La Possession Between Mafate and the Highlands

La Possession provides access to the Cirque de Mafate. A circular hike offers views of Mafate without requiring you to enter the cirque. The cirque includes more than 120 km of hiking trails, lies within the communes of Saint-Paul and La Possession, and three quarters of it belongs to the commune of La Possession. When planning, it is important to distinguish between access and views: looking at Mafate is not the same as hiking in the cirque. The figure of more than 120 km describes the extent of the cirque; the Cap-Noir loop, by contrast, is one way to see Mafate from the outside. If you are looking for accommodation in La Possession, you can first consider whether hiking, the views, the highland landscape, or a historical connection will shape your stay.

Cap Noir: Circular Hike with Views of Mafate

The Cap Noir–Roche Verre Bouteille circular hike starts in Dos d’Âne, a village high in La Possession. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes on foot. It is suitable for hikers of all ability levels and is family-friendly. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Mafate without entering the cirque. The approximate walking time helps you plan the hike as a separate activity. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Plaine Savane: Changing Vegetation and Pink Grasses

Plaine Savane offers a different focus. The vegetation changes quickly along the way as the trail climbs towards the dry highlands. The plain is characterized by pink grasses, and birdsong there drowns out the sound of engines. Unlike the Cap-Noir circular hike, the focus here is on the vegetation and scenery. The trail also draws your attention to how the landscape changes along the ascent. The savanna trails can climb via the Carrière des Lataniers; one trail leads back to the orchard. This lets you weigh up the views of Mafate and the scenery of Plaine Savane as different hiking interests.

A Historical Connection and Finding Accommodation

Lazaret No. 1 is also located in the commune of La Possession, adding a historical connection to the hiking and landscape themes. If you are choosing where to stay with more than hiking in mind, you can take this cultural focus into account.

The Cap-Noir circular hike offers an approximate time frame and views of Mafate; at Plaine Savane, the focus is on changing vegetation, dry highlands, and pink grasses. Lazaret No. 1 adds a historical connection to the options. When comparing hotels in La Possession, check the specific details of each property against your own requirements.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Denis, Le Brûlé, Centre, Saint-Marie, Sainte Clotilde

Go to the main travel overview: Saint Denis.