Takamaka is a circus in the making. But unlike the other cirques on the island, which result from collapse as much as from erosion, it is sculpted only by the force of the waters.
Takamaka, a world record for rainfall!
Its situation already: open on the east coast, where the Alyzés arrive, it is very regularly watered directly. In addition, the valley recovers a large part of the waters infiltrated in the sponge forest of Bébour. The site also holds a world record for rainfall!
The greatest feat is still that of the EDF agents who, more than 50 years ago, dug the earth to create one, then a second, hydroelectric plant. This plant increases the island's electricity production, using clean energy.
From the coast to the belvedere, there are 16 km of winding road which begins in the cane fields, then crosses the pastures (we even see cows there!) and then, bends, which prove that we climb again and again . At kilometer point 12, a large space converted into a picnic area with kiosks, fire places and dry toilets.
And we continue! On the road, you can often see the inhabitants of the region who have come to stock up on spring water. It is very pure after being filtered through the multiple layers of volcanic rock. And we finally reach the PK16. Since 2019, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the plant, EDF has secured the site (safety nets on the cliff) and belvedere over the valley with landscape reading panels. The site is the gateway to this completely different world that is the Takamaka Valley!
Activities to do in Saint-Benoît
Where to eat ?
Where to sleep ?
