auberge< 1 km
Bassin Bleu · Sainte-Anne
Bassin Bleu, Sainte-Anne: turquoise water and an equipped camping area
A jewel of the east coast, where freshwater springs mix with seawater to create those emblematic turquoise reflections. The site is well equipped, with swimming, BBQ shelters, toilets and wheelchair access, 5 minutes from the historic Sainte-Anne church.
Sainte-Anne, east coastlocationPool and greenerysceneryCar, on-site parkingaccessFreecost
Bassin Bleu in Sainte-Anne is one of the most photogenic spots on the east coast. What makes it unique: a body of water fed by freshwater springs that mix with seawater coming in from the nearby river mouth, giving the whole pool that emblematic turquoise tint that appears on every postcard of the municipality. The site is well equipped, with BBQ shelters, toilets, water points and wheelchair-accessible paths.
This page brings together what you need to know before pitching your tent: access from Sainte-Anne, gear suited to the wetland area, swimming safety, public facilities and ideas for nearby activities to combine (lava tunnels, canyoning, rafting). If you'd rather not sleep in a tent, a campervan fits easily in the car park, a stone's throw from the pool.
At a glance
The Bassin Bleu camping essentials
The experience
A night by the pool
Arrival. The car park sits right next to the shelters. A few steps are enough to reach the bivouac areas under the trees, at the pool's edge. Claim a shelter as early as possible: the site is well known and gets busy on Sundays and during school holidays.
The scenery. The turquoise pool mirrors the surrounding vegetation: it's the image used in every presentation of Sainte-Anne. Freshwater and seawater mix in a visible stratification when the springs are flowing strongly.
The night. Expect a constant background of crickets, wind in the trees and the gentle lapping of the water. Away from central Sainte-Anne there's less light pollution, so you can see the stars when the clouds clear. Insect repellent is useful in the early evening, as this is a wetland area.
The morning. The pool shows its best turquoise blues around 8-9am, the moment for photos before the swimmers arrive.
Getting there
How to get to Bassin Bleu
From Sainte-Anne, with the church on your right, cross the bridge and continue for 300 metres. At the first bend leaving town, turn left and park near the shelters.
Access to the pool is on foot, just a few dozen metres from the car park. The road is paved all the way and fine for any standard car. Fuel and shops are in Sainte-Anne or Saint-Benoît nearby.
Backpack
What to bring for the night
- A 3-season tent and a sleeping bag rated to 12°C: the east coast stays cool at night
- Rain gear: the windward coast gets the island's heaviest rainfall
- A head torch: there's no lighting at night
- Water: a drinking water point is available, but bring a backup supply
- A portable gas stove, plus charcoal if you plan to use the BBQ shelters
- Closed shoes with grippy soles for the trails and the pool's edges
- Bin bags: take all your rubbish with you, as the site only stays clean thanks to visitors
- Insect repellent: it's a wetland area, and mosquitoes are out in force by late afternoon
Read before getting in the water
Swimming and heavy rain
Swimming at Bassin Bleu is pleasant in calm conditions, but becomes dangerous during heavy rain. The water level can rise quickly due to the upstream springs feeding it. Always check the weather forecast before swimming.
Watch children at all times, as the pool's edge is steep in places. Fires are only permitted in the BBQ shelters. Never light a fire near the vegetation, which would harm the wet soils and wildlife.
Combine it with
Activities to do around Sainte-Anne
Piton de la Fournaise lava tunnel
Caving through the volcano's lava flows, 30 minutes to the south.
See the activity
Canyoning at Rivière des Roches
Jumps, abseils and slides in the pools of the Rivière des Roches, in Saint-Benoît, 15 minutes away.
See the activity
Rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins
A rafting descent on the east coast's main river, departing from Saint-Benoît, 15 minutes away.
See the activity
Also worth combiningAerial view
Trou de Fer and the Salazie rampart from the sky
Bassin Bleu puts you right at the water's edge, among the rocks. The helicopter opens up the perspective: it flies over Trou de Fer, the island's tallest waterfall, an 8-minute flight to the south-west, and follows the Salazie rampart that closes off the interior.
8 routes departing from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Paul, from 15 minutes to 1 hour.
From €125 · 210 Manawa reviews · Saint-Pierre / Saint-Paul
See helicopter rates
Other spots
Other east coast camping spots
Anse des Cascades, Sainte-Rose
A seaside bivouac with waterfalls and a coconut grove, 30 minutes to the south.
See the spot
Îlet Béthléem, Saint-Benoît
A bivouac on the banks of the Rivière des Marsouins with the Notre-Dame chapel, 15 minutes to the south.
See the spot
Grand Étang, Saint-Benoît
A bivouac at the island's largest natural lake, a 30-minute drive.
See the spot
Stay nearby
Accommodation near Bassin Bleu
Accommodation within 25km, on the east coast between Saint-André and Sainte-Rose.
auberge< 1 km
hotel6 km
lodge6 kmFrequently asked questions
FAQ: camping at Bassin Bleu
How do you get to Bassin Bleu?
From Sainte-Anne, with the church on your right, cross the bridge and continue for 300 metres. At the first bend leaving town, turn left and park near the shelters. The pool is then a few dozen metres away on foot.
Is camping free here?
Yes, it's free and open to all. The site is public and managed by the town council, with no booking required. Pitch your tent late, take it down early, light fires only in the BBQ shelters, and take all your rubbish away with you.
Why does the water have such blue reflections?
Bassin Bleu in Sainte-Anne is fed by freshwater springs that mix with seawater coming in from the nearby river mouth. This dual source, combined with the rocky bed and the lush vegetation around it, gives the water its emblematic turquoise colour.
Can you swim there?
Yes, swimming is pleasant at Bassin Bleu, in the pools sheltered by rocks. Be careful, however, during heavy rain: the water level can rise quickly and currents can become dangerous. Check the weather forecast before swimming and watch children at all times.
Are there facilities on site?
Bassin Bleu is well equipped: swimming zones, wheelchair-accessible paths, barbecue spots, drinking water points, shelters, parking, access trails, and a snack stand open on weekends and public holidays. It's one of the best-equipped spots on the east coast.
When's the best time to camp at Bassin Bleu?
The austral winter (May to October) offers the most stable conditions, with frequent clear skies, safe swimming and walkable trails. Avoid Sundays and school holidays, when the site fills up from the morning, making it harder to find some solitude. Cyclone season (January to March) calls for extra weather vigilance.
Which activities pair well with the bivouac?
Sainte-Anne sits at the gateway to the sporty east coast: lava tunnels 30 minutes away, canyoning at the Rivière des Roches, rafting on the Rivière des Marsouins, or a helicopter flight for the widest perspective.
Is the historic Sainte-Anne church nearby?
Yes, the Sainte-Anne church, listed as a Historic Monument for its ornate baroque architecture, is 5 minutes from Bassin Bleu. It's worth a visit while you're here to discover the town's heritage.
Page updated on 19 September 2026. GPS coordinates and facilities verified as of this date.