Mare à Poule d'Eau, Waterhole in Salazie, France.
Mare à Poule d'Eau is a natural pond in the mountain landscape of Réunion National Park, surrounded by bamboo groves and agricultural fields. A circular walking path of about 3.6 kilometers loops around it, with several picnic areas and wooden kiosks positioned along the route for rest and refreshment.
The name comes from the water hens that have lived here for hundreds of years within the Salazie cirque. The basin preserves the memory of this place's long history, where both nature and human use have coexisted for generations.
Local fishermen continue to catch tilapia using traditional methods, while farmers cultivate chayote plants in the surrounding fields. These everyday activities shape the landscape and demonstrate how people and nature coexist in this space.
Set aside time for the walking path and bring water and appropriate footwear, as the ground can be wet and slippery depending on weather conditions. The rest areas offer good opportunities to recover, but it is best to stay near the path since the surroundings are hilly and sometimes unmapped.
The basin is fed by an underground spring system that maintains a constant water level despite having no visible outflow. This hidden natural mechanism allows the pond to remain stable throughout the year and sustain the surrounding area.
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