Around 12km southwest of St-Benoît along the road towards Plaine-des-Palmistes is the 3km road to Grand Étang (Big Pond). This pretty picnic spot lies at the bottom of an almost-vertical ridge separating it from the Rivière des Marsouins valley. Most people simply walk around the lake, following a well-defined path. It's muddy in places, but shouldn't take more than three hours from the car park, including a side trip to an impressive waterfall.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.39 MILES
You've reached the end of the world! The Plaine des Sables is a wide windswept plain, made of ashes. With its lunar landscape, it could form a perfect…
14.7 MILES
It would be a sin to visit Les Makes and not take the forest road that leads to this viewpoint, another 10km further uphill. The view over the entire…
Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien
8.16 MILES
A great surprise! In October 2015, the innovative Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien welcomed its first visitors, showcasing hundreds of…
23.42 MILES
Réunion's most beloved museum is dedicated primarily to the sugar industry, but also provides fascinating insights into the history of the island,…
Conseil Général de la Réunion – Direction de la Culture
19.25 MILES
You can't miss this villa – it's one of the most elegant of St-Denis' Creole buildings, with a superb varangue (veranda), finely crafted lambrequins …
19.72 MILES
The main attraction in Le Baril is the Puits des Anglais, a splendid saltwater pool that has been constructed in the basaltic rock. It's mobbed at…
24.49 MILES
This museum is set in the former home of the wealthy and very powerful Madame Panon-Desbassayns, a coffee and sugar baroness who, among other things,…
11.14 MILES
Entirely modernised in 2014, the Maison de la Broderie is home to an association of 30 or so local women dedicated to keeping Cilaos' embroidery tradition…
Nearby The East attractions
1.37 MILES
North of St-Benoît the D53 strikes southwest, following the Rivière des Marsouins 15km upstream to end beside the Takamaka viewpoint. Be prepared to fall…
2.97 MILES
The headquarters of the Parc National de la Réunion are based here. There's an interesting exhibition section, with plenty of information (in English)…
3.03 MILES
A lovely 1920s Creole building just south of the town centre, Domaine des Tourelles now houses a shop selling local produce and souvenirs. Outside you'll…
3.24 MILES
For a complete change of pace and atmosphere, consider spending some time in the protected 159-hectare Forêt Ste-Marguerite, way up in the hills. Fans of…
4.77 MILES
Very few visitors have heard about Îlet Bethléem, a magical spot by the Rivière des Marsouins that locals would like to keep for themselves. Reached after…
4.83 MILES
A fabulous place to chill out is this aptly named viewpoint, in upcountry Bras-Panon. From Bras-Panon, take the road to St-André, then turn left onto the…
7. Bassin La Paix & Bassin La Mer
5.42 MILES
A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly…
6.71 MILES
You can't help but be dazzled by this surprisingly extravagant church that was erected in 1857. The facade of the building is covered in stucco depictions…
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