Pas de Bellecombe Jacob
VIEWPOINT, PANORAMA
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Pas de Bellecombe - Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose
Walking/pedestrian
in Sainte-Rose
4.9
km
One-way
Walking/pedestrian
2h 15min
Medium
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The goal of this wonderful hike is to see the Grandes Pentes (Great Slopes) of the volcano, but this trail always remains on the edge of the volcano’s enclosure with great views of the latter all the way. You’ll also be surprised by the abundant vegetation here, a mix of thickets and tamarinds.This hike does not present any particular difficulty. To make this hike successfully, it’s a good idea to leave very early. Arrive at the start of this hike at sunrise. Then you can enjoy the gorgeous panorama at Nez Coupé de Sainte Rose. Take a waterproof jacket, hat and sunscreen all the same - you never know.
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- Points of interest
1
How to reach the start
From the north or south, take the Route des Plaines to the Maison du Volcan in Bourg Murat. The Route du Volcan begins next to the car park at the Maison du Volcan. The panels are very obvious and the Route du Volcan crosses pastures that remind you of metropolitan landscapes. Pass Nez de Boeuf, Piton Textor and Commerson. On reaching Pas des Sables, continue down into Plaine des Sables. It’s now a dust and gravel track. Continue on the forest volcano road until its end, the car park of Pas de Bellecombe.
Steps
0 km: From the car park, walk along the rampart to the left until you reach a gateway into the enclosure. The trail begins next to the panels near the gate. You start to climb a few steps. This is one of the most beautiful views of both the enclosure, Formica Léo and the stairway.
1.2 km: You descend at a regular pace under the hot sun among some thickets typical of the dry soils on a rocky lava stone trail, then the trail heads up.
2.2 km: When you reach Piton Partage, head towards the antennae just for the view. Then continue on the trail downhill.
3.0 km: The descent now heads through a forest of tamarinds and yellow flowers which many birds frequent. The vegetation becomes much thicker.
4.5 km: You’ve reached the bottom of the descent. A trail leaves to the left towards Cassé de la Rivière de l’Est. Officially closed, this path is a tricky, muddy descent. Continue straight ahead and up Nez Coupé.
4.9 km: A magnificent panorama awaits you at this viewpoint if you happen to get there before the clouds. An orientation table gives you some information about this extraordinary panorama, the “great slopes” of the volcano, the whole area from Saint Benoit to Bois Blanc, via Anse des Cascades and Sainte Rose.
1.2 km: You descend at a regular pace under the hot sun among some thickets typical of the dry soils on a rocky lava stone trail, then the trail heads up.
2.2 km: When you reach Piton Partage, head towards the antennae just for the view. Then continue on the trail downhill.
3.0 km: The descent now heads through a forest of tamarinds and yellow flowers which many birds frequent. The vegetation becomes much thicker.
4.5 km: You’ve reached the bottom of the descent. A trail leaves to the left towards Cassé de la Rivière de l’Est. Officially closed, this path is a tricky, muddy descent. Continue straight ahead and up Nez Coupé.
4.9 km: A magnificent panorama awaits you at this viewpoint if you happen to get there before the clouds. An orientation table gives you some information about this extraordinary panorama, the “great slopes” of the volcano, the whole area from Saint Benoit to Bois Blanc, via Anse des Cascades and Sainte Rose.
- 175 meters of difference in height
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- Start altitude : 2347 m
- End altitude : 2014 m
- Maximum altitude : 2348 m
- Minimum altitude : 2006 m
- Total positive elevation : 175 m
- Total negative elevation : -508 m
- Max positive elevation : 40 m
- Min positive elevation : -78 m
