Refine your search for walks in Sainte-Marie (La Réunion)
Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) walks
Piton Plaine des Fougères via Maison Martin and the Plaine des Fougères
Visorando Member
9.66 mi
+2,152 ft
-2,152 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Sainte-Marie (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Cirque de Salazie is dominated by several peaks, including Piton Plaine des Fougères. Two trails, starting from the Plaine des Fougères, lead to the eponymous peak and form a circular route. The plain is home to countless tamarind trees, each as remarkable as the next. The return trail features a few information boards. The southernmost section runs alongside an imposing escarpment, offering magnificent views of the Cirque de Salazie.
The Pic Adam circular
4.64 mi
+1,873 ft
-1,873 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Pic Adam is a peak in the north of the island that is visible for several kilometres around due to its distinctive shape. There are two ways to reach it, both of which are described in this guide. This hike allows you to explore a small section of the trail linking La Roche Écrite to Bois de Nèfles. From its vantage point, there is a breathtaking panorama of the entire north. Its name comes from one of the island's first botanists.
The Providence Botanical Trail
1.59 mi
+614 ft
-614 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located a short walk from Saint-Denis, this short trail allows you to discover some of the island’s endemic plants. It winds through one of the first forests to have been altered by humans. This trail is easily manageable with young children and offers beautiful views of Saint-Denis during the first part of the walk. It is also the starting point ofthe GR® R2. This walk shares a section with the Sentier Mercure, one of the island’s most popular trails.
The Mercure Trail
6.27 mi
+2,635 ft
-2,635 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
The Mercure Trail is one of the island’s most popular trails. It connects La Providence to Le Brulé. It is also the first stage of the GRR2, or the last, depending on which direction you take it. The first part of the trail shares a section with the botanical trail. It runs the entire length through the beautiful Providence Departmental Forest, one of the first forests to be modified by humans and a true green lung just a stone’s throw from the town.
Cascade-Blanche
2.02 mi
+1,004 ft
-981 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-André (La Réunion) (Réunion)
From the Pont-de-L'Escalier car park, take a path of about three and a half kilometres that will take you to Cascade-Blanche, the third highest waterfall in France.
Roche Écrite from Camp Mamode
11.69 mi
+3,553 ft
-3,553 ft
8h 30
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Roche Écrite offers a beautiful view of the Cirque de Salazie, Gros Morne, Piton des Neiges, Col des Boeufs (access to Mafate) and beautiful views of the Cirque de Mafate, Grand Bénare and Maido. From Camp Mamode, access is less difficult than from Grand Ilet and shorter than from Dos d'Âne.
The tour of the Plaine d'Affouche via Îlet à Guillaume
16.08 mi
+5,591 ft
-5,591 ft
12h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Denis (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located at an altitude of around 1,400 metres, the Plaine d’Affouche overlooks Îlet à Guillaume and forms an integral part of the Roche Écrite Reserve. Keep your ears and eyes peeled, as you may spot or hear the tuit-tuit, a bird found only on Réunion and exclusively in this part of the island.
Please note: this hike can be completed in under 8 hours. The elevation gain is overestimated: there is approximately 1,500 metres of ascent and descent, not 2,375.
The Voile de la Mariée waterfall from Salazie
1.51 mi
+427 ft
-446 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
An easy walk to the foot of the magnificent waterfall called the Voile de la Mariée. This round route is not difficult.
Belvédère de la Fenêtre
3.50 mi
+2,608 ft
-2,631 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Salazie (Réunion)
This trail will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the natural cirque of Salazie. A breathtaking view, at least what remains of it when you reach the top.
The Bassin de la Mer from the Bassin de la Paix
2.46 mi
+482 ft
-482 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Benoît (La Réunion) (Réunion)
Located on the Rivière des Roches, these two pools are very well known and always have water, even at the end of the dry season. The walk is a round trip from Bassin de la Paix to Bassin de la Mer via a very easy trail with numerous viewpoints, particularly over Bassin de la Mer, which is paradoxically located upstream. Ideal for children (under supervision, however). The ground is fairly clayey with few stones, except around the second pool.
Aurére – Cayenne
4.46 mi
+1,565 ft
-2,812 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
A detour to the centre of Mafate.
La Roche Écrite via Dos d'Âne
Tourist office13.58 mi
+4,436 ft
-4,416 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
La Roche Écrite rises to 2,276 metres and is accessible from several points. The route via Dos d'Ane is one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful, with frequent views of the Cirque de Mafate in the first section. Some sections along the ridge are vertiginous and offer unique views. The detour via the Mare aux Cerfs and the Caverne Soldat adds an extra dimension to this long, challenging route.
Bottle Rock
2.08 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,017 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from La Possession (Réunion)
This short hike offers magnificent views of the Mafate cirque on one side and the coast of La Possession on the other, with the Dos-d'Àne islet in the foreground. This is the easiest place to get a spectacular, unobstructed view of Mafate.
More walks in Sainte-Marie (La Réunion)
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