Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
GRAND BASSIN - THE LOST VALLEY
The utterly picturesque valley of Grand Bassin, known as
la vallée perdue
(the lost valley) or
Mafate en mini-
ature
(Mafate in miniature), is one of the few areas in Réunion that is only accessible on foot. Thanks to its splen-
did isolation, this little morsel of paradise is a dream come true for those seeking to get well and truly off the
beaten track.
To get there, follow the road D70 to Bois Court from Vingt-Troisième village. At the end of the road you can
look down into the valley from the
Belvédère
viewpoint. The path down to Grand Bassin begins about 800m
south of the Belvédère (it's signposted). It plunges almost straight down to the river 600m below; allow 1½ hours
for the descent and at least 2½ hours to get back up again. You can leave your car at a few private homes near the
trailhead. It costs €3 (€10 for overnight parking).
Grand Bassin is formed by the confluence of three rivers. Near to where they join is a quiet hamlet with a
handful of
gîtes
. From the hamlet, follow the river towards the west and you'll soon reach a few rock pools
where you can dunk yourself - just blissful. Further west, you can descend at the base of the impressive
Cascade
du Voile de la Mariée
waterfall.
Grand Bassin is a terrific place to kick off your shoes for a few days and sample authentic rural Réunionnais
life. Digs are in rustic dorms or in doubles, but that's part of the fun. Day-trippers will fork out €18 to €20 for a
meal, usually a wholesome
carri
made with locally grown products.
Le Randonneur
( 0692 78 04 50;
www.gitelerandonneur.net
; Grand-Bassin; per person with half board
€40-45) A chalet-like venue with good views. A bit more expensive than other venues in Grand-Bassin, but it
feels more intimate, with only three doubles and three quadruples, all tiled.
La Vieille Tonnelle
( 0262 59 20 27, 0262 27 51 02; Grand Bassin; per person with half board €38) Has two
snug doubles. Luc, the friendly owner, will treat you to a wicked
rhum bois
(rum flavoured with an endemic
wood). Good homemade jams.
Les Orchidées
( 0692 03 90 38, 0262 38 02 73; Grand-Bassin; per person with half board €35-40) On the
eastern outskirts of the hamlet. Has two quadruples, two eight-bed dorms and two doubles. Good homemade
honey.
Le Paille-en-Queue
( 0692 24 31 73, 0262 59 03 66; Grand-Bassin; per person with half board €38) Features
two doubles and six- to eight-bed dorms.
Auberge de Grand-Bassin
( 0692 26 74 55, 0262 59 10 34; Grand-Bassin; per person with half board €38)
Has three doubles and six- to 16-bed dorms.
Les Mimosas
( 0692 16 09 90;
www.lesmimosas.re
; Grand-Bassin; d with half board €156; ) This recent
B&B has been beautifully built and decorated using local materials. The all-wood bungalow sits in a superb trop-
ical garden and sports two doubles that are as cosy as a bird's nest. Great for couples or families. Vegetarian
meals can be arranged.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Piton de la Fournaise (The Volcano)
The magnum opus of Mother Nature in Réunion, Piton de la Fournaise is the island's most
famous natural attraction. Simply dubbed
le volcan
(the volcano) by Réunionnais, Piton
