Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) walks

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.

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.

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.

The natural reservoir of the Grand Étang allows you to spend a few hours walking in the woods and admiring one of the island's rare lakes. There are no difficulties except for a narrow passage between the cliff and the lake shore, which is secured by a handrail (and can be bypassed), and access to the Bras d'Annette waterfalls, with its narrow path and a few slightly high steps. But what a treat for the eyes, with several waterfalls and a pool that invites meditation and picnics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

If you're worried about a more "challenging" hike, here's a short circular that allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Plaine des Palmistes and a quick but exciting exploration of the forest.

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.

If you have between half an hour and 45 minutes to spend in the magnificent Bébour Forest, especially with children, here is a very pretty walk that starts in undergrowth filled with arums (ideal in hot, humid weather) and continues in an enchanted forest atmosphere with lichen, twisted trees, etc. Absolutely no difficulty walking.

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.

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.

A pretty circular above Saint-Joseph offering magnificent views of Grande Anse and the villages of Plaine des Grègues with their turmeric crops.