Bassin la Paix is one of the more accessible waterfalls on Réunion’s east side — wide, powerful, and usually less packed than its more famous cousins. It’s not the tallest, but it’s one of the most photogenic, especially in the dry season when the water runs clear and the cliffs show their colours.
You don’t need to hike far: the access is just off a small rural road outside Saint-Benoît. From the car park, it’s a short walk down a concrete path and a set of stairs. At the bottom, you’ll reach a natural amphitheatre with a deep plunge pool and curved lava walls. You can’t always swim (check signage and flow conditions), but you can sit, eat, or just watch the water hammer down the rock face.
👉 Local tip: Come early or late in the day for the best light. If there’s been recent rain, the water turns chocolate-brown and loud — still worth seeing, just don’t expect a swim.