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Saint-Joseph (La Réunion) walks
Piton Babet
Piton Babet is an iconic peak in the commune of Saint-Joseph. It is named after the former mayor, who is buried at the summit of the peak. This walk is very short and can easily be combined with another hike, such as Piton de l’Entonnoir. The sound of the waves will never cease. Just before the start of the climb, don’t miss the Caverne des Hirondelles. It’s also possible to walk all the way round the piton, but this has the drawback of passing through built-up areas.
Circular loop at Pointe de Langevin
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.
Mouton Park from Langevin
Langevin is best known for its river. However, there are several trails that allow you to walk circular routes through the sugarcane fields. This walk takes you round the Papangues and Lambert peaks, passing through the village of Parc Mouton. When the sugarcane is cut, the views take in the whole of the ‘Sud Sauvage’ and the southern slopes of the Piton de la Fournaise massif, as well as the heights of Saint-Joseph.
Piton de l’Entonnoir
Piton de l’Entonnoir is best known as a paragliding launch site. There are a few footpaths leading up to it. It offers a remarkable view of the south of the island! Guava enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy on this very short walk. It is therefore strongly recommended that you combine this walk with another. The route is less than a kilometre long and is suitable for families with children.
Terre Rouge, Cap Jaune and the Plateau
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
A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.
The Beach and the Piton de Grande Anse
Grande Anse beach is renowned for being almost perfectly suited to a family picnic. For tourists, it also offers the chance to enjoy a fairly short, relaxing discovery walk with a lovely view from the top of the piton.
Beach, shaded areas, picnic spots and viewpoints overlooking the sea or the beach: the epitome of Réunion’s hospitality!
Piton de Mont-Vert
Rising to an altitude of 636 metres, the Piton de Mont Vert is an iconic peak in the south of the island. It is an ancient crater dating back 30,000 years! Visible for kilometres around, it is criss-crossed by several kilometres of footpaths. Winding through a beautiful forest, these paths are the best way to discover the flora and fauna of this piton. The climb is sometimes steep but only for short stretches.
Part of the Sentier des Foulées de la Fraise
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 Ligne d’Équerre from Bérive
La Ligne d’Équerre is a small hamlet situated at an altitude of around 900 metres. Just a short walk from the village lies a beautiful forest criss-crossed by a number of paths. This guide takes you along these paths, starting from Bérive via the Piton Nathalie trails. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints along this circular route, which follows tracks for part of the way, as well as roads winding through crops and sugarcane fields.
The Mare Longue botanical trail
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.
La Mare via the Forêt des Hauts de Mont Vert
La Mare is a very small lake surrounded by arum plants, situated in the hamlet of the same name in the hills above Petite-Île. This walk, starting from the D36, passes through the beautiful Forêt des Hauts de Mont Vert, offering stunning views of the south of the island at the end of the route, as well as of the Rivière des Remparts, whilst following a well-maintained track lined with arums. It is possible to extend the walk to the Relais de Petite Île or to the Domaine Vidot.
Walk at Le Tampon
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
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
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.
Pas des Sables Sainte Thérèse Oratory
A short walk for young walkers, but one that offers the same superb views of the Plaine des Sables as a longer hike and allows you to appreciate all the volcanic vegetation.
The Grande Ferme Forest Road
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 Sainte-Thérèse Oratory via the Caverne des Lataniers
The volcano region is brimming with hiking opportunities. The best-known walks are in the Enclos, but there are other places where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, such as the area around the Oratoire Sainte-Thérèse. It is accessible from several locations. This walk is the shortest and easiest route to the oratory, passing by the memorial to Josémen Lauret and the Caverne des Lataniers.