This hike takes you to Mont Pretre (Priest’s Peak) and La Fenetre (The Window) along a faded, but easy to follow trail. It follows the ridgeline that divides Vallée Pitot and Vallée des Pretres with panoramic views of Port Louis, the northern isles, and the other mountains in the area. There are a few places that require a bit of climbing and route finding making it a moderately difficult trail. These sections are after Mont Pretres, so you can merely turn around if you do not like the looks of it and still have a great hike.

Route:

• Type of trail: Out and Back
• Start point: Batterie Dumas
• End Point: Summit
• Length: 3.8 miles round trip
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Lowest point: 172ft
• Highest point: 1246ft
• Total elevation gain: 1386ft

The getting to Batterie Dumas and finding the start to the trail can be difficult. On the Route des Pamplemouses there is a turn off at a sign for Plaine Verte called Route Militaire. Head east on this road until you reach a road that turns steeply North towards Mont Pretres. You could park in the parking lot at the base here or continue upwards on this road in your vehicle until you reach Batterie Dumas – an open dirt filled lot.

At Batterie Dumas there are two distinct trails. One going left and one right. You do not want either of these. The trail is hard to see from the Batterie, but it immediately begins climbing the ridge (see photos). Begin climbing towards the first powerline tower and continue in this direction until you find the trail.

You will continue on this ridge the entire way. The trail is faint at various points, but the hike is not densely vegetated and any route works. You will reach the ruined foundation of a building on the summit of Mont Pretres. Continue on the ridge – there is a faint trail on the left/north side. You will be able to see the rock above La Fenetre that is your destination (see photos).

Descend until you reach a narrow, rocky outcropping where you must either downclimb to the left/north or make a small jump of 5-6 feet of the point (see photos). Through this rocky section and the rocky ascent ahead there are various faint trails – just find any route through.

The ridge opens up and becomes more rocky. Continue towards the pointed summit. If you have done a bit of climbing it is easy to climb the summit rock. If you continue just a bit further you will be standing above La Fenetre itself. This is as far as the trail goes. Return on the same route.

Download .gpx file