Ideally located along the island's west coast, the small town of Saint-Leu not only has plenty to appeal to holidaymakers in search of leisure and relaxation, but also attracts lovers of cultural heritage. As well as boasting a pleasant sandy beach with shade provided by Australian pines, a peaceful lagoon in which to enjoy a swim and a renowned surf spot, the charming seaside resort of Saint-Leu also has several of Réunion's major tourist attractions within its territory. Examples include the Stella Matutina museum and its exhibitions about the history of sugar cane cultivation and industry on the island; Kélonia, a sea turtle observatory and awareness-raising, research and treatment centre for these endangered species; the Salt Museum, located on the protected natural site of the famous Pointe au Sel; and Réunion botanical garden in the heights of Saint-Leu, a magnificent haven of peace with many native plants and rare varieties.

In the town centre, which stretches along the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy a nice walk around the harbour and the charming Place de la Mairie, where you can admire old buildings from the French East India Company.

Built in 1859 following a cholera epidemic that apparently stopped at the gates of de Saint-Leu, the Chapel of Our Lady of La Salette is perched at the top of a Way of the Cross and attracts many pilgrims who come to commemorate this miracle on 19 September each year.

And to unwind after the visits, head towards the lovely beach of Saint-Leu, where you can choose between bathing in the lagoon's calm waters, napping or enjoying a picnic under the screwpine trees, exploring the sea beds in flippers, mask and snorkel, or paragliding over the lagoon!

On the magnificent, wild rocky coast that runs from Saint-Leu to L'Étang-Salé-les-Bains, you can witness the astonishing spectacle of Le Souffleur (literally meaning "the Blower"), a natural phenomenon caused by the repeated onslaught of the sea swell, with an impressive jet of sea-spray that can reach heights of several metres!

In the heights of Saint-Leu, at Les Colimaçons, lies a wonderful estate devoted to plant life on Réunion. In this haven of peace and tranquillity, full of native plants and other rare species, you can enjoy a pleasant walk to discover some exceptional plant collections. The Coffee Bushes collection, Bamboo Ravine collection, Historical Plants collection, Orchard collection, Réunion collection, Succulents collection, Palm Trees collection, and Orchids and Ferns collection boast a range of remarkable plants that you can admire in the different parts of the estate! Lovers of built heritage also have the opportunity to visit a delightful Creole house that once belonged to the Marquis de Chateauvieux.

Guided tours of the Réunion, Orchard and Historical Plants collections are also available for all those who want to find out more about these three botanical areas.

Restaurant on the spot : Le Vieux Pressoir

Based in an old sugar factory in the municipality of Saint-Leu, the Stella Matutina Museum, which has been awarded the Musée de France label, tells the story of sugar cane cultivation and the sugar industry on Réunion in its various exhibition areas. Fully rehabilitated and reopened to the public in June 2015, this industrial site converted into a cultural destination offers a remarkable journey through the history of sugar on the Bourbon island. On a visit to this most interesting attraction, you can learn all about the world of sugar, from the development of sugar technology to the secrets of sugar manufacturing, through the importance of this industry to Réunion society…

The Stella Matutina site also contains an auditorium with 400 seats, a 4D cinema, a documentation centre, educational areas, a temporary exhibition room, and a gift shop selling local crafts.

Lundi : Fermé

Du mardi au dimanche de 9h30 à 17h30.

Fermeture de la billetterie à 16h45.

Durée de la visite (estimation) : au minimum 1h30. Visite complète et détaillée : 3h.

Visites guidées gratuites (visites assurées selon la disponibilité des médiateurs / durée 2h/ de 6 à 20 personnes max.) : Du mardi au samedi : à 10h et à 14h/ Pas de visite guidée les dimanches et jours fériés.

Fermé les 1er janvier, 1er mai, 1er novembre et 25 décembre.

Fermeture à 13h30 les 24 et 31 décembre.

