At the other end of the Grande Terre, at is southern end, the colour palette changes to red due to the oxidized metal-rich soils of the Deep South, where unique vegetation thrives. Explore this pristine and unspoiled vegetation.
Sparsely populated but very large, the town of Yate should not be missed. Its mysterious landscapes, desert-like and almost lunar host series of natural sites. The most spectacular is undoubtedly the natural park of Rivière Bleue (Blue River National Park); covering over 9,000 hectares that can be explored on foot or by bike, and discover a fauna and flora of remarkable diversity and richness. From the height of its corolla, the thousand-year-old tree, the great kaori with its trunk of nearly three meters in circumference, watches wisely over this preserved environment. The biggest reservoir of freshwater in the area, lac de Yaté (Yaté Lake) is home to an astonishing drowned forest; in the heart of Plaine des lacs (Plain of Lakes) echoes the roar of Chutes de la Madeleine (Madelaine Waterfall).
North of Yate rises the majestic Côte Oubliée (Forgotten Coast), which as its name suggests, guards its secrets. Adventurous Hikers willing to persevere will discover a space infinitely wild, unique and pristine. The coast stretches from Petit Borendi to Mamié along a rugged reef, riddled with deep valleys, flowing rivers and steep cliffs that pierce the ocean. The site is grandiose and you will feel privileged visiting there.
