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La Providence
Walking/pedestrian
in Saint-Denis
5.3
km
One-way
Walking/pedestrian
2h
Medium
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This trail, really nice in good weather, is the starting point for the crossing of Reunion Island for all visitors newly arrived in Gillot. It’s also the training route for many mountain-climbing enthusiasts or simply used as a jogging track, as it’s very easily accessible and very close to the town centre. It’s the most frequented trail on Reunion Island after the Volcano. It’s best known as the ONF trail (Office National des Forêts/National Forest Office) because it passes the ONF’s...
This trail, really nice in good weather, is the starting point for the crossing of Reunion Island for all visitors newly arrived in Gillot. It’s also the training route for many mountain-climbing enthusiasts or simply used as a jogging track, as it’s very easily accessible and very close to the town centre. It’s the most frequented trail on Reunion Island after the Volcano. It’s best known as the ONF trail (Office National des Forêts/National Forest Office) because it passes the ONF’s premises in Saint-Denis. This trail makes it possible to get to Brûlé from Saint-Denis after a climb of 5.3 km in distance and 870 metres of height gain. It’s very well maintained by the ONF, very picturesque and really pleasant (especially in good weather). No need for sunscreen or hat here as you’ll be walking almost all the way along this trail under cover of dense vegetation which changes depending on the altitude. The first part of the trail merges with the loop of the botanical path along which you’ll see identification signs such as "Brown avocado", "Red wood", "Royal palm", "Bois de Gaulette", "Black olive wood", "Lowland Tamarind", "Benjoin" and "Badamier" (Indian almond).This trail is very crowded, and inconsiderate walkers damage this path by taking shortcuts. These shortcuts where the vegetation is disappearing are new erosion points that must be avoided. Also, this trail has no less than 8 junctions. Be vigilant and follow the signs and markings of the GR-R2 trail.
- Departure
- Saint-Denis
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Difference in height
- 827.2 m
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Equipment
- Raincoat, hiking shoes, warm clothes, energy food, sunscreen, flashlight, bandages, hat, detailed maps, gourd.
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- See all reviews
How to reach the start
In Saint-Denis, take Boulevard du Prince Vinh San, then Boulevard de la Providence. Then take the concrete road to the right (Allée de la Forêt), signed "ONF" a little after passing in front of the park entrance where there’s a convent on your right. The start of the trail is located at the bottom of this cul de sac, after the Chamber of Agriculture.
Steps
0 km - When leaving the car park (panel 1), start climbing the trail (panels 2 and 3).
0.7 km - You arrive at a shelter with a nice view of Saint Denis (panel 4).
0.9 km - Reach the junction (panel 5), and go up left.
1.1 km - At another junction (panel 6), continue straight ahead.
1.3 km - At a junction with a concrete road, cross the road and continue along the path opposite.
2.0 km - At this junction, continue on the concrete road for 200 metres (panel 8).
2.2 km - At the junction (panel 9), leave the concrete road and take the path on the right.
2.5 km - A few information panels give the names of the trees (panel 10), and you continue the climb to arrive at a new junction (panel 11).
3.1 km - Still climbing (panel 12), pass by the first filaos which are more than a hundred years old (panels 13 and 14).
3.6 km - The junction is in front of you. To the right, a cross painted on a tree indicates that this is not the right path. Continue left where you see the GR-R2 marking (two horizontal stripes) (panel 15).
4.2 km - You’re at the viewpoint (panel 16), and 100 metres further on, in among very dense vegetation. The place is very dark despite the sun, and you cross the ravine (panel 17).
4.6 km - Pass through this forest where araucarias and guavas grow together (panel 18), then arrive in front of the ONF panels (panel 19). Attention: a path heads off on the left; go straight on. The end is near.
5.0 km - Long section of bamboo wall on either side of the trail (panel 20): it’s magnificent.
5.1 km - The trail suddenly comes out on the road to Brûlé (panel 21), opposite the public fountain.
0.7 km - You arrive at a shelter with a nice view of Saint Denis (panel 4).
0.9 km - Reach the junction (panel 5), and go up left.
1.1 km - At another junction (panel 6), continue straight ahead.
1.3 km - At a junction with a concrete road, cross the road and continue along the path opposite.
2.0 km - At this junction, continue on the concrete road for 200 metres (panel 8).
2.2 km - At the junction (panel 9), leave the concrete road and take the path on the right.
2.5 km - A few information panels give the names of the trees (panel 10), and you continue the climb to arrive at a new junction (panel 11).
3.1 km - Still climbing (panel 12), pass by the first filaos which are more than a hundred years old (panels 13 and 14).
3.6 km - The junction is in front of you. To the right, a cross painted on a tree indicates that this is not the right path. Continue left where you see the GR-R2 marking (two horizontal stripes) (panel 15).
4.2 km - You’re at the viewpoint (panel 16), and 100 metres further on, in among very dense vegetation. The place is very dark despite the sun, and you cross the ravine (panel 17).
4.6 km - Pass through this forest where araucarias and guavas grow together (panel 18), then arrive in front of the ONF panels (panel 19). Attention: a path heads off on the left; go straight on. The end is near.
5.0 km - Long section of bamboo wall on either side of the trail (panel 20): it’s magnificent.
5.1 km - The trail suddenly comes out on the road to Brûlé (panel 21), opposite the public fountain.
- 827 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 63 m
- End altitude : 812 m
- Maximum altitude : 812 m
- Minimum altitude : 63 m
- Total positive elevation : 827 m
- Total negative elevation : -78 m
- Max positive elevation : 169 m
- Min positive elevation : -49 m