Located by the seaside on the west coast of Réunion, at the north exit of the town of Saint-Leu, the Kélonia site is not just a place for raising awareness of the environment and sea turtles; it is also a research and treatment centre for these protected species. At the centre, sick or injured turtles are cared for before being released into the ocean once they have recovered.

Open to visitors, the sea turtle observatory has a three-part museum trail for you to follow: the Discovery area, where you can see the various environments inhabited by these marine reptiles during the course of their biological cycle, and admire several species of sea turtles in a huge open-air pool; the Confrontation room, where the exhibition documents the close links between human societies and sea turtles in different eras and places; and the Future area, equipped with multimedia and interactive displays, addressing the issue of how to preserve these endangered species and their habitats.

For a scenic way to round off your visit, be sure to go up to the top of the observation tower. From there you will have a lovely view of Kélonia's pools and the Bay of Saint-Leu! Before leaving the area, you can also pay a visit to the centre's gift shop selling local craft items.

Do you know why there are so many turtles on the terrace of the guesthouse? It has nothing to do with Kelonia, but to do with the fact that Carine, your hostess, was one day christened “totore” (turtle) while she was climbing Etna volcano at a very slow pace. Slowly but surely she reached every tops of volcanoes, but since then she received turtles from all over the world

Owned by the Coast Conservatory and located on Réunion's west coast, to the south of the seaside resort of Saint-Leu, the Pointe au Sel headland is a protected natural site where the plant life is preserved. Its name meaning "salt headland" comes from the presence of salt pans in the area. The only place on the island where salt is still made, this unique spot has its own wonderful Salt Museum which you are welcome to visit. Based in the old building that was once used to store salt, it has a permanent exhibition about the famous condiment and the salt pans of the Indian Ocean. After your visit, you might be lucky enough to see the salt workers in action, applying skills they have kept alive there since 1942...

An old colonial property in the heights of Saint-Paul in Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts, the Villèle estate nowadays houses a museum telling the story of a rich family of colonists who shaped the history of the island in the 18th and 19th centuries. Now open to the public, the mansion that was once home to Madame Desbassayns, an iconic and controversial figure in the history of Réunion, recreates the living environment of the Desbassayns family during the dark times of slave-trading, with period furniture, historical documents and decorative art objects.

After visiting the history museum's permanent and temporary collections, the tour of the Villèle estate continues with the lush garden, the old slaves' hospital, the kitchen, the sugar factory ruins and the charming chapel, named Chapelle Pointue. This listed Historic Monument is architecturally original, shaped like a rotunda with a tall, pointed roof on top. Built in the 19th century at the request of Madame Desbassayns, it contains her tomb as well as a polychrome statue of St. Michael.

Not far from the estate, towards L'Éperon, shopaholics will find all they could wish for in the studios and boutiques of the craft village. Based on the site of an old sugar factory, this welcoming and relaxing place is sure to tempt you with its pottery, ceramics, stained glass, jewellery, clothing and other decorative objects!

Tucked away from the wind and the sea swell, along the north-west coast of Réunion, the municipality of Saint-Paul offers a good many leisure and sightseeing opportunities to its visitors in search of a change of scene and a chance to unwind. Its vast territory indeed includes the island's most beautiful beaches. Those of Boucan Canot, L'Ermitage and Saline-les-Bains, to name but a few, will delight you with their fine sand and wonderful swimming waters! Meanwhile, sports enthusiasts can enjoy a range of water sports such as sea kayaking, sailing and snorkelling.

