Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the circuit. Expect lots of slippery dips, exhilarating water jumps, short swims and fun
scrambles in a picturesque setting - it's immensely fun!
Eating
If you haven't brought a picnic, there's a bevy of cheap and cheerful eateries along the
river at the entrance to the valley. They're pretty much of a muchness and serve up Creole
classics, which you can eat inside or take away.
Le Benjoin
( 0262 56 23 90; Route de la Passerelle; mains €13-20, menu €12; lunch Sat-Thu)
One of a number of
popular eateries along the river, this snug eatery has built a strong local reputation on the
back of its copious Creole and Chinese classics. It's also famed for its
thé dansant
(tea
dance) on Sunday (from 9am) - a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. There's
a takeaway counter, too.
CREOLE, CHINESE
€
Vincendo & Les Hauts
In Vincendo, few visitors get wind of the black-sand
beach
fringed by
vacoa
trees a few
kilometres south of the RN2. There are some dangerous currents at certain times of the
year, so ask around before diving in. It's a great place for a picnic.
Back in the village, follow the D34 that goes uphill to the north and takes you to the
hamlet of
La Crête
. From there, the D37 leads due east to another peaceful settlement,
Jacques-Payet
, before zigzagging downhill to the junction with the coastal road.
Sleeping & Eating
La Table des Randonneurs
( 0692 61 73 47; 17 Chemin des Barbadines, Jacques-Payet; dm/d incl breakfast €20/40, bungalow per person
without breakfast €20, dinner €22-25)
Way up in the hills, 'The Hikers' Table' is a safe bet, with
two doubles, one quad and one six-bed room in a modern house. They're in no danger of
appearing in
House Beautiful,
but everything is in immaculate shape and functional. There
are also two self-contained bungalows that can sleep four people. The menu features local
delicacies like smoked duck with
vacoa
. It's about 7km northeast of Vincendo (follow the
D37).
GÎTE
€
