Piton du Bois de Nèfles, Summit in Réunion, France.
Piton du Bois de Nèfles is a summit on Réunion that rises to 1405 meters and is reached via a marked hiking trail passing through dense forest filled with giant ferns. The path winds through thick vegetation and includes a picnic area partway up the climb.
This natural summit served as a landmark for early explorers of Réunion during their 17th-century expeditions across the island. Its height made it a recognizable feature in the landscape for those mapping unfamiliar terrain.
The paths around this summit have long been part of how local people connect with the forest, as they gather wild plants and herbs that grow along the way. This practice ties residents to the landscape and reflects their knowledge of what the island offers.
The hike starts near Sainte-Clotilde clinic, which is accessible by public transportation, making it easy to reach the trailhead. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential, as the forest is thick and humid.
From the top, the view sweeps across the entire east coast of the island, from Cap Bernard all the way to the Sainte-Suzanne lighthouse. This panorama reveals the curve and shape of the shoreline in a way that is only possible from this vantage point.
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