If you are in the area at the end of the week, don't miss the famous open-air market in Saint-Paul, which is held every Friday morning on the seafront esplanade. Considered as one of Réunion's most picturesque markets, this colourful, flavourful event is sure to charm you, with its wonderful stands of local fruit and vegetables, spices, chilli peppers, honey and crafts. During your shopping trip, be sure to take a break and try the delicious chilli pepper sweets, samosas and other Creole specialities available there! A real treat…

Not far from there, you can take a little walk to the Saint-Paul wharf to admire the bay and the Indian Ocean, before heading to the charming Place du Général de Gaulle, located in the city centre, where you can not only see the elegant façade of the city hall but also relax near the fountain, in the shade of the trees and palms. Joggers and walkers will enjoy a trip to the Saint-Paul pond, a protected area and listed National Nature Reserve, or they might opt for a walk or run along the sea, maybe following the pleasant fitness trail in the national forest.

At the southern exit from the city, towards Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, lies the Saint-Paul marine cemetery, a particularly picturesque site and a listed historic monument. Established next to the ocean along a beautiful black sand beach, this unique place contains the graves of famous people like the poet Leconte de Lisle, the painter Arthur Grimaud or the pirate Olivier Levasseur aka La Buse (The Buzzard). Opposite the cemetery, on the other side of the main road, you can enjoy a very pleasant picnic in the Premiers Français cave park. This cavern, now closed to the public, is where the island's first French settlers are thought to have found refuge…

This is the way to access from our Guest House, count 1 hour drive. Do not use Gps. To come back, preferably take the classic route to Saint Paul.

• At the bottom of our road, Chemin des Perdrix, turn left
• Climb the D22 about 5 km
• Turn left D3 left towards La Chaloupe about 2.5 km
• Pass the College of La Chaloupe, which will be on your left
• 150 meters after the college, take the first road right towards Forêt des Tamarins
• After about 4 km turn left, direction Forêt des Tamarins.
• After approximately 4 km, turn right on timour road towards Maïdo.
• From there, Maïdo is indicated, there is + /- 20 km to go to the top.

A walk to the Grand Bénare, take about 6 hours. There is a shorter loop by going to La Glacière. Start early in the morning, clouds are coming soon!

Located in the south of Réunion, between Le Bras de la Plaine and Le Bras de Cilaos, the characterful village of L'Entre-Deux, which remained unspoilt for a long time due to being hard to access, has preserved a number of typical Creole cottages known as cases créoles. To discover them, a map of a Creole house circuit is available from the Tourist Office. There is also a guided tour of 1h30 for built heritage enthusiasts. And for a little rest after touring the village's delightful homes, what could be nicer than a short stop by the beautiful arboretum full of native tree varieties, located near the Tourist Office…

This charming, green holiday resort in the Hauts area of the island is also known for its crafts and in particular weaving giant cabuya, a succulent plant from the agavaceae family that is known locally as choca. This traditional activity, which is still kept alive in L'Entre-Deux, is honoured every July at the Choca Festival, with a programme of craft demonstrations and giant cabuya-based dishes!

Avoid Sunday, many people.

Located at the entrance of the Southern Wild, in the municipality of Petite-Ile, the Grande Anse beach has everything to please fans of idleness and other lovers of coastal landscapes! A beautiful bay nestled at the foot of the Piton Grande Anse, with white sand, coconut trees, shady lawns, bowling and picnic areas. This exceptional site, much appreciated by families Reunion - and we understand why! - is ideal to rest, relax or stroll along the Indian Ocean, before heading back towards the other wonders of the Southern Wild... The swimming here is dangerous due to strong currents and the presence of sharks, fitted natural pool south of the beach allows young and old to enjoy the pleasures of the sea in peace.

Dos d'Âne, a small village in the hills around the municipality of La Possession, is the starting point for many hiking trails including the one that goes via the famous Cape Noir belvedere. Lasting around two hours, the short circular walk around the rock named Roche Verre Bouteille will first take you to the deep valley of the Galets river, before arriving at the remarkable site of the Cape Noir peak. From this marvellous belvedere, which has a kiosk and orientation table, on a clear morning you can enjoy outstanding views of the natural cirque of Mafate! Walkers then have two options: those wishing for a shorter walk can go back to the starting point the way they came (15 minutes approximately) ; those wishing to continue along the circuit can carry on towards the ridge, climbing up several secure metal ladders to reach the Roche Verre Bouteille, a vertical rock whose name means "Bottle Glass Rock", a reference to its bottle-like shape. An impressive trail where you can not only admire Mafate but also Dos d'Âne and the island's west coast…

