La Fenetre des Makes
A gap in the ridge above Les Makes looking straight down into the Cirque de Cilaos.
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The Fenêtre des Makes is a notch in the ridge above the village of Les Makes at around fifteen hundred metres, and from the platform there the Cirque de Cilaos opens directly below with the wall of Piton des Neiges behind it. The road climbs through cryptomeria forest to reach it. Because the ridge is lower than Maïdo and faces differently, it holds a clear view a little later into the morning on some days.
What you actually see
- The window - a notch in the ridge opening onto the Cirque de Cilaos.
- The Piton des Neiges wall - the summit massif standing behind the cirque.
- The cryptomeria forest - the plantation the access road climbs through.
- The picnic area - the shelters and tables at the viewpoint.
When to go
May to November is the dry season. Early morning is the reliable window before cloud fills the cirque. Weekends bring picnicking families.
Honest expectations
Cloud closes the view most days by late morning. The road up is narrow and winding. There is little at the site beyond the viewpoint and picnic tables.
Nearby
Les Makes is below, and Cirque de Cilaos is across the gap.
What to pack for La Fenetre des Makes
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
