Anse des Cascades is a beautiful waterfall cove on Réunion Island’s east coast, just south of Piton Sainte-Rose. Here, thin waterfalls run down green volcanic cliffs beside the Indian Ocean, while coconut palms shade the picnic grounds. Driving to Anse des Cascades is a great way to see the island's quieter side, and you can rent a car in Réunion to reach the cove along RN2. Our guide covers the routes, turnoff, parking, road conditions, and nearby stops to help you plan your visit.
You can reach the cove from Saint-Denis in the north or Saint-Philippe in the south. Both drives use the RN2 coastal road, but you will approach the access road from opposite directions.
To reach Anse des Cascades from Saint-Denis, follow RN2 east towards Saint-André, Saint-Benoît and Sainte-Rose. If you start from Roland Garros Airport, join the same eastbound route after picking up your car. You will pass coastal towns, green slopes and stretches of farmland as you continue towards Piton Sainte-Rose.
Stay on RN2 beyond the church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves. Around 2 kilometres farther south, look for the Anse des Cascades sign on your left. Follow Route Forestière 29 down towards the coast. The drive from Saint-Denis covers approximately 64 kilometres and usually takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic. Give yourself longer if you plan stops along the east coast of Réunion.
Starting in Saint-Philippe, follow RN2 north through Grand Brûlé and Bois Blanc. You will cross stretches of dark, hardened lava from eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise. Green plants growing between older flows make the Route des Laves interesting to drive.
Saint-Philippe is roughly 25 kilometres from the cove, so plan about 30 to 40 minutes without sightseeing stops. Watch for the Anse des Cascades turnoff on your right before you reach Notre-Dame-des-Laves. You do not need to drive through Piton Sainte-Rose first. Slow down as you approach Bois Blanc and follow the tourist signs rather than waiting for the church.
The final approach uses Route Forestière 29, also called Chemin des Cascades. From Sainte-Rose, turn left off RN2; from Saint-Philippe, turn right. Set your navigation for Anse des Cascades itself rather than simply Sainte-Rose town. The access road descends towards the ocean, with bends and greenery along the way.
Driving to Anse des Cascades is straightforward once you find the turn, but don't rush the last section. When you reach the parking areas, use a marked space rather than stopping along the narrow road.
You can park near the waterfalls without a long walk or a difficult off-road journey. The main things to consider are the final downhill section, busy visiting times, and how much space you need in your car.
The access road is paved but narrow, with sharp bends as you head downhill. Slow down before each corner and watch for cars coming uphill.
Keep a low gear on descents when it helps, and leave room for other drivers to pass. After rain, watch for damp leaves and slippery surfaces. Regular cars can reach the site in normal conditions, but postpone your visit if severe weather affects road access.
Free public parking areas are close to the coast, including upper and lower areas near the picnic grounds. You can also find designated spaces for visitors with reduced mobility.
After parking, follow the paths to the palm grove, fishing area, and waterfalls. The 1-kilometre walk takes around 30 minutes, with several views of the cove. Most paths are flat, and some areas are wheelchair-accessible. However, rocky, uneven sections may be difficult for wheelchair users or pushchair users.
You can see the closest waterfalls within a short walk of your car. Plan 30 to 60 minutes for a visit, or stay longer for photographs and a picnic. Wear shoes with grip because wet stones near the cascades can be slippery.
An economy or compact car is suitable for driving to Anse des Cascades. You will not need four-wheel drive for the paved access road under normal conditions. Smaller cars are also easier to park in tighter spaces. For a family or several suitcases, a standard car or SUV may give you more room.
When choosing your car, look for air conditioning and luggage space. Check what insurance includes, especially the excess you might pay after damage. You should also confirm the pick-up requirements before travelling, including your driving licence and payment card.
Ready to make the east coast part of your holiday? You can book a car rental with Final Rentals and choose from available car types for your trip. Your booking includes unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver, and Third-Party Liability Insurance, though an insurance excess may still apply.
Réunion’s eastern coast receives rain year-round, even when other parts of the island are sunny. Check the forecast before you set off, especially if you want to walk beside the waterfalls.
May to October is generally cooler and drier, while November to April is warmer and wetter. Showers are possible year-round along this coast. After heavy rain, the waterfalls may carry more water, but paths and stones can be slippery.
Rain can also reduce visibility on RN2 and the descent road. Check for closures or damage after tropical storms and cyclones. Postpone driving to Anse des Cascades when there are warnings of flooding, strong winds, or unsafe road conditions. Even on a sunny day, take a light waterproof jacket.
