Piton des Neiges

Piton des Neiges is an extinct shield volcano at the centre of Réunion island and is the island’s highest point at about 3,070 metres. It forms a central highland massif within Réunion National Park and dominates the island’s interior.

Hikers use several long routes that climb from the cirques of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate to reach the broad summit plateau and crater rim. Routes are steep and can require full-day or overnight hikes; summit ridges provide wide views over deep cirques and, on clear days, out to the Indian Ocean.

The volcano is geologically old and no longer active, with eruptions having ceased thousands of years ago. Over time its slopes and deeply incised cirques have been shaped by erosion and later human trails and shelters were established to support mountaineering.

Piton des Neiges sits near the centre of Réunion island in the Indian Ocean, within the boundaries of Réunion National Park. Access is from mountain villages reached by winding island roads.

• Elevation and conditions: The mountain is the highest point on Réunion and of the French Republic at about 3,070 metres, so expect thin air and rapidly changing weather near the summit.
• Access and timing: Many climbers plan an overnight or very early start to reach the summit for sunrise; mountain huts and basic shelters are available on some routes but services are limited.

What to See #

• Main hiking routes: Several distinct hiking routes rise from the surrounding cirques - commonly accessed from the villages of Cilaos, Salazie and Mafate - that converge on the central summit area.
• Summit and ridgelines: Summit crater and ridges used by hikers for sunrise views across Réunion's central plateau and the Indian Ocean; access involves steep, rocky trails that can take most of a day.