Piton de l'Eau, Volcanic summit in La Reunion, France.
Piton de l'Eau is an extinct volcanic summit in the Piton de la Fournaise massif sitting at roughly 1,900 meters elevation. A permanent crater lake within the caldera makes it a notable geographic feature of La Reunion island.
The cone formed during La Reunion's geological development and marks the northern boundary of the active volcanic zone of Piton de la Fournaise. Its formation reflects the volcanic history that has shaped the island's landscape.
The summit transforms each August when white arum flowers bloom across the slopes, drawing photographers and plant enthusiasts from across the region. This seasonal display has made the location a destination for nature observation.
The crater is accessible via a hiking trail of about 10 kilometers from Volcano Road, with the path starting near the second barrier past Piton Textor. The hike demands stamina and good preparation because of elevation and harsh conditions at the summit.
The crater lake maintains a constant water level throughout the year despite lacking visible water sources. This mysterious feature reveals a hidden ecological system at high altitude that visitors often overlook.
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