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Park in the car park at the end of the road, located after the village of Les Makes, above Saint-Louis. To reach it, take the road towards La Fenêtre, which climbs for 10 km through a forest full of flowers.
(S/E) Before setting off, climb the few metres to the edge of the ridge to admire the magnificent panoramic view over the Cirque de Cilaos. Please note: make sure you set off early to enjoy the view, as by late morning or in the afternoon, clouds often obscure the view.
(1) Walk back down a few metres to return to the car park.
(S/E) Take the path on the right. A signpost marked ‘La Fenêtre’ points towards Le Petit Mapou, Camp 2000 and the Grand Bénare.
Follow this wide path as it winds through the forest, climbing amongst the rocky outcrops and flowers. The path is easy but quite steep and can be slippery in wet weather. Occasionally the path crosses the track that leads back to the same spot, but stick to the more scenic path.
(2) Take a short detour to admire another beautiful view of Cilaos, then continue the climb along the path. Move away slightly from the ridge, crossing flower-filled wasteland on mountain slopes with dense vegetation. The climb remains fairly steep.
Reach the summit of Petit Mapou and enjoy another magnificent panoramic view.
(3) Descend slightly. Reach the junction marked ‘Sous Piton Petit Mapou’.
(4) Continue along the ridge, with lovely views opening up towards the Cirque de Cilaos. Veer away from the ridge once more, following the circular path through the forest over terrain that alternates between ascents and gentle descents. The path is quite long but easy. Reach the large junction marked ‘Camp 2000’.
(5) Cross the forest track which, on the right, climbs towards the Grand Bénare. Continue straight ahead towards Les Makes, descending gradually. You’ll reach the junction of the Scierie Forest Track (RF) and the Haut des Makes Forest Track.
(6) Turn left here, making a 180° turn. Ignore the small path on your right which descends steeply. Walk almost level along this RF. You’ll reach a junction by a water tank at another hairpin bend to the right, marked by the RF de la Scierie signpost.
(7) Leave the RF and take the path opposite leading towards Petit Mapou and La Fenêtre. You’ll reach the junction marked ‘Sous Piton Petit Mapou’, which you passed on the way out.
(4) Turn right and follow the same path as on the way there to the La Fenêtre car park (S/E).
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