Plaine des Tamarins, Mountain plateau in Saint-Paul, France
Plaine des Tamarins is a mountain plateau at 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) elevation in La Réunion's Mafate cirque, covered with native tamarin forest. The landscape offers views across one of the island's largest natural spaces, while the dense tree cover keeps the air cool and moist.
Since 1949, the national forestry office has protected this plateau from excessive logging and preserved its forest stands. These measures saved the native tamarin trees from destruction during the period of intensive resource extraction.
The tamarin trees have shaped local craftsmanship for generations, particularly in furniture making and boat building with their hard, durable wood. Visitors can still observe traditional techniques that use this material.
The hike starts from the Col des Bœufs parking lot on the GR R1 trail with a moderate descent taking about two hours to reach the plateau. Good hiking boots are essential, as the path can be wet and slippery, especially after rain.
The forest floor is carpeted with fallen trees covered in moss, creating a spongy layer beneath your feet, while mist frequently hangs over the native acacia specimens. This wet, misty environment creates a different world that feels completely separate from the drier lowlands of the island.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
