Cirque de Mafate: Hikes & Activities
France’s only road-free cirque — reachable only on foot or by helicopter. From your van, explore Mafate from the viewpoints or dive into the cirque on an unforgettable hike.
Mafate is unique in France: no road reaches it. Its 123 km² of dizzying mountains, tropical forests and deep river gorges can be reached only on foot or by helicopter. Its 700 inhabitants live without cars, without supermarkets and sometimes without grid electricity. For the van traveller, it’s an encounter with another world, within van reach.
Mafate, the Cirque You Can’t Reach by Car
For the van traveller, Mafate unfolds in two ways: contemplation from the viewpoints you can reach by van, and immersion on foot by descending into the cirque via the GR trails. The van stays up top — and that’s the whole magic of it.
The Viewpoints from Your Van
The most famous viewpoint over Mafate. The view plunges 1,400m to the floor of the cirque, revealing the îlets of La Nouvelle, Roche-Plate and Aurère. On a clear day you can spot the residents with the naked eye. Access: from Saint-Paul or Saint-Leu, paved road, 1h15 from the coast.
Direct view of the Grand Bénare (2,898m). Less crowded than Maïdo, a wilder feel, a quieter car park — ideal for a peaceful overnight stay. Access: turn-off on the Maïdo road, narrow but van-passable.
Mafate’s gateway on foot. From the car park, it’s a 1h30 descent to La Nouvelle — the starting point for most hikers. Access: from Dos d’Âne (La Possession), the D6 then a forest road, winding but paved.
Day Hikes
The introductory hike to Mafate. From Col des Bœufs, the descent to La Nouvelle (~250 residents) is gradual and well marked. School, church, lodges — a civilisation suspended among the peaks.
The highlight: Lunch in a La Nouvelle lodge (chicken curry, sausage rougail) before heading back up.
Set off early (7am) to enjoy the cool air and avoid the afternoon clouds. The climb back is more demanding — bring plenty of water and at least one energy snack.
A dizzying descent from Maïdo to Roche-Plate, one of Mafate’s most isolated îlets. Steep, sometimes exposed trail — for experienced hikers only. Plan for at least 3L of water per person.
A trail running along the cliff edge with constant views over Mafate. Suitable for everyone, even with children. Ideal for sunrise from your overnight spot at Maïdo — without descending into the cirque.
Multi-Day Hikes
True immersion happens over 2 to 4 days, sleeping in the lodges. Your van stays parked at Col des Bœufs or Maïdo — you find all your comfort again after two days of walking.
Day 1: Col des Bœufs → La Nouvelle → Aurère (6h, hard)
Day 2: Aurère → Grand Place → Marla (5h, moderate)
Day 3: Marla → Col des Bœufs (4h, moderate)
The ideal formula for a first experience: Col des Bœufs → La Nouvelle (Day 1), night in a lodge, visit and return (Day 2). Your van waits for you at the col with a shower, a hot meal and a comfortable bed after two days of walking.
The Îlets: What to See in Each Village
The largest and most accessible. School, church, football pitch, grocery shop. Ideal starting point. Many well-equipped lodges.
Perched at 1,100m, known for its artist residents — potters, painters, sculptors. Exceptional panoramic view.
One of the most isolated and authentic. Few lodges — booking far in advance is essential.
At 1,620m, Mafate’s highest îlet. Cool temperatures, frequent mists, high-altitude vegetation.
At the heart of the cirque, trails in every direction. An ideal base to explore several areas.
Other Activities
15 to 30-minute flights from Saint-Paul or Saint-Leu. €150 to €250/person. Book 48h ahead. The aerial view over the cirque is breathtaking.
Mafate’s rivers offer some of the island’s finest routes with a certified guide. €40 to €80/person. Beginner to expert level depending on the route.
One of the best spots in France. The Milky Way, the Southern Cross and the Large Magellanic Cloud are visible to the naked eye. Download Stellarium to identify the constellations.
Hikes Summary Table
| Hike | Duration | Level | Van start | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Col des Bœufs → La Nouvelle | 5-6h RT | 🟡 Moderate | Col des Bœufs | Living îlet, lodge lunch |
| Maïdo → Roche-Plate | 6-7h RT | 🔴 Hard | Maïdo car park | Total change of scenery |
| Maïdo ridge trail | 2-3h RT | 🟢 Easy | Maïdo car park | Panorama, families |
| Grand Tour (3 days) | 3 days | 🔴 Hard | Col des Bœufs | Full loop, 5 îlets |
| Discovery (2 days) | 2 days | 🟡 Moderate | Col des Bœufs | Perfect first contact |
💰 Mafate Budget by Van
Frequently Asked Questions
Your van brings you to the edge of Mafate — and it’s on foot that you cross the threshold into this world apart.
— The Location Van La Réunion teamCombine a night camping at Maïdo (sunrise over Mafate from your van) with a day hike at Col des Bœufs the next day. Two days, two unforgettable experiences — and your van waiting for you each time with all the comfort.
Set Off to Conquer Mafate
Our vans are equipped for high-altitude nights at Maïdo: parking heater, warm bedding, full kitchenette. Airport delivery, 7-day assistance.
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