Tour of Piton de la Fournaise: access points

Le Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the most important tourist site on Réunion Island. Located in the south-east of the island, this 2,632-metre-high giant offers an impressive spectacle with its frequent eruptions and extraordinary landscape. Discover how to visit the Piton de la Fournaise volcano in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and physical abilities.

Getting to Piton de la Fournaise

First of all, you should know that access to the Piton de la Fournaise area is regulated by the Observatoire Volcanologique to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of the natural environment. Before visiting certain parts of the site, particularly during eruptions, it is essential to consult the recommendations in force.

By car: arrival at Pas de Bellecombe

Le the quickest and easiest way to get to the foot of the volcano is by car, via the forest road that leads to the Bellecombe pass (2,200 metres above sea level), the highest point accessible to vehicles. Once you've parked your car in the car park, you'll be greeted by an extraordinary panorama of the caldera and enjoy a breathtaking views of Piton de la Fournaise.

Hiking: trails for all abilities

For lovers of hiking and physical activity, there are several walking routes to discover the richness of the site. Excursions to the summit of the volcano can only start from the Pas de Bellecombe. Here are some ideas for routes and walks to admire the Piton de la Fournaise and its various craters:

• Quick route: Access the Formica Léo crater via a staircase from the Pas de Bellecombe. Allow around 1 hour for the round trip. Once you reach the end of the staircase, the crater is about ten metres away.

- Hiking trails : La crossing the Enclos to the Dolomieu Crater (the volcano's largest crater) is reached via a footpath from the staircase near Formica Léo. Two other paths provide a side view of the crater from below.

Of these three paths, the most widely used is the one leading to the summit of the Dolomieu crater. The walk takes 6 hours round trip for the average hiker, without long breaks.

Note that certain hiking trails may be closed in the event of a lava eruption or bad weather conditions. So it's important to get the facts before venturing out on your own.

Not to be missed on the way to the volcano: Plaine des Sables

Before setting off on a hike that takes you as close as possible to the volcano's crater, you'll need to pass through the Plaine des Sables trackIt is 4 km long and rises to an altitude of 2,350 metres. Its borders extend from the Pas de Bellecombe to the Rempart des Sables.

This arid zone is the result of the intense volcanic activity of the Piton de la Fournaise, which created the Demi-Piton and the Chisny and Haüy pitons. Covered in slag and looking like the planet Mars, the Plaine des sables is one of Réunion's most fascinating landscapes.

On the way, don't miss the view of the Commerson crater. This crater is an impressive 250m deep. To see it, a vertiginous footbridge has been built overhanging the crater, 100m from the road.

Visiting during volcanic eruptions: a whole organisation

When it becomes active, Piton de la Fournaise expels fountains and lava flows which can reach spectacular heights. Witnessing this phenomenon live is a unforgettable experiencebut which must respect certain safety measures.

Follow the advice of local experts

Before wanting to admire an eruption, take a look at the authorisations and recommendations issued by the Volcanological Observatory and the local authorities on accessible areas. These restrictions are imposed in response to lava flows.

In the event of a volcanic eruption, theenclos Fouqué is closed to the public. It is therefore impossible to get close to the Dolomieu crater.

Admire the eruptions while staying away from the volcano

However, if you want to enjoy a magical moment in complete safety, you can usually climb up to the top of the building. Bellecombe viewpoint. Some walks, such as the Piton de BertYou'll be able to get a good view of the molten lava flows.

As night falls, the incandescent glow offers an unforgettable spectacle to those who have braved the fatigue and cold.

But beware, as each eruption can occur at any point on the summit of the Enclos Fouqué, so it is difficult to be sure of the viewpoints. Once again, we advise you to follow the advice of the authorities.

Getting as close as possible to the lava tunnels

The lava tunnels are cavities resulting from the past activity of the Piton de la Fournaise. Formed by the rapid cooling of rivers of lava, these underground structures represent an exceptional geological heritage, accessible through guided tours between Sainte-Rose and Saint-Philippe. Don't hesitate to plan this type of activity in the depths of the Earth...

Practical tips for a successful visit

To make the most of your visit to Piton de la Fournaise, keep these few tips in mind :

- Respect the signs and stay on the marked paths

- Hire a mountain guide if you would like to be accompanied and have explanations of the landscapes around you, the activity of the volcano or the geological formation of the island.

- Prepare your outing well: take a map if you're on your own, find out about the weather conditions and the accessibility status of the trails, and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities.

- Adapt your equipment to the rigours of the climate: even though Réunion is famous for its tropical climate, it is essential to bring warm clothing and good protection against the wind, as temperatures at altitude can drop sharply to just a few degrees.

- You should also bring sun cream, as the volcanic rock strongly reflects UV rays.

- Don't neglect your safety: when hiking, make sure you are always well shod and take sufficient water and food with you. In the event of an eruption, heed the recommendations and do not venture into prohibited or dangerous areas.

Whether you choose toexplore Piton de la Fournaise Whether by car for easy access to the Pas de Bellecombe, on foot for a more sporting experience, or during a spectacular eruption, this visit is sure to be a highlight of any stay on Réunion.

To preserve it, don't forget to enjoy the site with respect so that everyone can have an experience as memorable as yours.