Piton de Gaulette, Mountain peak in Réunion Island, France.
Piton de Gaulette is a mountain summit on Réunion Island that rises to about 1614 meters, with slopes covered in tropical vegetation and volcanic rock. The peak sits within varied ecological zones that shift noticeably as you climb higher.
Early island explorers used this peak as a natural landmark for mapping the region during the 18th century. The summit served as a vital reference point for navigation and orientation across the island.
The name comes from a local seabird, the Slender-billed Noddy, whose nesting sites in nearby cliffs have made this landmark recognizable to people living on the island.
The hike to the summit takes several hours and follows marked trails crossing different ecological zones. Plan to start early and bring weather-resistant clothing and plenty of water, as conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
The geological layers visible on Piton de Gaulette reveal different volcanic phases that shaped the island's formation and can be seen clearly as you ascend. Many visitors focus solely on reaching the top and overlook the striking geology exposed in the rock faces along the way.
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