Refine your search for walks in Saint-Joseph (La Réunion)
Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) walks
Circular loop at Pointe de Langevin
Visorando Member 
0.93 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
0h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This route offers a circular path at Pointe de Langevin on a very popular, high-quality trail. Lovers of rugged landscapes will delight in the spectacle of the sea crashing against this rugged coastline. It is also possible to take a dip in the pools of the Langevin River.
Terre Rouge, Cap Jaune and the Plateau
Visorando Member 
1.79 mi
+161 ft
-138 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Margosiers Circular
Visorando Member 
6.56 mi
+2,867 ft
-2,874 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.
Part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise
Visorando Member 
4.57 mi
+1,198 ft
-1,217 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This walk is part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail. It is also a section of the Grand Raid. As you pass by the pastures, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy beautiful views towards the west and south. This section follows the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise trail between Domaine Vidot and the first strawberry field. Fairly easy, although with a few steep steps, it is possible to continue much higher up towards Notre-Dame de la Paix.
The Mare Longue botanical trail
Visorando Member 
1.32 mi
+325 ft
-325 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Philippe (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion has many botanical trails. The Mare Longue trail is one of the best known. It offers a short family walk through the forest. The route consists of two circular loops, and it is possible to do just one. The forest you walk through is a remnant of the Bas colour-wood forest. Many of the species encountered are endemic and sometimes have remarkable aerial roots.
Walk at Le Tampon
Visorando Member 
3.38 mi
+587 ft
-587 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
A short family walk there and back with a few variations, either along the Rivière d’Abord or alongside the sugarcane fields. On the riverside path, you can admire the pools carved into the rock.
Le Morne Langevin from Pas des Sables
Visorando Member 4.52 mi
+410 ft
-407 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This short hike offers beautiful views of the Plaine des Sables and Piton de la Fournaise to start with.
Finally, the Morne Langevin viewpoint is the ultimate reward: panoramic views of Grand Galet, Grand Coude, Saint-Joseph and the ocean... if there are no clouds in the sky!
The Sainte-Thérèse Oratory and the Plaine des Sables
Visorando Member 
4.67 mi
+666 ft
-696 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Piton de Bois Vert or Piton de Bert
Visorando Member 
7.90 mi
+305 ft
-308 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Rivals craters in the furnace enclosure
Visorando Member 
5.49 mi
+1,378 ft
-1,388 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
The Grande Ferme Forest Road
Visorando Member 
4.66 mi
+581 ft
-581 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This old road once connected the Route du Volcan to Grande-Ferme. This family walk is not difficult. The first part of the circular route offers beautiful views of Bourg-Murat and its surroundings, Piton des Neiges and the south coast from Saint-Pierre to Étang-Salé-les-Hauts, while the second part is under cryptomeria trees with a few gaps offering views of Piton des Neiges.
The Kapor Trail
Visorando Member 
4.97 mi
+1,240 ft
-1,240 ft
3h 20
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Climbing the Volcano of Réunion
Visorando Member 
7.29 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
Dassy Trail - Pont de la Liane
Visorando Member 
1.92 mi
+1,099 ft
-1,099 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
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.
The Petite Ravine Trail
Visorando Member 1.93 mi
+1,440 ft
-1,440 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
There are several ways to reach the Bras de la Plaine. The route via the Sentier de la Petite Ravine is fairly well-known but rarely featured in guidebooks! This relatively short path leads right next to the beautiful Caverne de la Petite Ravine. If the opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to have a swim in the river or go and see the magnificent gorges downstream from the cave: do not attempt either of these if the water level is too high!
Nez de Bœuf from Bourg-Murat
Visorando Member 
8.51 mi
+1,870 ft
-1,867 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
Nez de Bœuf is an iconic peak on the Route du Volcan. There is a magnificent viewpoint at its foot. However, the view from the summit is much better. This hike takes you there from the peaceful village of Bourg Murat, crossing rural landscapes with magnificent views. However, it is strongly recommended that you start at 7 a.m. at the latest to get the best views. Especially the one at the summit, which will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Bras de la Plaine Gorges from the Entre-Deux
Visorando Member 6.10 mi
+3,150 ft
-3,173 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
Here is an extraordinary water-based hike. This ascent of the Bras de la Plaine through the gorges is a hike that has to be earned. All along the way, it is a succession of caves, rock formations and very narrow passages where light struggles to penetrate. You will very often get your feet wet in this magnificent area, and that is what makes this hike so charming. However, GPS reception is very poor in the steep-sided sections.
