The Piton des Neiges is located in the centre of Réunion Island, to the south of the Salazie cirque, to the north of the Cilaos cirque and to the south-east of the Mafate cirque. These 3 cirques, which surround the Piton des Neiges, are the result of the subsidence of magma chambers in the ancient crater and erosion caused by the island's heavy rainfall. Culminating at an altitude of 3070 metres. The volcano is thought to have originated 5 million years ago and to have emerged from the Indian Ocean 3 million years ago, giving rise to Réunion Island. The volcano has not been active for 12,000 years. It is the highest point in the Mascarene Islands, making Réunion the 17th highest island on Earth.
To climb it, you can either go via Cilaos, where the path is steeper but shorter; or via Plaines des Cafres, where the path is flatter but longer. Along the way, you'll find the gîte and, at the summit, an impressive view above the clouds.
