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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.
The TiTrain railway line in Saint-Leu
Visorando Member3.15 mi
+56 ft
-52 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The town of Saint-Leu is bordered to the north by the Petite Ravine and to the south by the Ravine des Avirons. The main aim of the walk is to follow, where possible, the route taken by the TiTrain from the time of its inauguration on 12 February 1882. We will cross six bridges and viaducts, the old railway station and two railway halts.
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.
The blowholes from Pointe au Sel to Cap du Portail
1.30 mi
+85 ft
-85 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Saint-Leu (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion used to be a self-sufficient producer of sea salt. The salt pans at Pointe au Sel bear witness to this and are open to visitors.
Along the coast, the rough sea crashes with such force that the water passes through the rock faces via crevices known as ‘souffleurs’. The water gushes several metres above the rocks, providing a spectacular sight.
This short walk takes you to discover the ‘souffleurs’ at Pointe au Sel.
Maïdo, Grand Bénare, from Vaudeville to Trois Bassins
23.51 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.
Caverne de la Glacière via the Tamarin Lodge
4.82 mi
+2,300 ft
-2,300 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from Les Trois-Bassins (Réunion)
The Grand Bénare area is known for its cool or sub-zero temperatures in winter. During this period, ice forms in the ravines. In the past, ice was stored in wells and in the Caverne de la Glacière. The route via the Maïdo is accessible to everyone and is very easy. However, reaching the cave via the Tamarin Lodge is a more challenging alternative, reserved for those with very strong calves.
Bois-Blanc and the Piton la Mare circuit
7.63 mi
+1,444 ft
-1,444 ft
1.5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Les Avirons (Réunion)
Piton la Mare is visible for kilometres around. This is because there is a high-voltage pylon on its summit, making it visible and recognisable from a distance despite its relatively low altitude (617m).
Walking around the piton is pleasant and fairly easy, but it would be a shame to do this route without visiting Bois Blanc, which is less than a kilometre away. This mini cirque is well worth a visit and can be distinguished from Réunion’s three main cirques as it shares the same characteristics.
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.
Les Makes via La Pièce Jeanne
6.05 mi
+2,841 ft
-1,824 ft
5h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Louis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Makes region is well known for its walks. The best-known routes are to the north of the village. The southern part is less well known. This walk starts from the village of Pièce Jeanne.
Thischallenging walk offers beautiful views of Les Makes and the south of the island in its first section. The second section is more wooded, featuring some remarkable trees.
See ‘Practical Information’ and the route description for details of tricky sections.
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.
La Glacière from Le Maïdo
6.74 mi
+1,178 ft
-1,201 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Paul (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Réunion was for a long time a place of slavery. In Madame Desbassins’s day, ice was stored at the Caverne de la Glacière. As she enjoyed serving syrup to her guests, the slaves were tasked with walking several tens of kilometres between the Glacière and her estate in Villèle. Today, the site is more easily accessible from Le Maïdo via a very stony track.
More walks in Saint-Leu (La Réunion)
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