Things to do — Wild South

The Wild South is organised around three complementary poles.

The volcano pole is the absolute priority. Full day excursion: very early departure (5-6 am) from your accommodation, forest road to the Pas de Bellecombe, hike of your choice according to your fitness and the weather. The full Dolomieu crater loop (5-6h, 12 km, 600 m elevation) is the demanding but essential option: descent into the Enclos, traverse of the scoria field, ascent of the Dolomieu to walk around it. The Formica Leo walk (2-3h round trip, 200 m elevation) is the shorter option that descends into the Enclos to the small volcanic cone of the same name. Pas de Bellecombe belvedere: panoramic view of the entire enclosure, accessible without walking.

The flows and coast pole is travelled by car over a day. Classic loop: Saint-Pierre → Saint-Joseph (Cap Méchant coastal trail, fishing port, Grande Anse beach at Petite-Île for picnicking) → Manapany (natural pool) → Saint-Philippe (vanilla plantation visit, Creole lunch) → Grand Brûlé (lava flow fields, stops at viewpoints) → Sainte-Rose (Notre-Dame des Laves, Anse des Cascades) → return. Count 8-10h with stops.

The Highlands pole is more intimate. The Plaine des Cafres and the Plaine des Palmistes are worth a half-day: Maison du Volcan in Bourg-Murat (excellent interpretation museum, €9), farm-inns to taste péi foie gras and goat cheeses, short trail of the Piton Bert (1h30 round trip, view over the enclosure), Biberon waterfall at Plaine des Palmistes. The rural markets (Saturday morning in Bourg-Murat) are the opportunity to bring back cheeses, honey, lychee jams and artisanal rhums arrangés.