🥾 Hiking: Piton des Songes – Plaine-des-Palmistes (Reunion Island)

📍 Location

Piton des Songes is a small peak located in the highlands of La Plaine-des-Palmistes , on the island of Réunion (France). It offers beautiful panoramic views of the plain and is an easy to moderate hike, ideal for a nature outing without excessive difficulty.

📌 Directions from L'ECHELLE

🛣️ Direction: Head back up the RN3 towards the Col de Bellevue

• 📍 After passing through La Plaine-des-Palmistes, turn right towards Bras des Calumets
• 🅿️ Parking: large parking lot at the start of the trail, just after the oratory of Our Lady of Hope .

📍 Starting point of the hike : Large parking lot at the entrance to Bras des Calumets, just before entering the village.

📏 Technical information

Route typeLoop / out and back
Distance ~3 km to ~5 km depending on trail variations
Elevation gain ~200 m to ~260 m
Summit altitude ~1,270 m
Estimated duration ~1 hour 15 minutes to ~2 hours depending on pace
Easy to moderate level (accessible to most hikers)

🗺️ Trail description

The trail goes around the Piton des Songes , an ancient volcanic crater that overlooks La Plaine-des-Palmistes .

During the walk, we discover:
🌿 A diverse vegetation with species endemic to the island.
⛰️ Short, easy uphill and downhill sections.
📸 Panoramic views of the plain and surrounding peaks.
✝️ A glorious cross at the summit and a small Stations of the Cross from the parking lot (more direct option).

👉 You can do the full loop or cut towards the cross to shorten the route.

🧭 Practical tips

🕐 Schedule

➡️ We recommend departing early in the morning before 8am – 9am to enjoy the views before the clouds arrive.

🎒 Recommended equipment

✔ Hiking boots or good sneakers
✔ Sufficient water
✔ Appropriate clothing (the weather can change quickly)
✔ Waterproof if rain is forecast (the trail is slippery in wet weather)
✔ Hat / cap + sunscreen
✔ Energy snacks or treats

🐾 Security

🟡 Stay on the main path.
🟡 Be careful of narrow or slippery passages if wet.

🍃 Good to know

📍 Piton des Songes is an accessible peak and very popular with families and visitors wishing for a short hike with pleasant views of the east of the island.