Combien de sentiers propose la Réserve du Mont Grand Matoury ?

Trois itinéraires : le Grand Tour (3,9 km, 4 h), la Boucle des Cascades (2,5 km, 2 h) et la Boucle Paypayo (2 km, 1 h 30).

Quelle est la superficie de la Réserve naturelle du Mont Grand Matoury ?

La réserve couvre 2 129 hectares, ce qui en fait la plus vaste réserve périurbaine de France, avec un sommet à 234 mètres.

Les sentiers de la Mirande sont-ils accessibles à tous ?

Oui, les sentiers sont aménagés et sécurisés pour être accessibles à tous, mais le port de chaussures de marche appropriées est recommandé.

Comment accéder aux sentiers de la Mirande depuis Cayenne ?

Par la RN2 vers Matoury : passé le rond-point du PROGT, tourner à droite sur un chemin en latérite, rouler environ 1 km, puis poursuivre à pied jusqu'aux panneaux de la réserve.

Nature & sentiers★ Free accessMatoury

Les sentiers de la Mirande

Free access

Distance5,5 kmDifficultéMoyen

Gallery

Overview

The Mont Grand Matoury National Nature Reserve, established on 6 September 2006, covers 2,129 hectares, making it France's largest peri-urban nature reserve. It protects the last remaining expanse of primary forest on the island of Cayenne, reaching a height of 234 metres. The Mirande trails allow visitors to explore this primary forest on the upper slopes.

Why Visit

Due to its topography and location, the mountain functions like an island amid the surrounding lowlands, fostering unique biodiversity. The wildlife is characteristic of the Guianas and Amazonia, coastal forests, and the inland massif. The reserve also encompasses dry savannahs, marshes, swamp forests, and mangroves.

Practical Information

The trails are developed and safe, accessible to all, though walking shoes are recommended. Three routes are available: the Grand Tour (about 4 hours, 3.9 km); the Cascades Loop (about 2 hours, 2.5 km) with 7 interpretation stations and a viewpoint over Cayenne; and the Paypayo Loop (about 1.5 hours, 2 km) with a birdwatching post (Hermitage station) where hummingbirds can be observed, and a viewpoint.

Getting There

From Cayenne, head towards Matoury on the RN2. After the PROGT roundabout, turn right onto a laterite track marked by a sign and drive about 1 km. The track is very uneven; it is advisable to park your vehicle at the start. Then walk along the laterite path for about 1.5 km (20 min) to the reserve sign, then continue for another 20 min to the "Les Sentiers de Lamirande" sign where you can choose your route.

Wildlife

What you might see

Species most often reported by naturalists around this place. Nothing is guaranteed: wildlife comes and goes.

Mammal
Saïmiri écureuil
Saimiri sciureus
Ne nourrissez pas les singes et gardez vos sacs fermés.
Photo credit
© Thibaud Aronson, CC BY-SA · taken in Montsinéry-Tonnegrande · iNaturalist
Bird
Tyran quiquivi
Pitangus sulphuratus
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saint-Georges · iNaturalist
Bird
Merle leucomèle
Turdus leucomelas
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Matoury · iNaturalist
Reptile
Kentropyx à éperons
Kentropyx calcarata
Photo credit
© Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, CC BY · taken in Saül · iNaturalist

Venomous snakes live here: stay on the trails and watch where you put your feet and hands.

Observations: GBIF and iNaturalist. Sources and credits

Getting there

Location

Matoury · Guyane

Google Maps Waze directions

Frequently asked questions

How many trails does the Mont Grand Matoury Reserve offer?+

Three routes: the Grand Tour (3.9 km, 4 hours), the Cascades Loop (2.5 km, 2 hours), and the Paypayo Loop (2 km, 1.5 hours).

How large is the Mont Grand Matoury Nature Reserve?+

The reserve covers 2,129 hectares, making it France's largest peri-urban nature reserve, with a summit at 234 metres.

Are the Mirande trails accessible to all?+

Yes, the trails are developed and safe for all visitors, though wearing appropriate walking shoes is recommended.

How do I get to the Mirande trails from Cayenne?+

Take the RN2 towards Matoury. Past the PROGT roundabout, turn right onto a laterite track, drive about 1 km, then continue on foot to the reserve sign.