Cap Méchant, Cape in Saint-Philippe, Réunion Island, France

Cap Méchant is a cape on the southeastern coast of Réunion Island marked by steep basalt cliffs that drop toward the Indian Ocean. The rocky formation rises dramatically from the water and extends along the shoreline as a natural geological barrier.

The cape's name comes from the pirates who hid their loot in rum barrels in the coves below, giving the nearby hamlet of Le Baril its name. At its foot lies the Puits des Français, a shaft about ten metres deep with metal rungs, now closed to access.

The cape gives its name to the nearby hamlet of Cap Méchant. Below the cliff lies the Puits des Français, a shaft about ten metres deep with metal rungs, now closed to access. The coast was long a pirate hideout; loot was hidden in rum barrels, which gave the hamlet of Le Baril its name.

The site is reachable by hiking trails near Route Labourdonnais with parking areas available nearby. Walking along the cliff edges requires sturdy footwear and caution since the terrain is uneven and steep in places.

Below the cape lies the Puits des Français, a shaft about ten metres deep, cluttered with plant debris and fitted with metal bars for the descent, though access is forbidden. The coast was long a pirate hideout where loot was hidden in rum barrels, which gave the nearby hamlet of Le Baril its name.