The most beautiful natural sites to discover East

Remarkable sites, classified as natural sites, these basins with their waterfalls and basaltic organ walls are worth a detour. The basin la Paix, very well signposted to the car park, is on the right (contrary to what the sign indicates). Steps carve the steep descent. Straight to the car park, the Bassin la Mer is wilder. Be careful, since March 2018, it is forbidden to swim in the Bassin la Paix, due to numerous accidents (hydrocutions, currents...).

The only high altitude lake of volcanic origin in Reunion Island, the tour of Grand-Étang is a very nice family walk, with multiple ferns and the majestic waterfalls of Bras d'Annette. To get there, follow the RN3 towards Saint-Pierre for 10 kilometres, and, near the Payet bridge, branch off on the road to Grand-Étang. You will reach the lake in half an hour's walk. You can then go around on foot or on horseback (there is a very good horse farm nearby) in about 1 hour. It is beautiful, quiet and green. A call to meditation.

The last primary forest of Saint-André, it is a world of olive wood, tan-red and jamerosa that is offered to you on this trail. In this twelve thousand year old forest, you will discover species unique in the world: ironwood, takamaka and parrot trees. After a 45-minute walk, you will have a magnificent view of Salazie. An interesting picnic area, that of P'tit Trou, close to an Indian chapel. A very nice walk, difficult in the rainy season, because of the soggy path! The loop is done in 2 hours.

Nestled in the hollow of the rocks, a splendid freshwater basin. Its fresh water, of exceptional transparency, makes it one of the best swimming spots in the East. Be careful however not to go there in case of heavy rains or when the sky is dark in the Hauts: a flash flood can occur. It is reached by a road just after the church on the left, in the direction of Sainte-Rose, at the level of the invert. On the old coastal road, you can admire some very pretty huts and nibble on some festivities at the bar-trucks.

Come and discover a place out of time, full of history, and bathe in the clear waters of the Rivière des Marsouins. Built in the 18th century, the islet served as a refuge for families facing the invasions of the forbans. Mrs Delisle, the governor's wife, had a workroom built there for young destitute girls, as well as a chapel. Snaking between ferns and bamboos for 20 minutes, the trail offers beautiful views of the river. The descent is a Way of the Cross, with a Saint-Expedit chapel halfway down.

The waterfront stretching from Beau-Rivage to Champ-Borne is a pleasant walking area, with a few restaurants and the opportunity to take a quick look at the old church. The more courageous will push the walk to Bras-Panon, through cane fields and take a bus to find their vehicle at Saint-André. Then count on 2 hours of quiet walking. Stay vigilant during hurricane season, as this route is often at the forefront of bad weather.

This path allows you to discover three different plant formations: an old tea plantation, the primary forest and an area damaged by plant pests. Beautiful views of Bras-Panon and Saint-André.

Also known as the coastal path, this trail links the port of Sainte-Rose to Anse des Cascades, via the 1977 lava flow. Here, you follow the wild coastline lined with vacoas, where the ocean meets the volcanic rock. The trail can be walked in either direction, in part or in its entirety. Total walking time is around 6-8 hours round trip. From la Marine to Ravine Glissante: 45 minutes. From Ravine Glissante to the 1977 flow: 1h45. From la coulée de 1977 to l'anse des Cascades: 1h45.