Maïdo, Free flight site and mountain in Saint-Paul, Réunion, France

Maïdo is a mountain peak in Saint-Paul that rises to about 2,200 meters on Reunion Island. From this vantage point, visitors can see across the Mafate valley and out toward the western shoreline of the island.

The name Maïdo comes from Malagasy and means "burnt land", suggesting fires swept the summit in the past. In 2010 and 2011 arson fires destroyed more than 2,800 hectares of forest in the national park, wiping out some endemic species and slowing regeneration, to the advantage of invaders such as European gorse. The Maïdo atmospheric observatory, run by OPAR, has operated near the summit since 2012.

The mountain attracts local families and visitors who gather along the forest road, using the space for outdoor meals and social time together. This tradition reflects how people have long valued the highland setting for community moments.

Visit early in the morning before clouds roll in and block the views across the landscape. Bring layers of warm clothing, as temperatures drop significantly at this high elevation.

The name Maïdo comes from Malagasy and means "burnt earth", a hint that fires swept the summit long before the criminal blazes of 2010 and 2011, which destroyed more than 2,800 hectares of forest in the national park. Regrowth is slow, and invasive European gorse is taking hold where endemic species vanished.