Cascade de la grotte des premiers Français
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Grotte des Premiers Français

4.2
·5 reviews·Saint-Paul, Réunion

Discover the Grotte des Premiers Français, a historic cave and trailhead in Saint-Paul, Reunion Island, offering coastal views and a glimpse into the ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Cascade de la grotte des premiers Français

Grotte des Premiers Français

Best Time

Early morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Grotte des Premiers Français, a historic cave and trailhead in Saint-Paul, Reunion Island, offering coastal views and a glimpse into the island's past.

4.2
(5 reviews)

"A historic site with beautiful coastal trails, though cleanliness can be an issue."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

The trails can be uneven, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

💧 Stay hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during warmer parts of the day.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 5 reviews

Type

Park

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cave Entrance

The Cave Entrance

Saint-Paul

Explore the historic cave, believed to be one of the first French settlements on the island.

Coastal Trail Views

Coastal Trail Views

Coastal path from the cave

Enjoy scenic runs or walks along the coast, with beautiful ocean vistas.

Natural Beauty

Natural Beauty

Surrounding area

Discover lush nature and potentially hidden waterfalls on nearby trails.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. The trail can get busy, so an early start ensures a more peaceful experience. Pack water and snacks!

Respect the Site

This historical site is a natural wonder. Please do not litter and be mindful of the environment. Avoid climbing on barriers for safety and preservation.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇷🇪Embarque ansanm pou in ti sortie running 🏃🏽‍♂️ depi la Grotte des Premiers Français ziska Boucan…🏝️ Aller-retour d’environ 8 km jusqu’à Boucan. On en a profité pour faire un plongeon dans la mer parce qu’il faisait super chaud 🌊😅, puis boire un jus de goyavier bien frais 🥤🍒. Sortie à faire de préférence le matin ou en fin de journée pour éviter la chaleur. On peut même faire une balade avec les...
n_i_s_s_a_h
107 likes • 3.4K views

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

The trails can be uneven, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

💧 Stay hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during warmer parts of the day.

La Grotte des Premiers Français 🇷🇪🍃 #reunion #974 #rando #cinematic #grotte #hicking #reunionisland🌴 #peace #nature
le_mec_au_chapeau974
292 likes • 9.5K views
📍 Grotte des Premiers Français. Ils ont réellement habité dedans ? Si cette vidéo vous a appris quelque chose, abonnez-vous et partagez-la ! Chaque partage fait vivre notre mémoire réunionnaise 🙏 —— ⚠️ Je ne conseille à personne de sauter la barrière. Pour votre sécurité, restez excentrés de la falaise. —— 🧠 Ce projet est aussi collaboratif : si vous avez une source différente, une précisio...
keziah.mohak
1K likes • 16.1K views

🚮 Pack out your trash

Help keep this beautiful site clean by taking all your waste with you.

📸 Capture the views

The coastal scenery and cave offer great photo opportunities.

La grotte des Premiers Français est une caverne située à Saint Paul en face du cimetière. Selon la tradition, comme son nom l'indique, il s'agit du premier site de l'île à avoir été habité à la suite du débarquement des Français depuis la baie qui l'abrite, la baie de Saint-Paul. #iledelareunion #reunionisland #nature #ileintense #lareunion #grotte #974island #974
iledelareunion
1.6K likes • 47.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

The trails can be uneven, so good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

💧 Stay hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially if hiking during warmer parts of the day.

🚮 Pack out your trash

Help keep this beautiful site clean by taking all your waste with you.

📸 Capture the views

The coastal scenery and cave offer great photo opportunities.

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

While the Grotte des Premiers Français offers historical intrigue and beautiful coastal views, some visitors note significant issues with cleanliness, including litter and unpleasant odors. Despite these drawbacks, its role as a starting point for scenic trails like the Métisse trail is highly appreciated.

"The cleanliness leaves much to be desired. Trash is strewn across the ground. Overflowing bins give off a foul odor. For a tourist destination, this is shameful. (974)"

John John

"Great place for the start of the Métisse trail"

MARIE-EVE CORRE

""

Houssine TOUNDEH

What People Like

Historical significance
Scenic coastal trails
Natural beauty

What People Dislike

Cleanliness issues
Litter and odor

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Grotte des Premiers Français is located in Saint-Paul on Reunion Island. It's accessible by car, and there's usually parking available nearby. Many visitors arrive for a run or hike along the coast.Instagram

Information on direct public transport can be limited. It's often best to check local bus routes for Saint-Paul and be prepared for a short walk or taxi ride to the specific location.

While you can drive to the vicinity of the Grotte des Premiers Français, direct access to the cave itself might be restricted. Parking is typically available in the surrounding areas.

The trails are generally accessed from the area around the cave. Many people start their exploration from the cave entrance and head out along the coast.Instagram

Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended. Look for signs pointing towards the cave or the nearby cemetery in Saint-Paul.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Grotte des Premiers Français and its surrounding trails is generally free. It's a natural site open to the public.

As a natural site, there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Grotte des Premiers Français. It's a public access area.

While accessible, visiting during daylight hours is strongly advised for safety and to appreciate the surroundings. Early mornings and late afternoons are popular.Instagram

Visitors are asked to respect the site and avoid littering. Climbing on barriers is discouraged for safety reasons.Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic cave, enjoy scenic coastal walks or runs, and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.Instagram+1 Some visitors also discover nearby waterfalls.Instagram

Yes, the area offers coastal trails that are great for hiking and running. The 'Métisse trail' is mentioned as a popular route starting from here.Reddit

It's believed to be one of the first sites inhabited by the French after their arrival on the island, giving it historical importance.Instagram+1

Facilities are generally limited at natural sites like this. It's advisable to come prepared with your own supplies.

While the cave is accessible, exercise caution. Visitors are advised to stay away from the cliff edges for safety.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The cave entrance, the dramatic coastal landscapes, and the ocean views offer excellent photographic opportunities. Late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.Instagram+1

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.

The western coast of Reunion Island is known for its sunsets, and the Grotte des Premiers Français offers a scenic vantage point to capture them.

Many visitors capture landscape shots, coastal scenes, and even wedding photos, as the location is quite picturesque.Instagram

The entire coastal path provides stunning views. Experiment with different angles from the cave entrance looking out to sea.

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