Les Makes is a highland village nestled in the Hauts de Saint-Louis on the slopes of the Piton des Neiges massif. At roughly 1,000 metres altitude, this forested hamlet serves as an ideal starting point for several hikes through cryptomeria forest and volcanic cliffs. The atmosphere is cool, often misty, and strikingly different from the Réunion coastline.

Practical information at a glance

• Access : from Saint-Louis, take the D3 road towards Les Makes — winding road, standard vehicle sufficient outside intense rainfall periods.
• Recommended duration : half-day to full day depending on the trail chosen.
• Equipment : hiking boots essential, warm clothing (cool temperatures even in southern summer), plenty of water.
• Season : dry season (May to November) recommended — trails become slippery and sometimes impassable during cyclone season.

What you'll see

The dominant landscape is cryptomeria forest, Japanese conifers planted extensively across Réunion during the 20th century. The trails also wind through fern groves and run alongside basalt cliffs. On clear days, views sweep down to the island's southwest coast and, in the opposite direction, towards the interior cirques.

History and context

Les Makes owe its development to forestry: cryptomerias were introduced here to reforest the highlands after deforestation linked to agriculture. The village remained isolated for a long time, accessible only by rough tracks. The Observatoire astronomique des Makes, established here because of low light pollution, helped bring the site to wider recognition beyond hikers.

Highlights of the visit

The Bras de Cilaos trail

This trail descends from Les Makes into the Bras de Cilaos gorge, offering views over the cliffs and the vegetation transitioning between temperate forest and tropical growth. The descent is steep—plan for a challenging return climb or arrange for transport.

Coastal viewpoints

Several natural lookouts line the ridges around the village. On clear days—often in the morning before clouds roll in—views reach all the way to Saint-Louis and the sea.

The cryptomeria forest

Walking beneath the cryptomerias is the heart of the Les Makes experience. The atmosphere is hushed, the air thick with resin, and filtered light creates an entirely distinctive mood, worlds away from lower-altitude trails.

Photography tips

Early morning light, before cloud cover sets in, is most favourable for coastal views. In the forest, slightly overcast days reduce contrast and better reveal the texture of trunks and ferns. Avoid midday hours when mist can obscure panoramas.

Location and access

Les Makes lies in the Hauts of Saint-Louis, on Réunion's southwest coast. The D3 road connects Saint-Louis to the village in about twenty minutes. No regular public transport serves the village—a rental car is necessary. Parking at trailheads is limited; arrive early during peak tourism season. Accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility is very limited on natural trails.

In the area

• Observatoire astronomique des Makes — night observation sessions held in the village itself.
• Cirque de Cilaos — accessible from Saint-Louis, this volcanic cirque is the starting point for many of the island's major hikes.
• Saint-Louis — the coastal departure town, with its markets and sugar mill.