Wild south coast walk: Riambel → Pomponette → Saint Félix

The south coast has almost no reef, so the waves come right in and the beaches stay wild and empty. From Riambel public beach, walk west under the filao trees past Pointe aux Roches and Pomponette to Saint Félix: long curves of golden sand, fishermen, and hardly a hotel.

It's about 3 km each way. Swim only at Riambel, where the lagoon is calmer: at Pomponette and Saint Félix the currents are strong.

• Empty, wild beaches
• Filao trees and fishermen
• Combine with Gris Gris

Trail map

Traced along the shoreline (OpenStreetMap coastline): walk on the firm sand near the water.

Trail traced on OpenStreetMap paths: check the signs on the ground, and take the OSM or an offline map app (Organic Maps, maps.me) with you.

What to expect on this walk

📍 Where it starts

Riambel public beach, on the coast road west of Souillac (≈ 55 minutes from the villa).

🧭 The route

West along Riambel beach, round Pointe aux Roches, along Pomponette and on to Saint Félix public beach (≈ 3 km). Back the same way.

🪨 Terrain

Sand, with a short rocky stretch at Pointe aux Roches.

👁️ Views

Wild surf, the green hills of the south behind the beaches.

🔁 Loop?

Out and back.

🦟 Insects

None.

💧 Water

Snack vans at Riambel at weekends; little else.

👥 Crowds

Very quiet on weekdays.

📶 Phone signal

Good coverage.

🎒 Bring

Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen · 1–1.5 litres of water each · Sandals or water shoes (some rocky bits) · Swimsuit and a towel · Cash for a drink or a taxi back

1. Riambel public beach
2. Pointe aux Roches
3. Saint Félix public beach

Getting there

Tips

• 💡 Don't swim at Pomponette or Saint Félix: strong currents and stonefish.
• 💡 The trade winds blow hard here from May to September; calmer from October to April.