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Sainte-Rose (La Réunion) walks
Piton Ste Rose – Anse and Pointe des Cascades
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.
Climbing the Volcano of Réunion
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.
The Kapor Trail
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 tour of the Grand Étang and the Bras d'Annette waterfalls
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.
The Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale)
This route leads to the Piton de Partage (or Piton Sale), a peak situated to the north-west of the Piton de la Fournaise enclosure. There are numerous splendid panoramic views from here, including of the Savane Cimetière and the most recent eruption of Piton de la Fournaise, which took place just a few months ago! Once you reach Piton de Partage, you can even see the Pointe des Cascades and the Bois-Blanc coastline in the distance!
Rivals craters in the furnace enclosure
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.
Piton de Bois Vert or Piton de Bert
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.
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.
The Bassin de la Mer from the Bassin de la Paix
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.
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 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.
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 Trail of 58 Native Plants
As its name suggests, this trail offers the chance to discover plants endemic to Réunion. Furthermore, the Piton des Songes is a place much favoured by the religious, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross. At the summit of the piton, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Plaine des Palmistes!
Piton des Songes
A small peak located in Plaine-des-Palmistes, the Piton des Songes is well known to Catholics, as evidenced by the presence of the Stations of the Cross, the Glorious Cross and the statue of Our Lady of Hope situated at its foot. From its summit, it offers a stunning view over Plaine-des-Palmistes. This family-friendly route takes you all the way round the hill and introduces you to birds and plant species endemic to Réunion.
The glorious cross of Piton des Songes
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.
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.
Bras Cabot botanical trail: arum circular
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.
The Bassin de la Mer and the Bassin des Aigrettes
The east of Réunion Island is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. Among these are the Mer and Aigrettes pools. They are amongst the best known on the island. This region is also notable for the surrounding vegetation, which remains green almost all year round. The walk is flat to begin with before becoming more challenging as you approach the Bassin des Aigrettes.
Circular walk through the Plaine des Cafres Forest
The Plaine des Cafres region is brimming with walking routes. This one is among the muddiest on the island. However, it takes you around the Forêt Départemento-Domaniale, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as you pass through pastures, primary forests, cryptomeria woodlands and then branles. The slopes are sometimes steep on this circular route, and the vegetation here is exceptionally rich and still well-preserved. You should, however, set off early in the morning to avoid the clouds.
Nez de Bœuf from Bourg-Murat
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.
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.
Cascade-Blanche
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.
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.
Pools and waterfalls on the Sainte-Suzanne River
The Sainte-Suzanne River is teeming with remarkable pools and waterfalls. This walk takes in all the waterfalls between Bassin Cannes and Bassin Pilon. Most of the walk consists of a constant succession of fairly steep ascents and descents, some of which are quite dizzying. No fewer than ten waterfalls and pools can be seen on this walk, which is fairly short in terms of kilometres but will leave you with unforgettable memories.