Rivière des Remparts, River valley in Saint-Joseph, Réunion, France
Rivière des Remparts is a river flowing southward through a deep valley near Saint-Joseph in Réunion, where canyon walls tower over 1000 meters high. The watercourse stretches 27 kilometers and cuts through volcanic terrain shaped by ancient geological processes.
The valley formed approximately 250,000 years ago through volcanic activity that fractured the landscape. Later, lava flows from Crater Commerson covered the area around 2000 years ago, reshaping the terrain.
The village of Roche Plate nestled in the valley maintains connections to traditional Réunion life, despite its small population today. Residents here live closely tied to the land and local ways that define the region.
Views of the valley are best enjoyed from the Notre-Dame de la Paix viewpoint or while walking the hiking trails that lead through the terrain. Wear sturdy footwear and follow marked paths, especially during the rainy season when water flows are stronger.
During dry months the river vanishes underground, flowing through lava tunnels carved by ancient volcanic forces beneath the surface. The watercourse reappears only when rain fills these subterranean channels during the wet season.
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