Located slightly upstream of the Bras de la Plaine, Grand Bassin is an isolated ilet in a mini-cirque surrounded by imposing ramparts. Sometimes nicknamed the "little Mafate", this classic hiking spot on Réunion Island is a jewel of the Hauts region's heritage, offering visitors the chance to step back in time and take a trip in and out of time.
This atypical islet can only be reached on foot, via a path almost 4.5 km long and 650 metres ascent down to the village of Grand Bassin. In summer, it's a great idea to continue the walk to the pond and the Voile de la Mariée waterfall, which you can admire from the many viewpoints along the way down to the ilet.
A refreshing dip in the pool at the foot of the waterfall is a much-appreciated reward before the difficult climb back up to Bois Court. The Grand Bassin valley is home to many endemic bird species, including the Papangue, pink-billed, tec-tec and Oiseau la Vierge, and the Bourbon black petrel, which is classified as an endangered species.
