The trails of La Vallée de Ferney

What sets it apart

Route 01 is five kilometres, an hour to an hour and a half, seventy-five metres of ascent: easy. Route 02 is eight kilometres, two hours forty-five, one hundred and seventy-eight metres of ascent: easy. Route 03 is thirteen kilometres, three and a half to four hours, five hundred and thirty metres of ascent: moderate. Route 04 is eighteen kilometres, five to six hours, nine hundred and seventy metres of ascent: difficult, and a technical route.

The mood

The Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet are to be met here, and among the trees ebony, takamaka and bois clou. The estate’s restaurant, Ferney Falaise Rouge, serves a cuisine of seasonal produce from local suppliers and growers, with a view of the ocean, a few minutes from the trails. The estate also offers four-wheel-drive outings and guided tours.

Highlights

• Four waymarked routes, from 5 to 18 kilometres, graded from easy to difficult
• Ascents of 75, 178, 530 and 970 metres
• A private estate of 3,100 hectares, including 200 hectares of native forest
• Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parakeet
• The Ferney Falaise Rouge restaurant, a few minutes from the trails
• Open seven days a week, activities from 8.30 am to 2 pm

Good to know

• The latest departure times are strict and specific to each route: 2 pm for the 5 kilometres, 12.30 pm for the 8 kilometres, 11.30 am for the 13 kilometres, 10.30 am for the 18 kilometres.
• The 18-kilometre route is technical and graded difficult: it is no stroll.
• Access is limited on certain dates between June and September and during private events: make sure the estate is open before coming.
• Prices: 500 rupees per adult and 250 per child aged 5 to 12 for tourists, 250 and 100 rupees for residents of Mauritius.
• The trail is exposed to the sun: bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water, sports shoes, a hat or cap, a jumper or jacket and a change of clothes.
• Pets are not allowed in the valley.
• Cyclists must bring their own bicycle.
• Being picked up along the way is charged per person, except in an emergency or accident. Emergency number: 660 1937.

Getting there

Activities run from 8.30 am to 2 pm, seven days a week, and reception is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Access is limited on certain dates between June and September, and during private events. Booking ahead is recommended; the online form asks for the date, the length of the route, the number of participants and a time slot. The estate’s emergency number is 660 1937.