Car rental at Réunion It opens up all roads. And some lead higher than others. Maïdo is one of them. This viewpoint, perched at over 2,200 meters, overlooks the Mafate cirque. It's one of the most spectacular panoramas on the island.

So, one morning, we hit the road. Behind the wheel? A Peugeot 3008 MultiAuto, of course. Here's our day, told in three stages and three videos. And our other natural sites to discover by car in La Réunion are also described!

The road and the Maïdo forest

First, there's the climb. The departmental road winds between sugarcane fields, then cuts through the forest. And what a forest it is! Cryptomeria trees stand in neat rows. Light filters through the branches. The air cools as you ascend. The 3008 tackles the slope effortlessly. Its automatic transmission handles the curves, so you can enjoy the scenery with complete peace of mind.

A little tip: leave early. Clouds often roll in late morning and obscure the view. Up there, the view is well worth the effort. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll quickly understand why.

On the road, Mr. Bègue's geranium plantation

Along the way, a stop is in order. We stop at Mr. Bègue's geranium plantation. Here, they cultivate rose geranium, an emblematic plant of the western highlands. It is used for its essential oil, highly prized in perfumery.

Mr. Bègue gives us a tour. He explains the harvest, then the traditional distillation process. Steam rises through the still, and the aroma fills the entire room. It's a simple and genuine encounter. We leave with a few bottles and plenty of stories to tell. And with the car, this stop only adds a slight detour. So we take advantage of it without hesitation.

Gourmet break at Doudou's

After the exertion, the reward. We head back down a bit to have lunch at Chez Doudou. This Creole restaurant is an institution. The welcome is warm. The portions are generous.

On the menu: chicken curry, sausage rougail, and smoked meat that smells wonderfully of a wood fire. Everything is homemade, so the taste makes all the difference. It's simple, it's authentic, it's La Réunion on the plate. In short, a stop we wholeheartedly recommend. And with a car, you can leave whenever you want. No bus schedules to worry about.

Thrills: the Maïdo toboggan run

Finally, time for an adrenaline rush! Sledding is a unique attraction on the island. You get settled in, you take off, and the track zips between the trees. The turns come one after another. So does the laughter. Kids and adults alike love it. It's the perfect activity to end the day on a high note.

Then we put away the sled, get back into the 3008, and head back home. The spacious trunk easily accommodates all our belongings.

Why visit Maïdo by rental car?

Reaching the summit of Maïdo is an adventure in itself. There is no convenient public transport to the top, so a car remains the best option. With a rental car at the RéunionYou manage your own pace. You leave at dawn for the view. You have lunch when hunger strikes. You stay as long as the landscape holds you.

The Peugeot 3008 ticks all the boxes for this kind of trip:

• An engine that performs well on inclines.
• A high driving position to admire the panorama.
• A level of comfort that transforms winding roads into a pleasure.
• A generous trunk for families and adventurers.

At MultiAuto, we know these roads like the back of our hand. We'll advise you on the best routes and the right vehicle for your itinerary. So, ready for your next adventure? Book your rental car at the Réunion, and let the Maïdo take your breath away.