Refine your search for walks in Saint-Leu (La Réunion)
Saint-Leu (La Réunion) walks
From Cayenne to Bras Mouton
Tourist office
2.71 mi
+1,467 ft
-1,467 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Cayenne is a small village not far from Kélonia. Many people pass through this village on their way to Saint-Gilles (or Saint-Leu) but don’t stop, except to look at the sea. A path runs through the village and leads to Bras Mouton in the hills above Saint-Leu, offering some panoramic views of this part of the island.
From Pointe au Sel to Stella via the Sentier Sucré Salé
3.42 mi
+449 ft
-449 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion has a few remarkable museums, such as the Salt Museum and the Stella Matutina Museum. It is possible to visit both by taking a circular route via the Sentier Sucré Salé, which was used by the Stella factory owners to come and help the workers in the salt flats during the Second World War. You can also return via Piton des Roches Tendres, which offers a lovely view of the west of the island.
Maïdo, Grand Bénare, from Vaudeville to Trois Bassins
Visorando Member23.51 mi
+5,712 ft
-5,705 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Set off on an epic hike in the Hauts de Trois-Bassins! Starting from the Vaudeville trail, head to Maïdo, continue to the legendary Grand Bénare, then return via Petit Bénare for an unforgettable circular tour in the heart of Réunion's mountains. Breathtaking panoramas of Mafate, legendary peaks and endemic forest!
Piton de la Croix
1.20 mi
+630 ft
-630 ft
1h 05
Moderate
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
Piton la Croix is a peak in the commune of Étang-Salé. From its summit, you can enjoy one of the island’s most beautiful views! Indeed, from up there you have a 360° panorama stretching from Saint-Pierre to Étang-Salé-les-Bains, taking in Piton des Neiges, the hills above Étang-Salé, Saint-Louis, Le Tampon, L’Étang-Salé-les-Hauts, La Rivière and L’Entre-Deux! It’s also a wonderful spot for quiet reflection!
Le Grand Bénare via the Tamarin Lodge
9.30 mi
+3,629 ft
-3,629 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
Le Grand Bénare is an iconic peak on the island. The approach via the Tamarin Lodge is much more strenuous than from Le Maïdo. You’ll need calves of steel to tackle the inevitable sharp rocks. The views are spectacular, and this is the case well before you reach the summit. The climb is steady and the elevation gain is quite significant. The route through the Caverne de la Glacière and the various shafts encountered during the ascent add an extra dimension to this hike.
L’Étang-Salé les Bains – Saint-Leu
8.39 mi
+141 ft
-138 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
The third stage of the route runs closest to the railway line. It starts in the charming seaside village of Étang-Salé les Bains and ends in another seaside town: Saint-Leu. The terrain is flat throughout, but a few off-trail sections are tricky. There are numerous remains of the railway line on this stage, far more than on the previous one. This stage runs constantly along the coast and also offers some beautiful views of the ocean and the hills.
A short forest walk from Étang-Salé les Bains
4.45 mi
+203 ft
-203 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from L'Étang-Salé (Réunion)
A pleasant walk through varied woodland. A lovely glimpse of the local flora.
The Grand Case Trail circular loop
7.39 mi
+2,238 ft
-2,238 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
La Pièce Jeanne is best known for its peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle. However, this area does offer a few hiking options. The best-known trail links La Pièce Jeanne to Les Makes. But it is possible to do a circular route by returning via the little-known Sentier Grand Case, which is actually well signposted despite not appearing on maps or in guidebooks. This circular route offers stunning views of the south and north of the island and is not particularly difficult.
The Bras Patate valley
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.
From Camp Montplaisir to La Fenêtre via Les Fleurs Jaunes
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.
Fenêtre des Makes Piton Cabri
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
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.
The circular of the Canals
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!
Le Grand Bénare from Le Maïdo
10.54 mi
+2,431 ft
-2,454 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
There are several notable peaks on Réunion. Two of them rise above 3,000 metres: Gros Morne and Piton des Neiges. The third is none other than Grand Bénare. The latter is accessible from several points. The routes via Le Grand Bord and La Glacière are the easiest. It is advisable to take the outward route via Le Grand Bord to enjoy the views over Mafate before the clouds roll in. The summit offers a 360-degree view, and the return via La Glacière adds a touch of history.
