Natural Crafts West

The Grotte du Peuplement is located at the southern exit of Saint-Paul, opposite the Cimetière Marin. Legend has it that it served as a refuge for the 1663 arrivals, but historical studies have proven this to be false. This site was named the "Cave of the First Frenchmen" in the 1960s, after having been called the "Cave of the Portuguese" or the "Cave of the 12 Exiles". As the cave remains inaccessible due to falling rocks, you can enjoy the pleasant park which was completely redeveloped in 2016, ideal for a family picnic.

On the hiking path leading to the Alcide islet, discover one of the oldest trees of Reunion Island: the King of Tamarins. With its trunk measuring 9 m and its branches reaching 19 m high, it dominates the forest that surrounds it. More than 400 years old, it has a circumference of 3.89 m. Despite the cyclones and storms that have broken part of its branches, it remains majestic. If it could, it would even tell us about its encounter with the first inhabitants of the island. Continuing the hike, you will reach a viewpoint on the Maïdo.

Linking the Maïdo to the Tévelave at an altitude of 1,700 m, the forest road of the Tamarins stretches for about thirty kilometres. If it is the starting point of several hiking trails such as Piton Rouge, it is just as pleasant to come and rest. Numerous picnic areas equipped with tables, shaded kiosks and barbecue are provided for this purpose. The Reunionese like to meet there on weekends with their families, far from the heat of the coastline.