Bassin La Paix & Bassin La Mer

The East


A blissful site is Bassin La Paix, in the Rivière des Roches valley, about 2.5km west from Bras-Panon (it's signposted). From the car park, a path quickly leads down to a majestic waterfall tumbling into a large rock pool. It's an ideal picnic spot. For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, you can continue upstream to Bassin La Mer, another cascading delight that can be reached on foot only. The start of the trail is at the end of the car park.

It's an enjoyable (though exposed and hot) 40-minute walk. Reward yourself with a dip in the swimming holes at the bottom of the falls.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The East attractions

1. Îlet Bethléem

1.48 MILES

Very few visitors have heard about Îlet Bethléem, a magical spot by the Rivière des Marsouins that locals would like to keep for themselves. Reached after…

2. Coopérative de Vanille Provanille

1.88 MILES

This working vanilla-processing plant offers an introduction to the process of producing Réunion's famous Vanille Bourbon via a 45-minute guided tour and…

3. Belvédère de l’Eden

3.22 MILES

A fabulous place to chill out is this aptly named viewpoint, in upcountry Bras-Panon. From Bras-Panon, take the road to St-André, then turn left onto the…

4. Plantation de Vanille Roulof

5.15 MILES

If you're after Réunion's Vanille Bourbon, head to this small family-run operation where you can buy vanilla pods at reasonable prices (40g for €30). You…

5. Maison Martin Valliamé

5.17 MILES

This handsome colonial villa dates from 1925 and is worth a look. It's northeast of the centre. Guided tours in French are available on the hour from 10am…

7. Grand Étang

5.42 MILES

Around 12km southwest of St-Benoît along the road towards Plaine-des-Palmistes is the 3km road to Grand Étang (Big Pond). This pretty picnic spot lies at…

8. Takamaka Viewpoint

5.72 MILES

North of St-Benoît the D53 strikes southwest, following the Rivière des Marsouins 15km upstream to end beside the Takamaka viewpoint. Be prepared to fall…