Salazie
Cascade Blanche
At 640 metres, the 3rd highest waterfall in France, at the entrance to the Cirque de Salazie
Duration
1 h 30
Distance
3 km (out-and-back)
Elevation gain
+306 m
Route
Out-and-back
A 640-metre drop, the 3rd highest waterfall in France, at the entrance to the Cirque de Salazie.
The route
At 640 metres high, Cascade Blanche is one of the most impressive waterfalls on Réunion and ranks among the highest in France. It plunges from the heights of the Cirque de Salazie, forming an almost unreal veil of water when swollen by the rains.\n\nThe trail starts from a car park on the RN2, after the Pont de l'Escalier, towards Hell-Bourg. It quickly heads into the lush vegetation typical of the Salazie highlands — cryptomerias, tree ferns, native hardwoods (bois de couleur). The hike is moderate, with about 306 metres of elevation gain over 3 kilometres out-and-back. It ends at the foot of the waterfall, whose power varies noticeably with rainfall.\n\nThe ONF (French National Forests Office) manages part of the trail. Check it is open before you set off (ONF answering service: 02 62 37 38 39).
