Pitons Bory de Saint-Vincent

Pitons Bory de Saint-Vincent is a volcanic summit rising to 1,612 meters on the island of Réunion, characterized by sharp slopes and dark rock faces. Well-marked trails wind through the mountain, revealing the layered volcanic formations and rugged terrain throughout the ascent.

The peak was named after French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent, who explored the region in the early 1800s and documented its geological features. His observations from that period helped establish scientific understanding of Réunion's volcanic landscape.

This summit holds meaning for the people living on the island, who view it as part of their shared landscape heritage. You will see how locals and visitors alike use the mountain as a gathering place and natural landmark in daily life.

It is best to depart in early morning, preferably before 7:00 AM, to avoid midday heat while climbing. The parking area is straightforward to locate, and the trails are clearly marked throughout, making navigation manageable for most visitors.

At certain angles of sunlight, the mineral content in the rock reveals natural geometric patterns across the face of the mountain. These visual effects occur due to the way volcanic layers have eroded over time.