The Sentier Pavé

ITINERARY

From the Saint-Leu tourist information office, turn right at the northern roundabout before accessing the Grande Fontaine car park ("La Ravine" concert venue). The path begins on the left, via the steps. You will cross a dried up ravine and will quickly reach the paved path, dating from 1760. At the start of the path, the "Roche Cercueil" reminds us that from 1950 to 1970 the coffins of the deceased were transported on  men's heads, from the Hauts de Saint-Leu to the town in order to bury them in Saint-Leu cemetery. This rock was the place that they laid the coffins in order to allow those carrying it to catch their breath. After a ten-minute ascent, turn left and you will have arrived at the "Batterie des Sans Culottes" built in 1794 and which acted as defence for the town during the English invasion in 1809.

 

You will have to retrace your steps to continue on the path. The paving that covers the path disappears gradually as you climb. At the next intersection, continue on the path by going right up to the viewing point called "La Roche Pâté". At the top of the path, turn right. Follow the scoria path on the right that will take you to a stunning view where you can experience the dizzying  "paille en queue" hill in the Ravine de la Fontaine. Go back the way you came, to pass under the Route des Tamarins and join the path. Walk for 45 minutes and continue straight ahead (green arrow on rock) towards an earth path before reaching a asphalt path called "Chemin d'Eau".

 

Take the time to have a break under a mango tree to admire the Saint-Leu lagoon. Turn left in front of the Grande Fontaine nursery school in order to join the "Chemin Surprise" (Kar'Ouest bus stop:  "maison 58") at the arrival point.

 

To get back to the coast, you can return using the same path, or take the Kar'Ouest bus, which will drop you next to Saint-Leu Mairie (line 62 - Bus stop: Maison n°16).

 

Some species of dry vegetation that you will find on the path:


Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica)
Ficus reflexa
Aloes (Aloe barbadensis miller), called locally "laloués-amer"
Agave Americana (agave vera cruz)
Terminalia bentzoë
Hopbush (Dodonea viscosa)