For updated information regarding the state of the trails, call the Forestry Commission « Allo Sentiers » service : 0262-37-38-39.

12 golden rules to go hiking in the best possible conditions
An updated list of the trails closed to the public

“La Nouvelle” is the most developed ilet of Mafate Caldera. Like the other trails, it is only accessible by foot and the path of “Col des Boeufs” remains quite accessible. The track starts off at Grand Ilet, located in Salazie Caldera. At the end of a winding road, across a dense forest, you’ll reach Col des Boeufs secure parking (10€ per night).

For the last few months, it has been prohibited to depart from Col des Bœufs because of the crumbling cliff.

A few hundred meters further down, there is a road deviation via the Col de Fourche. In spite of the danger, several hikers do not hesitate to go through the mass of fallen rocks.

Indeed, the descent is quicker. On the other hand, via the deviation, you need to climb steeply to cross the pass. Once you reach the “Col de Fourche,” the path starts to go down into the forest. By following this, you’ll get back to “Col des boeufs” tracks.

The halfway mark to la Nouvelle is marked out at “La Plaine des tamarins”.
A strange landscape, where the trees bear the marks of the quirky of weather. All leaning in the same direction, the tamarinds offer a surrealist setting, especially in grey weather. When there is sunshine, you’ll appreciate the shade of the luxuriant surrounding mountains.

After “la Plaine des Tamarins” the path goes down again.
This is the last lap towards La Nouvelle. You won’t encounter any particular difficulty, the log stairs are steady and the slopes are more or less gentle. However, mind the mud, and on this side of Mafate, the weather is often wet.

Once you reach La Nouvelle, you’ll find numerous gites.
These gites cater for everybody; for all types of budgets with all mod cons. All kinds of accommodations are available, from camping sites to dormitories or private bungalow. In the last few years, the islet has experienced a boom in the lodging sector. The village comprises of a grocery, a bakery, a chapel and a school. Lately, La Nouvelle has organised a unique music festival:
Mizik à Pat. For three days, 2000 people from all over the island flocked to attend the festival.

The return journey to Col des Boeufs parking is a bit more difficult than the outward journey. Reason: you need to go up again. It’ll take you around 2hrs 30mins to arrive. Bring along a raincoat and a pullover, as an icy wind often blows at the pass.

Laurène Mazier

Carte I.G.N. 1 : 25000 44402 RT Cirque de Mafate. Difficulty : moderate. Hiking time : 2h aller, 2h30 return. Access: go up to Salazie, then Grand Ilet. Go through the village and up to Le Bélier, then take the forest path for 6.5 km. Park your car on the Petit Col carpark, 1.5 km from the top.