The village of Roche Plate nestled in the heart of the valley of Rivière des Remparts, invites one to relax over a weekend.  Nature and peacefulness lovers, hurry up!  

There are some spots that are engraved forever on ones memory.  The village of Roche Plate of Rivière des Remparts in Saint-Joseph, (do not confuse with the cirque of Mafate,) promises one to spend a calm, sensual and peaceful time for a weekend. 

But mind out, don't expect to see one or two grocery stores at the village.  At the village of Roche Plate, there are no cars, no shops and any noise.  Only nature.  Since the landslide at Mahavel in 1962, it has turned not only the landscape of the valley upside down but also the life of the village.  15 million cubic meters of rocks and land have hurtled down the Bras de Mahavel to stop four kilometers downhill forming a natural dam. 

The river was then blocked causing the departure of the villagers from Roche-Plate and the hamlets.  Since this catastrophic event, the river continues to spread million of m3 of crumbled materials.  A few crops along with a few settlements and very rarely, some tourists' activities have resumed but the situation remains precarious.        

An unforgettable banana flower curry   

There are some houses in the village which have been abandoned by the owners.  Then, there is the gite of Jacqueline Morel that operates thanks to the solar energy which provides water and electricity. 

The manageress of the premises welcomes the guests, who are often exhausted by the journey.  There are two ways to access the village of Roche plate: either through the path of "Nez du boeuf" from La Plaine des Cafres (3hours walk), or via the track from Saint-Joseph (1hour drive). 

A 4x4 vehicle is essential.  The manageress even offers a shuttle which will of course be charged.  

The journey is a marvel.  We find ourselves in the midst of the riverbed.  The ramparts rise from each side as if to protect us.  After an hour of drive, we reach the gite where a nice smell of curry cooked over a wood fire delights our taste buds.  The banana flower is on tonight's menu.  A true delight. 

The next day at dawn, all our senses kindle facing such natural beauty.  Several mini hikes starting from the gite are available.  The one that leads to the river is only half an hour walk and is the most enjoyable.  On the way, we discover anything that nature can give: pineapple, bamboo, strawberry and agave...