It is located in the northwestern part of the island of Réunion, between the capital of Saint-Denis and the commune of Le Port.

To the territory of this commune belongs the major part of the Cirque of Mafate, a caldera of the dormant Piton des Neiges volcano.

In 1699, sugar cane concessions were attributed to Texer de Mota, a Portuguese from India.

Hiking trails connect Dos d'Âne via the river valley of Rivière des Galets to Grand Place and other îlets.

At La Grande Chaloupe the partly restored lazaretto and the former train station can be visited.