Gîte Crête de la Marianne
HIKING GÎTE
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Aurere - Deux-Bras
Walking/pedestrian
in Salazie
12.9
km
Round-trip
Walking/pedestrian
5h 25min
Medium
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The first inhabitants of Aurère, whether the first runaway slaves or later Nicolas Lemarchand, all arrived at Aurère via the Bras des Merles. It was the only possible way through at that time to access the islet of Aurère. Subject to the changing weather conditions and heavy rains, this passage through the Bras des Merles was not practicable all year and the inhabitants of Aurère were often isolated from the world. Other trails currently open, such as the Scout Trail or the Augustave...
The first inhabitants of Aurère, whether the first runaway slaves or later Nicolas Lemarchand, all arrived at Aurère via the Bras des Merles. It was the only possible way through at that time to access the islet of Aurère. Subject to the changing weather conditions and heavy rains, this passage through the Bras des Merles was not practicable all year and the inhabitants of Aurère were often isolated from the world. Other trails currently open, such as the Scout Trail or the Augustave Channel, did not exist until the 1970s. Fortunately, for a long time, there was another trail from Deux Bras, which has now been greatly improved by the ONF between the Cabris spring and Bord Bazar. Passing through three slopes, the Fougère slope, the Palmiste slope and the Bamboo slope, it has for several decades been the path most used by the Mafatais from Aurère and Ilet à Malheur. At no point monotonous, this remarkable trail is doable all year and offers fantastic viewpoints of the Cirque of Mafate, Bras d’Oussy, Piton Tortue and Piton Carré. The Cape Miné passage is a marvel where you can admire the beauty of Mafate. This passage retains the marks of the bore holes that made it possible to blow up the rock, hence its name of Cap Miné. All along the path you’ll find changing vegetation, mixing bamboos and vacoas, jamblon, guava, common guava, as well as many endemic species.
You can plan a two-day circuit to Aurère. The first day, climb via Bras des Merles or Grand Place, Ilet à Bourse and Ilet à Malheur. Returning the next day by this trail from Bord Bazar is ideal.This hike is easy in the direction Aurère - Deux Bras, and presents very few difficulties, except the passage of Cape Miné which can prove awkward for people who are really sensitive to vertigo. In the uphill direction between Deux Bras and Aurère, the difficulty is average because the difference in altitude is 700 metres, but this ascent is evenly distributed along the route. You’ll have to cross the Rivière des Galets four times in the water or on fords made with large stones between La Porte and Deux Bras. It often happens that these stones are carried away by a strong river current as a result of heavy rains. These crossings are made in about 30 cm of water. So bring a pair of overshoes if you don’t want to get your boots wet. Another solution is to use trail shoes, which are intended for use in water and dry in 10 minutes.
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How to reach the start
Several 4x4 vehicles are approved to transport people between the town of Rivière Des Galets and Deux Bras for a modest contribution of 7 euros per person (indicative price in 2011). This avoids a 3-hour walk along the bottom of Rivière des Galets to cover 10 km of trail before arriving at Deux Bras. Call one of these "Mafate Taxis" at least 48 hours in advance to book your seat, the meeting place being the church of Rivière des Galets. To get to Rivière des Galets, take the dual carriageway to Le Port, then go out at the roundabout located very close to the hypermarket and head towards Rivière des Galets. Turn right at the next roundabout then straight ahead to the church.
Steps
1.0 km: Reach Bord Bazar. At the fork, you can go left to Ilet à Malheur and right to take the path seen at the junction. Go straight ahead, and start the descent of Source Bambou, passing in front of the oratory. You can enjoy the view in the distance of Piton des Orangers and, closer to you in the background, Bras d'Oussy and, to the right, the path that continues 200 metres below. The descent continues on a path lined with bamboo.
1.4 km: After losing 100 metres of height, you reach Source Bamboo. Water drained from a cut bamboo is said to be drinkable. Now continue on a slight slope from where you can admire the view of this descent through the middle of the bamboo, Bord Bazar and Piton Diable, in the distance Morne de Fourche leading into the Crête des Calumets and Piton des Calumets, and in front of you Piton Carré and on the right Piton Tortue. Behind it, you can see Maïdo and Piton des Orangers. At the bottom, at your feet, you can admire Bras d'Oussy.
2.0 km: The descent up against the cliff is well protected by two guardrails. Solid handrails prevent the risk of falling. The descent continues in a straight line to the place called Le Pavillon.
2.2 km: You’ve reached Cap Miné. This huge balcony offers amazing views. Take your time and admire the scenery.
3.0 km: Continuing the descent, you arrive at a junction, where you continue to the right. The trail that continues straight ahead leads to Cayenne and Grand Place via the Bras d'Oussy footbridge.
3.5 km: The trail continues downhill then on a slight slope to a new junction. The path that goes down to the left leads to Cayenne and Grand Place via the Bras d'Oussy bridge. Continue slightly to the right.
4.3 km: The descent continues after the junction, interspersed with gentle slopes, and ends with a set of steps made of cemented stones. After 50 metres, you arrive at La Porte, crossing the Rivière des Galets near the rampart facing you.
5.9 km: In total, you cross the Rivière des Galets four times before arriving at Deux Bras.
1.4 km: After losing 100 metres of height, you reach Source Bamboo. Water drained from a cut bamboo is said to be drinkable. Now continue on a slight slope from where you can admire the view of this descent through the middle of the bamboo, Bord Bazar and Piton Diable, in the distance Morne de Fourche leading into the Crête des Calumets and Piton des Calumets, and in front of you Piton Carré and on the right Piton Tortue. Behind it, you can see Maïdo and Piton des Orangers. At the bottom, at your feet, you can admire Bras d'Oussy.
2.0 km: The descent up against the cliff is well protected by two guardrails. Solid handrails prevent the risk of falling. The descent continues in a straight line to the place called Le Pavillon.
2.2 km: You’ve reached Cap Miné. This huge balcony offers amazing views. Take your time and admire the scenery.
3.0 km: Continuing the descent, you arrive at a junction, where you continue to the right. The trail that continues straight ahead leads to Cayenne and Grand Place via the Bras d'Oussy footbridge.
3.5 km: The trail continues downhill then on a slight slope to a new junction. The path that goes down to the left leads to Cayenne and Grand Place via the Bras d'Oussy bridge. Continue slightly to the right.
4.3 km: The descent continues after the junction, interspersed with gentle slopes, and ends with a set of steps made of cemented stones. After 50 metres, you arrive at La Porte, crossing the Rivière des Galets near the rampart facing you.
5.9 km: In total, you cross the Rivière des Galets four times before arriving at Deux Bras.
- 818 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 913 m
- End altitude : 912 m
- Maximum altitude : 951 m
- Minimum altitude : 258 m
- Total positive elevation : 818 m
- Total negative elevation : -819 m
- Max positive elevation : 159 m
- Min positive elevation : -167 m
