Aurère

Often considered the most beautiful village in Mafate, set on a flower-filled plateau with magnificent viewpoints, reachable in particular via the Sentier Scout.

The route

Aurère is one of the most isolated and best-preserved îlets (hamlets) in the Cirque de Mafate, perched on a plateau at around 1,100 metres above sea level. No road, no cars, no mobile signal — only trails lead there. The village is home to a few dozen permanent residents, plus the hikers passing through its gîtes.\n\nThe classic route from the Sentier Scout (Salazie side) descends about 960 metres over 7 to 8 km before reaching the Aurère plateau. The approach from the Rivière des Galets (Dos d'Âne) is longer but lets you ease gradually into the cirque.\n\nAurère is also a waypoint on the GRR3 (Tour de Mafate), with connections to Îlet à Malheur, Grand Place and Roche Plate. The view from the plateau over the cirque walls, with the Trois Salazes in the background, is among the most striking in Mafate.