Pic de Cimendef, Mountain peak in Réunion, France.
Pic de Cimendef is a mountain peak reaching 2012 meters (6600 feet) that rises between the cirques of Mafate and Salazie on Reunion Island. It forms a natural ridge separating these two valleys on the volcanic landscape.
The peak takes its name from someone who sought freedom in the mountains of Reunion Island during a period when people fled to these heights. This naming reflects the historical experience of resistance that shaped the island's landscape.
The nearby ridge called Crête de la Marianne recalls people who sought refuge in these mountains and built lives of freedom there. The ridge's name carries stories of resistance that remain part of how visitors understand this landscape today.
The hike from Grand Ilet takes roughly 6 to 7 hours and covers about 9 kilometers with roughly 1350 meters of elevation gain on steep terrain. You will need sturdy hiking boots and should plan for a full day of physical activity.
The summit sits exactly at the border between the municipalities of La Possession and Salazie, marking where two distinct valleys meet. This position means you stand between two different districts and see the landscape shift around you.
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