Le Zèbre via the Sentier Marron from Bras Long and the Sentier Rosélie
Visorando Member 5.52 mi
+2,123 ft
-2,119 ft
4h 25
Difficult
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
L'Entre-Deux is a hiker’s paradise. This route follows the Sentier Rosélie and the Sentier du Zèbre. The latter is, in fact, one of the best-known trails in the region. You can complete a circular route by taking the Sentier Marron du Bras Long: it is very strenuous, quite demanding and technical, and is only recommended for very experienced walkers. This trail was little known before but is becoming increasingly popular. It also offers the chance to enjoy splendid panoramic views.
Grand Bassin and the Voile de la Mariée
Visorando Member 5.25 mi
+3,310 ft
-3,307 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Le Tampon (Réunion)
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.
Saint-Louis – l’Étang-Salé les Bains
Visorando Member 
11.19 mi
+102 ft
-285 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The second stage of the walk runs closest to the railway line; it begins in the multicultural town of Saint-Louis and takes you past two branch lines of the railway. It then winds through the Étang-Salé forest, following the main railway line as closely as possible, before arriving at the peaceful seaside village of Étang-Salé les Bains. Of course, you’ll come across a few remnants of the railway line.
Le Bras Long
Visorando Member 
1.53 mi
+374 ft
-374 ft
30 mins
Easy
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
Located on the heights of the Entre-Deux, this short mountain bike ride follows the Bras Long, passing by the eponymous picnic area which is very popular at weekends. It allows you to discover a little-known part of the Dimitile whilst riding between the Crête du Bras Long and the Zèbre.
Le Dimitile via the Sentier de la Chapelle trail
Visorando Member 5.86 mi
+2,546 ft
-2,546 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
Dimitile is known for its many hiking trails. The shortest and easiest route to the summit is via the Sentier de la Chapelle trail. This hike offers magnificent views of the south of the island and then the Cirque de Cilaos at the end of the climb. It allows you to encounter some endemic plants and see various types of vegetation. It also provides a historical perspective on slavery with the character of Dimitile and the current Camp Marron.
The climb up Ravine Barrage
Visorando Member 
4.74 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Ravine du Gol is fed by three main branches: the Ravine de Bellevue, the Ravine Barrage and the Ravine Goyaves. This guide allows you to hike the entire length of the Ravine Barrage as far as the Source de l’Éperon. The stream is usually dry, but a few springs provide patches of water here and there. The going isn’t too difficult over the pebbles, and those who enjoy large boulders will be in their element!
From Tapage to La Fenêtre
Visorando Member 
7.42 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This hike takes you to Les Makes (at the La Fenêtre viewpoint) via a rarely visited spot: Le Tapage. This route offers magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos and the south of the island. On the way back, we take a detour through the beautiful Bras Patate valley.
The circular of the Canals
Visorando Member 
4.56 mi
+1,759 ft
-1,759 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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!
From Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes
Visorando Member 
3.70 mi
+1,273 ft
-1,296 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This hike offers beautiful panoramic views of Cilaos! On the way back, we pass through the magnificent Bras Patate valley.
The Bras Patate valley
Visorando Member 2.76 mi
+722 ft
-735 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Makes region offers a wealth of hiking opportunities. The Bras Patate valley trail is one of the easiest and best known. The trail winds its way through a magnificent valley, offering superb views of Cilaos. Bras Patate was the entrance to the Cirque de Cilaos before the Piton des Neiges collapsed. However, the water did not have time to carve out a deep canyon like the Bras de Cilaos, but be sure to bring your camera: you will see many endemic birds.
Fenêtre des Makes Piton Cabri
Visorando Member 
3.57 mi
+1,640 ft
-1,673 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.
La Fenêtre des Makes at Camp 2000
Visorando Member 
5.77 mi
+2,221 ft
-2,208 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
An easy hike starting from a charming village offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Cilaos.
Piton Ste Rose – Anse and Pointe des Cascades
Visorando Member 
2.26 mi
+203 ft
-226 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) (Réunion)
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.