For couples on a first trip

3 days in the West

The leeward coast, the sunniest side of the island: a sheltered lagoon, freshwater pools (bassins), Saint-Paul and its market, and sunrise over Mafate from the Maïdo.

3 days Easy

1
Day 1
Saint-Paul and the lagoon
A gentle day of history, local produce and swimming.
- Markets · Saint-Paul
  Marché forain de Saint-Paul
  In the morning: fruit, spices and samoussas facing the sea.
- Religious heritage · Saint-Paul
  Cimetière marin de Saint-Paul
  Between the filao trees and the ocean, the grave said to be that of the pirate La Buse.
- Beaches · Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
  L'Hermitage
  Afternoon at the lagoon with mask and snorkel: the reef is just a few metres away.
- Beaches · Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
  Boucan Canot
  Sunset with your toes in the sand.
The Saint-Paul open-air market takes place on Friday and Saturday mornings.
2
Day 2
The Maïdo and the bassins
A very early start to see the Cirque de Mafate before the clouds roll in.
- Viewpoints · Saint-Paul
  Le Maïdo
  At sunrise, the whole of Mafate at your feet, from more than 2,000 m up.
- Waterfalls · Saint-Paul
  Bassin Cormoran
  Head back down to the Ravine Saint-Gilles and its rock pools.
- Beaches · Saint-Paul
  Plage de la Saline-les-Bains
  End the day quietly on La Saline beach.
Set off before dawn: at the Maïdo, clouds often build from mid-morning.
3
Day 3
Saint-Leu, between sky and sea
The capital of paragliding and of sea turtles.
- Beaches · Saint-Leu
  Saint-Leu
  Swim in the Saint-Leu lagoon, often visited by turtles.
- Viewpoints · Saint-Leu
  Pointe au Sel
  Black cliffs and the old salt works at sunset.
Fancy a tandem paragliding flight over the lagoon? Book it the day before, once the forecast is reliable.