Le Chat y La Souris or Mount Villars is in the Bambous Range near Grand Sable. The hike has some of the best views on the island and a trail that passes trees full of screaming Mauritius Flying Foxes. Reaching the viewpoint just below the summit rock is not very difficult physically, but the trail is overgrown in a few places and can take a bit of effort to follow depending on the season. The altitude is not very high, but the route is slightly long. It is mostly shaded though. The final ascent of the summit rock, which is by no means mandatory as the views are equally spectacular, requires a few careful climbing moves with a sheer drop on either side – it should not prove very challenging if you have done other hikes where you must climb or scramble.
The trail, strangely, improves as you go. The first section that will take you to the ridge is the most difficult to follow, although you cannot really get lost if you just keep ascending. It is marked along the last section, although not well.
If you need a guide or more information, stop in at Otentic, which is just down the road.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back
- Start point: Sugarcane near Grand Sable
- End Point: Summit
- Length: 3.6 miles round trip
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Lowest point: 64ft
- Highest point: 1568ft
- Total elevation gain: 1965ft
The trail begins, like most trails in this area, in the sugar cane. The road enters the sugarcane from the coastal road just before Grand Sable (see photos). It has cement along much of the way, but I would not attempt this road unless you have a 4×4 or a motorcycle as the last section is quite steep. If you do not have either of these you should find somewhere nearby to park as there is nowhere appropriate in the sugarcane fields. There is a fork in the road (see photos) as you ascend. Stay left/west. The rest of the way merely follow the major road with concrete sections until you reach a grassy parking area with a water tank.
It is important here to keep in mind the overall route of this hike, which is to ascend steeply to the ridge and then follow the ridge west to the summit rock/viewpoint. The trail begins at the end of this lot blocked off with stones (see photos). Continue straight through the grass/brush here and you will quickly pick up the trail. It seems that someone attempted at one point to build a proper trail as it switchbacks through this steep climb. Take your time and try to follow this worn track. It will lead you to sugarcane/tall grass as you near the top of the ridge. Depending on the season you can make your way directly through this towards the ridge, or stay on the edge and continue upwards.
Once you reach the ridge, turn left /west. The trail will be quite clear at points and fade at others, but stay high and follow the ridge. You may have to work your way through some tree branches/vines along the way. Keep your ears open for the screeching of bats – you can get quite close to them here if they are roosting. You will reach a nice flat viewpoint after a bit where you can take a break. Flagging and orange spray paint will begin marking the trail shortly after the viewpoint.
The trail begins ascending more steeply through rocky sections. On most of the rocky outcroppings you can either go directly up them or pass around the backside. The summit rock is quite prominent and will stop you when you get there. If you are feeling bold, climb your way up towards the summit (see photos). Return along the same route.