This towering iron bridge once connected the east coast’s plantations to the rest of the island, and today, it’s one of Réunion’s most striking industrial landmarks. Built in the 1890s and suspended above the Rivière de l’Est gorge, the structure stretches 152 metres across, with rusted red pillars and cables that creak slightly in the wind. It’s closed to vehicles now, but you can still walk across it and take in panoramic views down to the river and the surrounding forest.

The contrast is part of the appeal: raw volcanic cliffs on one side, wild vegetation below, and this delicate steel frame spanning it all. There’s a small parking area and some interpretation signs, but no fences or facilities, just the bridge and the view.

👉 Go at sunrise for golden light and zero crowds, and bring a windbreaker; it gets gusty in the middle of the span.