The Plain of Cafres

Between pastures and volcanoes

The Plain of Cafres is on the heights of the Reunion Island between the Piton des Neiges and the Piton de la Fournaise. Further southwest than the Plaine des Palmistes, they are separated by the Col de Bellevue. Fertile agricultural land, the Plain of Cafres is home to the most important dairy farms of the intense island and ensures the major part of the milk production.

The name “Cafre” comes from exploited African slaves to the cultivation of coffee and sugar cane which hid in the plain to escape their fate. Following the abolition of slavery, December 20 is a public holiday in Réunion where we celebrate the coffee.

Do you want to take in the sights? Go to Bois Court and admire Grand Bassin from the Belvédère, one of the most difficult Reunion Island islets in the Hauts de l'Est, located on the commune of Tampon. You will discover a magnificent waterfall ending its course in a basin dug in the rock.

If you prefer a walk, the Piton de l'eau will make you happy! On horseback the Plain of Cafres and the Plaine des Palmistes, it is the only volcanic lake in Réunion. It is surrounded by arums which bloom from August until October.

Want to know more about the volcanoes and the formation of Reunion Island? Direction Bourg-Murat, a village where you can expect the City of the Volcano, a museum dedicated to volcanic giants.

For more than visits to Reunion consult our interactive map of Réunion.