Maïdo and Grand Bord
2.60 mi
+541 ft
-554 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
This short hike along the Grand Bord du Maïdo offers the same superb views of Mafate as a longer hike.
From Maïdo to Le Bronchard
9.44 mi
+4,213 ft
-4,190 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The route to Mafate via Maïdo is one of the most challenging ways to reach Mafate. This fairly strenuous round trip allows you to see the charming village of Roche Plate and go beyond it to Le Bronchard, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. The village of Roche Plate is typical of the villages in Mafate with its Creole houses. It is quite spread out and consists of two neighbourhoods. There are numerous lodges in the area.
Saint-Gilles – Saint-Paul
6.73 mi
+673 ft
-679 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Fifth stage of the island tour, running close to the railway line. This stage is flat and relatively easy. The first section is urban and passes through the tourist towns of Saint-Gilles and Boucan Canot, renowned for their white sandy beaches. The second section is more rural, running along the cliffs of Cap la Houssaye. The final section is urban once again and takes you through the town of Saint-Paul. Along the way, you’ll come across around ten remnants of the railway line.
Piton des Orangers and return via the Omega Forest Road
4.61 mi
+932 ft
-906 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
An easy hike to see all the islets of the Cirque de Mafate. It is best to set off no later than 10:00 a.m. to enjoy the magnificent views along the edge of the rampart. The start and end of the route are on forest roads. It is possible to picnic along these roads on the way back.
Roche Plate – La Nouvelle
5.03 mi
+2,923 ft
-1,909 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A stage made all the more enjoyable by the unforgettable setting of the Trois Roches.
Roche Plate - Marla
5.01 mi
+2,680 ft
-968 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Second day of the hike in the Cirque de Mafate.
Roche Plate – Grand Place
6.56 mi
+2,897 ft
-4,016 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 4 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we set off from Roche Plate and head for Grand Place les Hauts, passing through the hamlets of Les Orangers, Les Lataniers and Cayenne.
At a place known as La Brèche, we’ll cross the path leading up to Le Maïdo.
Marla - Roche Plate
5.15 mi
+1,037 ft
-2,726 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Stage 3 of the 6-day route in the Cirque de Mafate.
On this stage, we’ll make our way from Marla to Roche Plate via the superb site of the 3 Roches. It is here that the Galets River disappears into an impressive crevasse.
The Roche Plate site is situated directly below the Maïdo viewpoint.
Les Canaux from Gol-les-Hauts via the Ravine des Merles
3.69 mi
+571 ft
-561 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Here’s a lovely idea for a family walk off the beaten track. This route lets you explore the Canaux and Gol-les-Hauts area via a few small paths and old alleyways. The route offers some stunning panoramic views, especially when the reeds have been cut back!
Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir trails
6.91 mi
+2,848 ft
-2,844 ft
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
The Cirque de Cilaos is brimming with remarkable hikes. Among them is the route from the Pavillon to Îlet à Cordes via the Burel and Reposoir paths. This breathtaking hike offers stunning views of the Cirque de Cilaos. Whilst it is certainly less well-known than the route linking Îlet à Cordes to Cilaos, it is by no means lacking in appeal. You can even stop for a swim at Les Trois Bras.
This walk passes through challenging but safe terrain.
Heading towards Peter Both from the Pavillon
3.53 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,722 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The climb to Cilaos is reputed to be long and tiring – why not stop off at Le Pavillon on the way for a walk that you can extend as far as Peter Both?
The path has just been refurbished by the ONF, much to our delight, and Îlet-Haut is secluded and unspoilt.
A truly unique viewpoint overlooking the peaks of the Cilaos cirque. If you’re heading up to Cilaos for the first time, this is a great introduction to understanding just how isolated the cirque is.
