Texts mention the presence of a “mountain of fire” in the southeast of the island as early as the 17C, but the first stories of an ascent of the volcano weren’t written until over a century later. Although easily accessible nowadays, the Piton de la Fournaise remains one of the world’s most active volcanoes. And while it isn’t particularly dangerous, it does regularly offer a fascinating glimpse of the raging elements. After the eruption in April 2007 many trails were closed to the public.