La Roche Écrite Saint-Denis
Hike to La Roche Écrite for breathtaking panoramic views of Reunion Island's dramatic cirques, a challenging yet rewarding trek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid fog and heat
La Roche Écrite Saint-Denis
Best Time
Avoid fog and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to La Roche Écrite for breathtaking panoramic views of Reunion Island's dramatic cirques, a challenging yet rewarding trek.
"Simply magnificent, the Piton des Neiges in front of you, the Salazie cirque on the left and that of Mafate on the right."
🌅 Start Before Sunrise
Maximize your chances for clear views and cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the early morning hours.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain can be challenging, especially the final stretch. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Cirque Views
Summit of La Roche Écrite
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Salazie and Mafate cirques, with Piton des Neiges often visible.
La Roche Écrite Refuge
Midway point of the hike
A welcome stop for a rest, offering incredible views and a chance to break up the challenging ascent.
The Cave of the Bravest
Near the summit
For the adventurous, a challenging detour to a sea cave offering a unique perspective and thrill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Hike Early
Prepare for a Challenging Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Start Before Sunrise
Maximize your chances for clear views and cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the early morning hours.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain can be challenging, especially the final stretch. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable trek.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this strenuous hike, especially during warmer parts of the day. There are limited water sources along the trail.
☁️ Check the Weather
Fog can quickly obscure the magnificent views. Check forecasts and be prepared for changing mountain weather conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Start Before Sunrise
Maximize your chances for clear views and cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the early morning hours.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
The terrain can be challenging, especially the final stretch. Good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable trek.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this strenuous hike, especially during warmer parts of the day. There are limited water sources along the trail.
☁️ Check the Weather
Fog can quickly obscure the magnificent views. Check forecasts and be prepared for changing mountain weather conditions.
📸 Capture the Sunsets
If you're staying for sunset, the views can be spectacular, but ensure you have a headlamp for the descent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magnificent, breathtaking views of the cirques from La Roche Écrite, calling it a must-do hike. The challenging ascent is rewarded with unparalleled panoramas, though some find the final stretch particularly demanding. Starting early is a key recommendation to avoid fog and heat. +2
"A magnificent view of the cirques, doable in a day but possible to stop halfway at the refuge.
Possibility of going to the sea and the cave for the bravest. Start early to avoid fog"
Michael REICHERT
"Magnificent!!🥰 I really loved this landscape 😊
It's still quite a long walk from Mamod Camp!!
The hardest part, of course, is from the lodge!
In any case, it's a walk not to be missed!"
Laurence Dubourg
"Simply magnificent, the Piton des Neiges in front of you, the Salazie cirque on the left and that of Mafate on the right."
Cédric Laurent
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting points are Mamode Camp or Bellepierre, accessible by car from Saint-Denis. Some hikers begin directly from Saint-Denis, making it a longer trek.
Public transport options to the immediate trailheads are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car or arrange a taxi to reach the starting points like Mamode Camp.
The primary trailheads are Mamode Camp and Bellepierre. Some also start from Saint-Denis itself for a more extensive trek.
The duration varies greatly depending on your starting point and pace. From Mamode Camp, it can take around 4-6 hours round trip, but starting from Saint-Denis will be significantly longer.
Yes, you can drive to trailheads like Mamode Camp. Parking availability can vary, especially on weekends.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the hiking trails for La Roche Écrite. It's a natural park area.
Generally, no specific permits are required for day hiking. However, if you plan any overnight stays beyond the designated refuge, it's advisable to check local regulations.
The trails are open 24/7 as they are natural paths. However, hiking in the dark is not recommended without proper preparation and headlamps.
The refuge itself is a resting point. While there might be charges for overnight stays or food/drinks, accessing it during a day hike doesn't typically incur an entry fee.
Yes, it's possible to book accommodation at the La Roche Écrite refuge. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderately difficult to challenging, especially the final ascent from the refuge. It requires good physical fitness. +1
Expect spectacular panoramic views of the Salazie and Mafate cirques, and potentially the Piton des Neiges. The scenery is a major draw.
The main trails are generally well-marked, especially those following the GR2. However, it's always wise to have a map or GPS device.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the refuge. There are very few, if any, other facilities along the main hiking path.
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and bring layers as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat and sunscreen are also advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, while sunset can provide dramatic colors. However, fog can appear anytime, so be prepared for various conditions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cirque views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant details. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
The summit itself offers the most iconic panoramic shots. The area around the refuge also provides stunning vistas.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale to the vastness of the cirques.
The biggest challenge is the unpredictable fog that can obscure views instantly. Also, the strenuous hike requires carrying gear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to tackle it with older, active children, ensure they are well-prepared with appropriate footwear and plenty of water. Starting very early and taking frequent breaks at the refuge can make the experience more manageable. Consider a shorter, less strenuous hike on Reunion Island if you have younger children or less experienced hikers in your group.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
However, as with any mountain hike, it's always wise to inform someone of your plans, including your expected return time. Carrying a fully charged phone and a basic first-aid kit is recommended. The refuge halfway up offers a good point to rest and potentially connect with other hikers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscapes and consider a telephoto lens for details. A sturdy tripod will be invaluable if you plan to shoot during sunrise or sunset, or in low-light conditions caused by fog. Remember that the hike itself is demanding, so pack your gear wisely.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The GR2 Trail and Hiking La Roche Écrite
+1Popular starting points for a day hike to La Roche Écrite include Mamode Camp and Bellepierre. These locations offer access to trails that are generally well-marked, though the terrain can be demanding. The hike involves significant elevation gain, particularly in the latter half of the ascent from the La Roche Écrite refuge. This refuge serves as a vital resting point and a potential overnight stop for those undertaking multi-day treks.
Hikers often describe the experience as rewarding, with the summit offering unparalleled views of the island's dramatic volcanic cirques. However, the physical exertion required means that preparation is key. Starting early is highly recommended to avoid the midday sun and the frequent mountain fog that can obscure the breathtaking panoramas.
Navigating the Terrain and Weather
Weather on Reunion Island's mountains is notoriously unpredictable. While the coast might be sunny, the higher altitudes can experience rapid changes, including dense fog, rain, and strong winds. It's crucial to check the weather forecast before setting out and to be prepared for all conditions. Starting your hike early in the morning is a common strategy to maximize the chances of clear views before the clouds typically roll in during the afternoon.
For those who are particularly adventurous, there's mention of a cave accessible near the summit, though this is often described as a more challenging detour for the brave. Regardless of the chosen path, carrying sufficient water and snacks is essential, as facilities are scarce outside of the refuge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit