ASCENSION DE LA MONTAGNE DU LION (480 M)

The Montagne du Lion is part of the Bamboo chain and majestically borders the bay of Vieux Grand Port, where General Decaen's staff watched Napoleon's only naval victory over the English in 1810. The French military also used the mountain as a lookout point. An emblematic feature of this part of the island, Lion Mountain can be seen from Mahébourg Bay, to which it adds height and relief against the sharp blue of the sea. Its peaks are said to resemble a lion at rest, with vegetation forming its mane. Use your imagination!

Although the mountain doesn't exceed 480 metres, its ascent presents a number of strenuous semi-climbing passages, not to mention the fact that the markings are sometimes covered by dense vegetation. The services of a guide are recommended.

To get there, take the track just before the police station (when arriving from the south) on leaving the village. Then take the first track on the right up through the sugar cane, following the red-orange signs. At the top, turn left, then take a path to the right. The path flattens out a little, there are some steps and then you follow a ridge to the summit with several really challenging sections. At the top, the view of the coastline and the immense southeastern lagoon is magnificent! The descent is just as challenging, so follow randopitons.re's directions and advice to make a loop.