Mauritius - Plaine Des Cafres

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Like many reputable holiday companies we are ABTA registered, our ABTA membership number is 65310.

We also use ATOL protected tour operators. However if you wish to use a tour operator who is not ATOL protected then we will take our supplier failure insurance on your behalf.

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As you drive away from Plaine-des-Palmistes in a southwesterly direction, the road takes you higher and higher, away from the forests and into a rather desolate-looking expanse featuring harsh, scrubby vegetation and grassland. You’ll also see fields of dairy cattle. This is Plaine-des-Cafres, much of which is around 2,000m above sea level.

In the village of Bourg-Murat, just north of Plaine-des-Cafres town, is the turning which takes you onto the road to the volcano (RF5, La Route du Volcan), Piton-de-la-Fournaise. This is also where you’ll find the Maison du Volcan

Many of the towns that line the RN3 between here and Le Tampon are named according to their distance from the sea, hence Le Dixneuvième and Le Quatorzième, etc. As well as producing cheese, the area is known for its geranium oil and honey.

The town of Plaine-des-Cafres is the starting point for some arduous trekking routes to places like Piton-des-Neiges, of which there are excellent views from here on clear mornings. On the main road you’ll find a post office and banks. The area has a very laid-back atmosphere and, despite nearby attractions like the volcano, does not swarm with tourists. The climate can be pretty chilly, especially when the afternoon clouds smother the area in a cool fog.

If you take the turning towards Bois Court at the crossroads in Vingt-troisième, the road will take you to the viewpoint over the gorges of Rivière des Citrons. You’ll see majestic waterfalls and, way down below, the isolated hamlet of Grand Bassin. The energetic can hike the 2km down to Grand Bassin, where there are several gîtes.

TOURIST INFORMATION The tourist office (% 0262 274000; e officedetourismepdc[at] yahoo.fr; ( 09.00–12.30 & 13.30–17.00 Mon–Sat) is at 160 Rue Maurice et Katia Kraft off the RN3 in Bourg-Murat.

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Mauritius - Plaine Des Cafres

Mauritius - Plaine Des Cafres

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Mauritius - Plaine Des Cafres