La Glacière from Le Maïdo

Start the walk at the car park by the Maïdo viewpoint.

(S/E) From the car park, you can visit the viewpoint over the Cirque de Mafate; otherwise, take the concrete road that starts on the other side, passing through a gate. Ignore all adjacent paths. Continue in this direction until you reach the next gate, situated on the left (elevation 2176).

(1) Carry on straight ahead along the track, ignoring the path to the left. The track climbs through the scree and approaches the rim of the Cirque de Mafate. You’ll reach the junction at the Grand Bord.

(2) Follow the track until you reach a Fork in the road.

(3) Stay on the track until it ends.

(4) Continue straight on, then keep to the right and then the left towards the Caverne de la Glacière.

(5) Return to the starting point by following the route in reverse until you reach (S/E).

To return to the starting point, you can head back via the Grand Bord and enjoy the views over the Cirque de Mafate (a technical path running along the edge of a precipice): at (5), return the way you came and keep right twice. Follow the white markings round the hairpin bends and keep left until the next junction. Keep left, then keep right all the way along the cliff face until you reach a wayside shrine. Leave the cliff and head back down to the tarmac road. Continue to the right to reach the car park.

The route is exposed: bring something to protect yourself from the elements.

There is a shop selling drinks on the road just before the starting point.

Tables are available at La Glacière (4) and (5).

- Maïdo viewpoint (S/E)
- Glacière Cave (5)