Piton Maïdo - Malagasy for “scorched earth” - rises to 2,203m in a desolate moor-like landscape. Standing before you is the untamed Mafate Cirque, dominated by Piton des Neiges and Le Gros Morne - a breathtaking sight in the early hours of the day! On the road to Maïdo from St-Paul (RF 8 25km) you go past the Domaine de la Petite France and its fields of geraniums from which scented essential oils are still produced. Another interesting stopover is the Forêt de l’Aventure for its accrobranche course, and the Relais du Maïdo which offers a variety of activities.