The highest point on the island of Réunion, at 3,071 metres in altitude, the Piton des Neiges is an old, now dormant volcano that has not been active for over 12,000 years. This mountain massif, which was formed around five million years ago and emerged from the Indian Ocean over three million years ago, gave birth to the island that we know today. Located at the centre of Réunion, to the north of the Cilaos cirque and to the south of the Salazie cirque, the Piton des Neiges' name means "snow peak" but on the contrary, it is not constantly covered in snow despite its high altitude and cool temperatures. In fact, snowy spells are rare and it is quite unusual to see its peak covered with a white mantle.

Popular with walking enthusiasts, its ascent is regarded as difficult and can begin from Cilaos, Salazie or the Cafres plain, preferably in a clear day wearing warm clothes, following one of the three trails leading to the Caverne Dufour refuge located just down from the top of the Piton des Neiges, at 2,470 metres in altitude. Nestling in the very heart of Réunion National Park, this gîte is a stopping place for many hikers who come to explore the island's tallest mountain massif, as it allows them to break the ascent up into two days. To watch the sunrise from the top of the Piton des Neiges, you will need to pack a torch and leave the refuge at around 4 am to ascend the 600 remaining metres, which is about two hours' walk. Once you reach the top, your efforts will not only be rewarded by a sublime sunrise, but also by a fabulous view of the whole island and the Indian Ocean! A unique 360° panorama, revealing in particular the famous cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie.

An unmissable part of any tour of the Wild South, Cap Méchant and its jagged coast, lashed by the ocean swell, have plenty to enchant lovers of marine landscapes. This extremely well landscaped destination, a top attraction on Réunion located between Saint-Joseph and Saint-Philippe, will delight walkers with its pleasant paths and very beautiful viewpoints. It is also wonderful for picnickers, with its kiosk and lawn in the shade of the screwpine trees. An ideal site for a stroll, ramble or simply to sit and admire the seabirds as they come and go, and the fascinating spectacle of the waves crashing against the basalt rock…

A unesco world Heritage Site, like its neighbours Mafate and Salazie, Cilaos cirque is an exceptional backdrop for the spa resort of the same name that nestles at the heart of this unique place. Located in the heights of Saint-Louis, at the foot of the famous Piton des Neiges, this unspoilt territory belonging to Réunion National Park is a delight for lovers of nature, hiking and canyoning.

Accessible via the famous road with 400 bends, a superb route of thirty kilometres which is both narrow and winding, the pleasant little town of Cilaos, not only known for its spas with healing powers, but also for its lentils, wines and sparkling water, welcomes you for a relaxing gourmet break.

Boasting a wide range of shops, restaurants and accommodation, the resort is an ideal starting point for a walk in the surrounding natural sites. The ascent of the Piton des Neiges (difficult - 8-hour return trip - 1,700 metres change in altitude), the climb up the Taïbit pass (difficult - 4h30 return trip - 800 metres change in altitude), the Sources path (easy - circular walk of 1h30) or the path to the Bras Rouge waterfall (quite easy - 2h30 return trip) are just some of the fabulous hikes you can enjoy in the vicinity of the town of Cilaos. The ones to the Piton des Neiges and the Taïbit pass offer magnificent views of the Cilaos cirque! These fantastic landscapes are best admired early in the morning, before the clouds come along… Less athletic visitors can settle for a trip to the Roche Merveilleuse belvedere, a site easily accessible to tourists with a splendid panoramic view of Cilaos and its mountain cirque. To enjoy another beautiful viewpoint, you should head to Îlet à Cordes, a charming hamlet known for lentil-growing, located 9 kilometres south-west of the town.

