follows a balcony path at the foot of the three Salazes and Piton des Neiges. You can take the time to relax in the Alfred pools and its small waterfall.

One of the most beautiful hikes around Cilaos, offering the chance to discover an exceptional site: the entrance to a canyon carved out by the river through a monolith over 100 metres wide and high, with three pools of clear, cool water.

the Bras Rouge waterfall is a must-see site in the Cirque de Cilaos. Two trails lead to the waterfall: the first starts at the old thermal baths and the second at the start of the Taïbit trail. This itinerary is the first of the two. Easy and family-friendly, it offers beautiful views of the western part of the cirque. It is a classic in Cilaos and is very popular!