Marla - Cilaos
2.65 mi
+1,588 ft
-2,687 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Third and final day in the Cirque de Mafate, heading back to Cilaos.
From Tapage to La Fenêtre
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 climb up Ravine Barrage
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!
La Nouvelle - Le Bélier
4.09 mi
+1,926 ft
-1,227 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The final stage of the Mafate circular loop.
Cilaos – La Nouvelle
6.40 mi
+3,691 ft
-3,163 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
This is the first stage of a 3-day route in the Cirque de Mafate. It follows well-known trails and takes you to La Nouvelle, the largest îlet in Mafate, through idyllic countryside surrounded by the impressive peaks of Piton des Neiges and the Trois Salazes.
The Col du Taïbit from the road from Ilet to Cordes
4.62 mi
+2,805 ft
-2,805 ft
4h 35
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
This hike provides access to the Cirque de Mafate from the Îlet à Cordes road, leading to the Cirque de Cilaos. It is a classic route in this part of the island. It also forms part ofthe GR® R1 andGR® R2 trails. Admittedly, this hike is not for everyone, but the view from the pass is spectacular when the weather permits. We will pass through Îlet des Salazes, known for its herbal tea.
Ascent to the Col du Taïbit
Association / Club / Walk leader
4.02 mi
+2,851 ft
-2,838 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
A round trip to enjoy the view at Col du Taïbit. View of the Cirque de Cilaos and, on the other side, the Cirque de Mafate. On the way, you will pass by Îlet des Salazes.
The Chapel at the start of the trail from Cilaos
4.56 mi
+2,041 ft
-2,067 ft
3h 55
Difficult
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
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.
Scout Trail starting from Grand Place
7.28 mi
+4,288 ft
-2,090 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The famous Scout Trail, where the ridge sections offer impressive views of the Mafate cirque.
Saint-Louis – l’Étang-Salé les Bains
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.
A circular walk in Curepipe
4.15 mi
+725 ft
-725 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
It’s always possible to go for a walk in an area where there are no marked footpaths. This walk, which starts in the Curepipe neighbourhood at La Rivière, follows dirt tracks and offers beautiful views of the ocean and the plains.
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 Bras Rouge Waterfall
2.61 mi
+1,047 ft
-1,066 ft
2h 05
Moderate
Departure from Cilaos (Réunion)
_The Bras Rouge Waterfall is a must-see attraction 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 route is the first of the two. Easy and suitable for families, it offers beautiful views of the western part of the cirque. It’s a classic Cilaos walk and is very popular!
From Col des Bœufs to Marla
8.25 mi
+2,451 ft
-2,438 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
From the Col des Bœufs, a forest track leads you to the edge of the Cirque de Salazie, where you’ll discover the majestic pass and its breathtaking views over the Cirque de Mafate. Your walk begins on a path carved into the mountainside, offering a dizzying view. You’ll then enter the tamarind forest. After crossing a clearing, you’ll descend towards the pebble-strewn river, discovering a hidden pool along the way. Finally, a short climb takes you to the village of Marla, where you can rest.
From Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle
7.02 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,073 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
The hike from Col des Bœufs to La Nouvelle offers an accessible route for exploring the Cirque de Mafate. This excursion can be done in one day or over two days if you book a lodge. It allows you to discover the Plaine des Tamarins, the small hamlets of La Nouvelle (considered the capital of Mafate) and Marla.
The Bassin Sassa
1.46 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from L'Entre-Deux (Réunion)
The Bassin Sassa takes its name from a slave called Sassa. This short circular walk takes you as close as possible to the basin, allows you to walk along part of the Bras Long and explore the town of L’Entre-Deux. This family-friendly route is one of the easiest in the area. However, it should be avoided during or after heavy rain, as nearly half the route runs along the bottom of a ravine.
Le Bélier - Aurére
5.08 mi
+1,063 ft
-3,458 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
First stage in the Cirque de Mafate.
The Ouaki circular route
3.27 mi
+630 ft
-653 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre (La Réunion) (Réunion)
A relatively easy route with a picnic by the water’s edge.
More walks in Saint-Leu (La Réunion)
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