Try arriving between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. if you prefer quieter paths and softer light for photographs. You may see local fishers preparing their boats near the small harbour. The palms also provide welcome shade as the temperature rises. Weekends, school holidays and lunchtime are often busier with families coming for picnics. An early visit gives you time to enjoy the cascades before the afternoon traffic arrives or you continue your journey.
Once you have parked, you can spend time around the waterfalls, harbour and picnic grove. You can make driving to Anse des Cascades part of a longer trip along RN2.
Several narrow waterfalls spill over dark volcanic cliffs into the green coastal setting. Coconut palms and vacoa trees shade the grounds, while ferns grow along the damp rocks. Morning light is a great time for taking photos of the cascades and the ocean. Along the paths, you can see the remains of an old hydraulic pump once used for local water. The shaded coconut grove is also a peaceful spot to rest before following the shore.
Beside the waterfalls is a small fishing harbour, where boats are pulled onto a simple landing area. You might see fishers working, but keep clear of their equipment and the slipway.
The shore has pebbles and volcanic rocks rather than a wide sandy beach. Avoid swimming because waves and currents can be dangerous, and there is no supervised swimming area. Do not climb wet cliffs or enter pools beneath the waterfalls during strong flow. Stay on established viewing paths, especially with children.
The easiest choice is the 1-kilometre discovery trail, with several views of the ocean, waterfalls, and an old fishing area. For a longer walk, take the Pointe des Cascades loop. It covers approximately 3.7 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with some climbing and uneven ground.
Along the loop, you pass basalt cliffs, coastal trees and cultivated vanilla vines. You may also see the remains of old structures and views towards the lava coast. Stay on the route and respect planted areas; don't walk through working fields.
Experienced walkers can continue on the coastal trail towards Notre-Dame-des-Laves. The route to the church is roughly 6.1 kilometres one way and takes about 2 hours. Parts are rocky and exposed to the sun, and the route is not a loop.
When driving to Anse des Cascades for this longer hike, arrange a return journey or plan to walk back. You can find more waterfalls in Réunion on another day.
The grove has shaded picnic shelters and tables, with public toilets and a children's play area near the visitor facilities. Some shelters are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Local craftspeople sometimes sell products near the parking area, though stalls aren't guaranteed every day.
For lunch, a restaurant near the cove serves Creole-inspired dishes and fresh fish, with palm hearts among the local specialities. Lunch service is generally from 11:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., but check opening days and booking requirements beforehand.
Notre-Dame-des-Laves, around 2 to 3 kilometres north of the access-road junction, is a memorable first stop. During the 1977 volcanic eruption, lava reached the church grounds and flowed around the building. You can see the hardened rock beside the church and stop for photographs while respecting services and visitors.
Continue south along the Route des Laves through Grand Brûlé to see old lava fields beside the Indian Ocean. Stop only in marked parking areas. If you're heading towards Saint-Philippe, you can also visit more places along the south coast of Réunion.
Heading north, stop at Sainte-Rose's fishing port, La Marine, or visit the town's shops and local restaurants. Give each extra stop around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what you want to see. Fuel up in a town before continuing through quieter coastal areas.
When driving to Anse des Cascades, remember that the coastal access road is a detour, not a shortcut to your next destination. You'll need to drive back uphill to RN2 before continuing your journey. Plan your visit around your next stop, especially if you're heading towards the lava fields of Grand Brûlé.
Rent a car in Réunion from Final Rentals for more control over your travel plans. You can refuel before returning your car, as the fuel policy only requires you to return it at the same level as at pick-up. You also get a 1-hour return grace period before you're charged for an extra day. Book and manage your car rental anytime. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
The route to Anse des Cascades follows RN2 from Saint-Denis towards Saint-Benoît and Sainte-Rose. Continue past Notre-Dame-des-Laves church, then look for the signed left turn about 2 to 3 kilometres farther south. Follow Forest Road 29 down to the parking area. The journey is approximately 64 kilometres and usually takes around 1 hour, although traffic and weather can add time.
Yes, Anse des Cascades parking is free in the public parking areas reached from Forest Road 29. Spaces are available near the coast and picnic grounds, including designated parking for visitors with reduced mobility. You can leave your rental car while you visit the waterfalls or enjoy a picnic. Arrive early on weekends because the busiest areas can fill quickly.
No. Forest Road 29 is paved, so an ordinary rental car can reach the cove in normal weather. An economy, compact, or standard car is enough; you don't need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Drive slowly through the bends on the descent and watch for approaching traffic. An SUV is optional if you want more space for passengers or luggage.