The Irénée Accot spa in the hills around the resort of Cilaos, will delight anyone who loves to be pampered, as well as those wishing to unwind after an energetic hike. Hydrotherapy treatments, manual relaxation, seaweed body wraps and sessions in the sauna or Turkish bath are among the benefits that are sure to leave you feeling relaxed!

To stock up on fresh produce and other local specialities, head to the outdoor market held every Sunday morning on Rue des Écoles, in the town centre. The ideal place to buy supplies of wine or lentils from Cilaos! Food-lovers should not miss the famous lentil festival that takes place every October at harvest time. A celebratory event dedicated to the famous pulse, with a series of exhibitions, lectures, entertainment, tastings and a gastronomy competition.

Located on the south-east tip of Réunion, the municipality of Saint-Philippe is indisputably worth a detour thanks to its natural treasures and relaxed way of life.

The famous Cape Méchant, set in the heart of the magnificent Wild South, indeed has plenty to appeal to lovers of marine landscapes, with its jagged basalt coast lashed by mighty waves… This very well-landscaped tourist site dotted with paths and kiosks delights walkers as well as picnickers. Not far from there, towards the village of Saint-Philippe, you can take a rest at the site of the Puits des Anglais well in Le Baril, a very pleasant spot for relaxing with its natural swimming pool, lawn shaded by screwpine trees, picnic tables and barbecues. Built in the 19th century at the request of the Réunion scientist Joseph Hubert, the well that still stands there today was used to collect the fresh water that ran down the slopes of the volcano, before mains water was introduced… Nearby, when the sea swell is strong, you can see the Souffleur d'Arbonne and its impressive water jet.

Lovers of forest walks can take the Mare Longue botanical path, a beautiful route through the primary tropical forest. At Mare Longue, plant enthusiasts can also enjoy the delightful perfume and spice garden on the volcanic flow which is around 800 years old. A haven of peace offering an ideal place to relax, with over 1,500 species of plants, trees and flowers, ranging from geranium to vetiver, through ylang-ylang, cardamom, vanilla and clove.

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Wild, a lava flow dating back almost 800 years, the garden of perfumes and spices, located in the municipality of Saint-Philippe, is a haven of peace and tranquility, which no holds less 1500 species perfumes, spices or ornaments. remarkable trees, rare plants and other exceptional endemic plants take place in the heart of the beautiful rainforest Mare Longue. Ylang-ylang, vetiver, clove, cardamom, but also palm trees, orchids, ferns and fruit trees are treasures of Reunion fauna that can be admired in free or guided tour!

The garden is freely visit, but the ideal is to enjoy one of our two daily tours at 10:30 and 14:30. A passionate guide will take you for about 1:30 flora Reunion an educational way, under its scientific and historical aspects. Every day from 9h to 17h.

Spanning 105,447 hectares, Réunion National Park covers 42% of the island's surface and contains exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the majestic cirques of Cilaos, Mafate and Salazie, as well as the famous Piton des Neiges peak and the Piton de la Fournaise volcano.

As well as its remarkable landscapes featuring peaks, cirques and ramparts, this unspoilt territory has fauna and flora that are unique in the world, with around 230 native plant species and endangered rare birds, such as the Mascarene Petrel, the Réunion Cuckooshrike (or Tuit-tuit), Barau's Petrel (known locally as Taille-vent), and the Réunion Marsh Harrier (or Papangue), the island's only raptor.

To discover the biodiversity and other countless marvels of Réunion National Park, nothing beats a hike with family and friends! One of the island's most popular activities, this sporty activity much loved by Réunion locals is a way to enjoy natural sites of outstanding beauty which are often only accessible by walking, like the Mafate cirque and the Piton des Neiges. Around 1,000 kilometres of paths are available to lovers of country walks, who are spoilt for choice here when it comes to practising their favourite hobby. Bélouve Gîte - Trou de Fer Belvedere (3-hour return trip - easy); Col des Boeufs pass - La Nouvelle (4h30 return trip - easy); Bellecombe Pass - Dolomieu Crater (5-hour return trip - quite difficult) and Cilaos - Piton des Neiges (8-hour return trip - difficult) are just some of the remarkable trails that you can explore during a stay on Réunion.

