GR®R3 Loop around Mafate Circus

Reunion Island

The GRR3, in the heart of the Mafate cirque—the only area of Réunion Island completely inaccessible by road—encircles a geological sanctuary formed by the collapse of Piton des Neiges, offering breathtaking landscapes where basalt walls plunge into deep ravines. Mafate's history is inextricably linked to marronage: in the 18th century, runaway slaves found refuge here, naming this rocky chaos after one of their leaders. Hikers traverse forests of native trees, encounter Tec-tecs (endemic birds), and admire unique flora, including tree ferns and casuarina trees. Spending a night in a gîte in Cayenne or Roche Plate allows you to grasp the soul of this cirque: a blend of absolute silence and panoramic views of Piton Cabris that seem suspended between heaven and earth.

GR®R3 Loop around Mafate Circus (Reunion Island)

Google Maps - Google Earth

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GR®R3 Hiking around Mafate Circus (Reunion Island) 2

GR®R3 Hiking around Mafate Circus (Reunion Island) 3

GR®R3 Hiking around Mafate Circus (Reunion Island) 9 Distance: 37km, Elevation maximum: 1964m, Elevation minimum: 320m, Elevation gain uphill: 3729m
IGN Maps: St-Denis Cirques de Mafate et de Salazie (4402RT).

Nearby paths:
GR®R3 Hiking around Mafate Circus (Reunion Island) 10 GR®R1 Around Piton des Neiges
GR®R2 From St Denis to Le Baril (St-Philippe)

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

GR®, PR®, GRP®, and the corresponding signs of markings (white / red, yellow and yellow / red) are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that create and maintain hiking routes on GR®, PR® and GRP®. It publishes guides these topo hiking routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnee.

GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.

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Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.