Morne de Saint-François

Morne de Saint-François is a 949-meter summit on Reunion Island near Saint-Denis with rocky volcanic outcrops and dense forest cover. The terrain transitions from lower woodland to more open terrain near the peak, where views expand across the region.

The summit formed millions of years ago as part of Reunion Island's volcanic development through repeated eruptions. The rock layers visible on the slopes tell the story of these ancient geological events that shaped the region.

The site is integrated into Reunion National Park, where residents collect guava during winter months to prepare traditional local culinary specialties.

The marked trail starts from Mamode Camp picnic area and follows forest paths to the summit, taking a few hours to complete. Morning visits are best as cloud cover increases throughout the day, which can reduce visibility.

The summit opens onto panoramic views of Saint-Denis and the northern island region, particularly striking during early morning light. This vantage point is often missed by visitors arriving later in the day when clouds obscure the vista.