The Park House (Maison du Parc) in La Plaine-des-Palmistes is open to visitors and invites you to discover its permanent exhibition entitled "Réunion, island of nature, heart of people", about Réunion's natural environment, as well as its pleasant gardens with native plant species.

A unesco world Heritage Site like the cirques of Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie, the Piton de la Fournaise peak, whose highest point is at 2,632 metres in altitude, is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Known for its frequent eruptions that take place every nine months on average, it is also one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the world. Easily accessible via the Volcano forest road starting in the middle of the Cafres plain, at the village of Bourg-Murat, the Piton de la Fournaise is also the most visited tourist site on the island!

Made up of a large dome set amid a vast area of subsidence called the Enclosure (Enclos), this imposing volcanic massif that emerged 500,000 years ago is now a treat for hikers and thrill-seekers. Located right at the heart of Réunion National Park and only accessible outside of eruption periods, the Fournaise volcano is sure to impress you with its lunar landscapes, thousand-year-old craters, hardened lava and very special flora…

Departing from the Bellecombe pass, two hiking circuits which are very popular with walkers will take you to discover this mysterious mineral world: the Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose path (medium difficulty - 3h30 return trip - 350 metres change in altitude), for its amazing views of the volcanic massif and the Indian Ocean; and the Dolomieu balcony (quite difficult - 5h return trip - 500 metres change in altitude), to get up close to the volcano! This second route, as unique as it is fascinating, will not only give you a fabulous panoramic view of the Dolomieu crater from the observation platform, but also offers other places of interest, like the Formica Léo crater and the Rosemont Chapel rock formation, both located within the Fouqué enclosure.

Dotted with many remarkable viewpoints, the Volcan tourist road, which starts at Bourg-Murat and takes you to the Bellecombe pass, is well worth taking the time to explore. There are several particularly inviting places to stop: the Nez de Boeuf belvedere and its sublime panorama of the Remparts river valley; the spectacular viewpoint over the Commerson crater; the magnificent, warm-coloured panorama of the Sables plain; or the Bellecombe pass and its beautiful view of the vast, desert-like expanse of the Fouqué enclosure, surrounded by ramparts.

Located in the hills around the municipality of Le Tampon, right at the heart of the Cafres plain, the Cité du Volcan museum in Bourg-Murat will take you on a trip in the fascinating world of volcanoes. Modern and fun, its interactive exhibits that use innovative technological procedures such as augmented reality, holographic projection and multi-touch surfaces will delight adults and children in equal measure!

Check the weather before going Webcams Piton de la Fournaise

In the heights of Hell-Bourg, at 1,500 metres in altitude, lies a vast plateau covered in a magnificent, unspoilt forest. Protected by Réunion National Park and listed as a biological reserve, Bélouve primary forest is home to many native species like the fanjan tree fern, the Hauts tamarind and a number of orchids. Accessible by car via a road through Bébour forest, departing from the village of La Plaine-des-Palmistes, or on foot along a craggy path from the islet of Hell-Bourg, this wonderful area is particularly suitable for hiking.

As well as being able to enjoy its lovely tamarind grove, as well as a quantity of exotic plants lining the roads and paths, you can also take the famous marked trail to the Trou de Fer belvedere, a particularly unspoilt place where on a fine day you can admire an impressive waterfall rushing down the middle of a canyon covered in greenery. To get there, you will need to walk for around 3 hours there and back, starting by the sentier de l'Ecole Normale (parking 2 km before gîte de Bélouve) .. A very beautiful trail through the heart of the luxuriant primary forest, where caution is advised as the path can become slippery and muddy after rain.

