Visiting the Bassin des Aigrettes Waterfall in Réunion

Bassin des Aigrettes is a natural freshwater pool and 20-meter waterfall situated in the Saint-Gilles ravine on the west coast of Réunion Island. While it remains one of the most frequented swimming spots near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the access trail has been officially closed by a municipal decree since September 12, 2003, due to persistent risks of rockfalls and landslides. This legal status means anyone entering the site does so at their own risk, a detail that many casual visitors overlook despite the prominent warning signs and metal barriers.

Locating the Bassin des Aigrettes Trailhead

Parking and Initial Access Points

Finding the entrance requires navigating to the heights above Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Drive along the road toward Saint-Gilles-les-Hauts and look for the snack bar named Le Cormoran, which serves as the primary landmark for hikers. There is a small dirt shoulder where about 10 vehicles can park, though it fills up rapidly after 9:00 AM. If you choose to park directly at the snack bar, the owners occasionally charge a 1.50 Euro fee or expect a small purchase in exchange for the space. The walk starts roughly 20 meters from this café, beginning with a concrete slope that leads down toward the ravine floor.

Navigating the Restricted Path

The route follows the Canal Jacques, a narrow stone water channel that once served the local sugar estates. At the bottom of the initial slope, you will encounter a metal gate or a fence that has been modified by previous hikers to allow passage. Most visitors find themselves walking directly in the shallow water of the canal or balancing on its narrow stone rim. If you suffer from vertigo, be aware that certain stretches of the canal wall have steep drops on one side with only rusted iron bars for balance. The entire hike to the basin takes approximately 15 minutes and covers less than one kilometer of flat but uneven ground.

Swimming and Photography at the Basin

Water Quality and Temperature Expectations

The water at Bassin des Aigrettes is exceptionally clear and appears turquoise when the sun hits the center of the pool. It is significantly colder than the coastal lagoons at L'Hermitage, usually hovering between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Because this area serves as a local drinking water reserve, there are frequent debates regarding the impact of swimmers on the water quality. The basin floor is composed of large basalt boulders that can be extremely slippery, so testing your footing before putting your full weight down is a necessary precaution.

Best Lighting for Photography

To capture the full 20-meter drop of the waterfall without harsh shadows, aim to arrive between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM when the sun is highest in the sky. During the early morning hours, the high canyon walls cast deep shadows across the water, which can make photography difficult without a tripod. The humidity near the spray is high, and the wind generated by the falling water often carries mist toward your camera lens. A wide-angle lens is essential here because the rocky beach area is quite cramped, making it hard to back up far enough to frame the entire falls.

Safety and Legal Considerations for Visitors

Understanding the 2003 Municipal Decree

The decree issued by the mayor of Saint-Paul over two decades ago was not a temporary measure. It was a response to the unstable nature of the volcanic cliffs surrounding the ravine. While local authorities rarely patrol the trail to issue fines, the primary consequence of this decree is the total absence of lifeguards or emergency infrastructure. If an injury occurs on the path, rescue operations are complicated by the narrowness of the canal ledge. You should check the local weather forecast before departing; heavy rain in the mountains can cause the water level in the ravine to rise with very little warning.

Physical Risks on the Canal Path

The terrain is not a maintained hiking trail. You will likely encounter low-hanging branches and sections where the path has eroded entirely, requiring you to wade through the water channel. I find that wearing closed-toe water shoes provides the best grip on the slimy stones inside the canal. Flip-flops are entirely unsuitable and lead to many of the minor accidents reported by local hikers. Additionally, some sections of the path require squeezing through narrow gaps in the rock or ducking under low overhangs where the clearance is less than five feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to swim at Bassin des Aigrettes?

Access to the site has been prohibited by a municipal decree since 2003 because of safety hazards. While many people choose to ignore the barriers and swim daily, you are legally trespassing and assume all liability for your safety. Local authorities occasionally remind the public of the 12 September 2003 decree to discourage large crowds.

How high is the waterfall at Bassin des Aigrettes?

The main waterfall drops approximately 20 meters from a rocky ledge into a deep natural pool. It is the middle of three basins in the Saint-Gilles ravine, situated between Bassin Malheur and Bassin des Cormorans. The volume of water varies significantly depending on the season and recent rainfall in the interior of the island.

What should I bring for the hike?

You should wear sturdy water shoes with a high-friction sole to handle the slippery basalt rocks. A waterproof bag is useful because the entrance gate often requires you to pass through water that can reach waist-deep. Bringing a small flashlight or headlamp is also helpful for the short, dark tunnel sections along the canal path.

Are there any entrance fees for the basins?

There is no official entrance fee because the site is technically closed to the public. You may encounter a small fee of roughly 1.50 Euros if you park on private property near the snack bar Le Cormoran. Otherwise, the only costs involve transportation to the trailhead above Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.