Located in the east of the island, Piton de la Fournaise rises to an altitude of 2,632 metres and is Réunion’s active volcano: an invitation to adventure and to discover a breathtaking lunar landscape.
Here are Exsel Hôtels‘ tips for a successful visit to this emblematic jewel of the intense island.
Visit the Piton de la Fournaise: an adventure not to be missed on Réunion Island
Piton de la Fournaise, in the east of the island, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. At an altitude of 2,632 metres, it reveals a lunar landscape of frozen lava fields and vertiginous craters. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a source of wealth and pride for all Reunion islanders, and a must-see for any traveller in search of spectacular scenery.
Here are five good reasons to add it to your must-see list:
1. An adventure into the heart of an active giant
There are very few places in the world where you can approach an active volcano in complete safety. With its regular eruptions, Piton de la Fournaise offers a captivating natural spectacle. Whether you’re exploring lava tunnels or walking on solidified flows, the experience is unique and unforgettable.
2. A breathtaking landscape
The site reveals an almost unreal setting, combining sheer cliffs, fields of black lava and spectacular craters. The contrast between the landscape to be seen on the road from the sand plain to the crater surrounded by immense volcanic rocks is simply incredible and fascinating.
3. A reconnection with the forces of nature
To visit Piton de la Fournaise is to feel the raw power of the Earth. It’s a wonderful lesson in living geology, where you can observe the telluric forces that shape our planet. As an added bonus, the silence of the enclosure invites you to truly reconnect with yourself. It’s a perfect place if you want to take a break from time and devote yourself to yourself and the impressive natural world around us.
4. An adventure for everyone
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just curious, Piton de la Fournaise has something for everyone. The Pas de Bellecombe, easily accessible by car, offers a panoramic view of the enclosure. For the more adventurous, there are signposted footpaths leading down into the enclosure and up close to the craters. Don’t forget to hire a local guide to make sure you get it right. Take Run Excursion, for example, a passionate local team who will listen to your every need.
5. A place steeped in history and an immersion in Réunion’s heritage
Piton de la Fournaise is much more than just a natural site; it’s an integral part of Réunion’s history and culture. Local legends and stories linked to the volcano add a unique cultural dimension to your visit… Here, every stone tells a story. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will also discover Réunion’s commitment to preserving its exceptional environment.
How do you get there ?
There are several ways to explore Piton de la Fournaise, depending on your level of adventure and comfort. Here are the options for discovering this fascinating giant:
1. By car to Pas de Bellecombe, via Plaine des Sables
The main access is via Le Tampon and Bourg-Murat, via a forest road leading to the Pas de Bellecombe car park. The road is an adventure in itself, as you reach the Plaine des Sables, a reddish desert that gives the impression of being on Mars. You’ll need to leave your car at the Pas de Bellecombe car park, which has panoramic views all round. The best time to leave is very early in the morning, so you can enjoy the sunrise at the top of the Dolomieu crater! It’s a 5-hour walk to the crater.
You can also do the loop around the Fouqué enclosure, to discover the ancient lava flows. Make sure you’re well equipped and follow the signs so you can enjoy the trail in complete safety.
2. By helicopter, for a breathtaking overview
For fans of thrills and spectacular panoramas, a helicopter flight with Run Hélico or a microlight is a real privilege. It’s a unique and incredible experience, as well as having a pilot who describes every tourist site you fly over. From the air, when the volcano is erupting, admire the craters, the lava flows and the striking contrasts between the volcano and the surrounding vegetation. An ideal option if you want to see Piton de la Fournaise from a completely different angle.
3. On a guided tour
To learn more about the volcano’s history, geology and legends, opt for a guided tour with a local professional. You’ll learn more about the history of the volcano and of Réunion Island, and gain a deeper understanding of this exceptional site, while ensuring a safe and rewarding experience.
4. By 4×4 for an unusual itinerary
Some agencies, such as Kréolie 4X4, offer 4×4 tours, enabling you to explore several parts of Réunion, including the volcano, and discover landscapes off the beaten track. A comfortable and original option for explorers who want to combine adventure and relaxation. You’ll be given a suggested itinerary for a whole day, with meals included.
Whichever way you choose to visit Piton de la Fournaise, be prepared for a unique and memorable experience, where nature reigns supreme.
How do you prepare?
Choose the right time to visit
Piton de la Fournaise is accessible all year round, but the ideal time to visit is during the austral winter (May to September), when temperatures are milder and the risk of rain is reduced. Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly at altitude.
Prepare yourself physically and equip yourself well
Exploring the volcano requires a minimum of physical fitness, especially if you plan to descend into the Fouqué enclosure. Pack a bag with the essentials:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Water (minimum 1,5Litres per person)
- Windbreaker or warm jacket
- Sun protection (cream, sunglasses, hat)
- Energy snacks
- Covered clothing (tights, long-sleeved tops, socks, gloves)
See an eruption (if you’re lucky)
Piton de la Fournaise erupts regularly, offering an extraordinary natural spectacle. During these events, the authorities close access to the enclosure, but there are secure viewpoints from which you can admire the molten lava. For real-time information, follow the updates from the Piton de la Fournaise Volcano Observatory (OVPF).
Where to sleep after a day on the volcano ?
Exsel Hotels in the South
After the effort, the comfort! To prolong the experience, head for our Exsel hotels in Saint-Pierre, perfect for recuperating after a day of exploration. The group’s hotels near the Piton de La Fournaise are in Saint-Pierre. Finish off this incredible experience with the Exsel Victoria or Le Terre Sainte hotels, which are perfect for relaxing and unwinding after such an intense adventure.
The Exsel Victoria hotel will charm you with its rooms delicately set on a steep cliff overlooking the ocean, reminiscent of the Piton de la Fournaise with its volcanic rocks in the ocean in front of the hotel. Take a rest after this adventure and set off to discover the island’s other treasures, in particular the town of Saint-Pierre, the capital of the south. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the centre of Saint-Pierre and all the attractions of the Sud Sauvage. Take advantage of the hotel’s restaurant, Le Rivage, which welcomes you to an idyllic setting and offers dishes worthy of tropical cuisine.
- Hotel Le Terre Sainte, in the heart of the fishermen’s and street artists’ quarter, will win you over with its lifestyle style that pays homage to its neighbourhood. The hotel stands for conviviality and sharing with its vast living spaces and offers you places for exchanges and discoveries where generations and cultures mix with events and exhibitions by artists on the human journey. Discover the rooms with their raw, uncluttered design and trendy vintage furniture, and take advantage of the refreshing swimming pool, perfect for relaxing in the sun.
So, are you ready to explore the bowels of Réunion? This trip to the heart of one of the world’s most active volcanoes promises to be an intense and unforgettable experience. If you’d like to discover other must-do activities, read our articles on the Cirques de La Réunion, Waterfalls not to be missed or Hikes not to be missed before you leave! And for families, check out our article on Reunion Island as a family.
Exsel Hôtels can guide you around the island.