Lovers of scenery will also enjoy a trip to the Bélouve esplanade, a particularly well-landscaped site with a picnic area and orientation table, with truly exceptional panoramic views of the Salazie cirque and the Piton des Neiges! Not far from there, anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the old forest cable car and the Hauts tamarind grove can visit the permanent exhibition entitled "Bélouve the great legacy, legacy of the people". Meanwhile, the Somin Tamarin, a sightseeing path within the tamarind grove dotted with signs and interactive terminals, accessible to people with reduced mobility and sight-impaired people, is an ideal way to discover the local flora!

Located in the Hauts de Saint-André, to the north-east of the island, the Salazie cirque is not only the most verdant but also the most accessible of all the cirques on Réunion. A unesco world Heritage Site like its neighbours Mafate and Cilaos, this unspoilt territory with a humid climate and abundant vegetation has many waterfalls among its mountainous ramparts. The most impressive is indisputably that of the "Bride's Veil" (Voile de la Mariée), an immense waterfall that splits into several small ones, which you can admire from the road between Salazie and Hell-Bourg! The climatic conditions of Salazie also make it ideal for growing chayote, known locally as chouchou, the famous vegetable belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family that people on Réunion particularly enjoy in a gratin, and which you can sample in many local restaurants… In fact, a chouchou festival takes place every June in Hell-Bourg, an event full of flavours and activities celebrating the local emblem.

A haven of peace and greenery, the Salazie cirque invites you to explore its lush landscapes, during a hike on its marked paths or a bicycle or car trip along its peaceful little roads among the vegetation. As well as its magnificent unspoilt environment, this flagship destination of Réunion National Park also boasts a remarkable built heritage, as evidenced by the Hell-Bourg islet, a magnificent little village listed among France's most beautiful villages, which still have some lovely Creole houses with colourful façades that were built during its heyday as a spa destination. The superb Folio house is open to visitors and is sure to delight you with its refined style and charming tropical garden!

Heritage enthusiasts will also want to stop at Grand Îlet, a village perched at an altitude of around 1,100 metres, where the flagship edifice is the splendid Church of Saint Martin, a listed Historic Monument whose walls are covered with tamarind shingle. From there you can travel along the Bélier road, a beautiful itinerary through the Hauts forest that will guide you all the way to the Col des Boeufs car park, the starting point for the famous walking trail to the Mafate cirque.

To enjoy magnificent views over the Salazie cirque, hikers should be sure to take the footpath between Hell-Bourg and the Bélouve plateau (medium difficulty - 600 metres change in altitude - 3h30 return trip). The efforts made during the ascent will be rewarded upon arrival by an exceptional panoramic view of the verdant Salazie cirque and the famous Piton des Neiges. There is also a particularly well-landscaped esplanade where you can take a well-deserved picnic break!

The hike to the Anchaing Piton departing from the Îlet à Vidot (medium difficulty - 750 metres change in altitude - 4h30 return trip), not recommended for people prone to vertigo, will reveal fabulous viewpoints over the whole Salazie cirque…

Departing from Hell-Bourg, a lovely and pleasant walk (medium difficulty - 600 metres in altitude - 4-hour circuit) will enable you to discover not only the Manouilh spring but also a majestic cryptomeria forest!

In the municipality of Saint-Benoît, heading towards La Plaine-des-Palmistes, lies an exceptional natural site, the Grand Étang, which is reached by walking for around twenty minutes along a pleasant path. Surrounded by tall basalt ramparts, this lake of 50 hectares, supplied by rain water and several waterfalls, enjoys a wonderfully peaceful, green setting full of lush, unspoilt plant life… This particularly relaxing spot is an ideal place to rest and recuperate, and you can explore it by following a path around the lake of about 4 kilometres. More motivated walkers on the trail will enjoy a little half-hour detour to go and admire the majestic Bras d'Annette waterfalls that pour into the Grand Étang! It should however be noted that the lake can sometimes be dry during droughts or flooded during heavy rain…

Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the charming islet of Hell-Bourg nestles right at the heart of the famous, verdant cirque of Salazie, in the centre of Réunion. This high-altitude village, where it is a little cooler than on the coast, not only enjoys a pleasant climate but also a magnificent, unspoilt mountain environment, ideal for hiking.

