The most beautiful natural sites to discover Saint-Paul

On the sea side, north of Saint-Paul; just follow the signs. This pond, which lazes in the sun in a pleasant undergrowth, was a fantastic food reserve for the settlers. If you are discreet, you can observe moorhens, herons and pawpaws. At the time of the Sunday picnic, the Reunionese families take possession of the green banks and the coconut grove. You can also go water skiing on the pond, or go for a jog on the very pleasant fitness trail along the ocean.

On leaving Saint-Paul, at the end of the four-lane road, you can see a deep ravine to the left, which retains a wild, old-world charm. In the background is a lush, peaceful atmosphere; along a narrow path, you can admire bluish waterfalls and breathe in the fresh air. The place inspired Évariste de Parny, Roussin, Leconte de Lisle and even George Sand in her first novel Indiana, based on the notes of her botanist friend. The gully is unkempt and therefore littered in places, so mosquito repellent is de rigueur.

A pleasant and easy stroll in a gully and pond, 5 minutes from the city centre. Count one hour round trip from the car park. You will walk through a well-kept site, to gradually immerse yourself in the bucolic freshness of the gully, planted with papyrus and dreams. The cliffs become progressively higher, inhabited by numerous strawtails. The path is wide and almost flat, accessible to all and very busy. You will arrive on small pools covered with duckweed.

Here is a pleasant walk on the oldest paved road of Saint-Paul. In the past, it was used to transport crops (especially coffee) by oxcart from Bellemène to the centre of the western capital. This magnificent three hundred year old path has been undergoing restoration for nearly seven years. The Bellemène Pavé association has recreated a Lontan village with a hut, a chicken coop, a kitchen and even a cabin. The climb takes about thirty minutes and offers a superb panorama of the western coastline, from Cape Lahoussaye to the Port.