Hell-Bourg also boasts some pretty Creole houses, as evidenced by the picturesque, colourful façades of the shopping street, Rue du Général de Gaulle… The village owes its delightfully quaint charm to its status as a former spa resort, which sadly ceased its activities in the mid-20th century following a cyclone and landslides. Some very beautiful houses still remain from this period of splendour, like the famous Folio house, but also the relics of the old thermal baths by a small river, just down from the village. A very pleasant, green site, accessible via a pretty, sloping path which walkers in search of peace and quiet will particularly appreciate when taking a short rest…

One of the finest examples of Hell-Bourg's heritage, the colonial-style Folio house and its tropical garden are incontestably worth a visit. During the guided tour, as well as its refined atmosphere and traditional Creole furniture, you will see a very beautiful, lush garden and a very charming fountain and guétali (a traditional kiosk-like construction).

For lovers of walking, there are many hiking opportunities in the area. One of the nicest hikes is the one to the Bélouve plateau. Your efforts during the ascent with a 600-metre change in altitude will be rewarded upon arrival by a superb panoramic view of the natural cirque of Salazie and the famous Piton des Neiges. A very well-designed belvedere where you can enjoy a well-deserved picnic break!

A jewel of Hauts Reunion, located in the municipalities of Saint-Paul and La Possession, Mafate has the distinction of being the only circus of the island to be accessible only on foot or by helicopter. Ranked as neighbors Cilaos and Salazie, World Heritage of Unesco, this exceptional territory, both preserved and protected auto nuisance, home to an incredible biodiversity, rich in endemic species. Paradise for hikers and other nature lovers, with around 180 kilometers of trails, this haven of peace and tranquility, surrounded by steep walls, will leave you with unforgettable memories… A unique place in the world where you can not only admire fantastic wild landscapes, but also to meet the inhabitants of Mafate, numbering about 750, who populate the nine islets circus. An unforgettable getaway and will be even more if you spend the night there in one of the cottages with breakfast tables. A moment not only user friendly, but also ideal for enjoying the whole atmosphere and serene places…

Several walking routes, more or less long and difficult, provide access to the heart of Mafate. The classic route and easiest (4h30 round trip - 700 meters altitude) is the one that begins in # # neck of the Oxen, accessible from Salazie #, which can reach the islet #!## New, the most populous town of Mafate, through the beautiful and mysterious plain Tamarins the many crooked trees. Popular with walkers for a lunch break or a night halt, the village of New seduce you with its wooden chalets, charming church, its beautiful walking in grass and privileged.

You can also visit # # # Cilaos Mafate since, taking the amount of the route to Col Taïbit (3 hour ascent - 800 meters of elevation gain - difficult)!, A route to go preferably early in the morning before the arrival of clouds that might block the view… once at the pass, the effort during the climb is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, not only in Cilaos, but also in Mafate! After a well-deserved break, the hike continues downhill (1 hour walk) to the islet of Marla, a small hamlet surrounded by pastures, nestled at the foot of Grand Bénare at 1645 meters where you can stop at the snack bar or spend the night in one of his houses or cottages. From here you can visit the famous site of the Three Rocks, via a steep path down along the river Pebbles. Located halfway between Marla and the islet of Roche Plate, this unique natural site impress with its three large blocks of basalt and its beautiful waterfall flowing into a deep chasm. An exceptional place, but also dangerous, where caution should be in order! Several options are then available to you: back to Marla and reach the islet of Roche Plate or New, where many trails await for you to discover the many natural treasures and other small villages such islet of Mafate orange Îlet à Malheur or Aurère!