🥾 Hiking: Piton de la Fournaise
piton de la fournaise
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🥾 Hike to Piton de la Fournaise – Conquering an iconic active volcano of Reunion Island
📌 Practical information
- Departure from the L'Échelle guest house : La Plaine des Palmistes
- Driving time to Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob (parking) : Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (55 km)
- Starting point of the hike : Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob car park, Bourg-Murat
- Average duration : 4 to 5 hours (round trip to the main crater, Formica Leo and Dolomieu)
- Distance : Approximately 11 km (round trip)
- Elevation gain : ~500 m
- Difficulty level : 🟠 Moderate to difficult
- Target audience : 🧗 Sports enthusiasts / 🌋 Lovers of volcanic landscapes
- Access : Free – depends on volcanic activity (check with OVPF or prefecture)
- Signage : Yes (white streaks on the lava)
- Recommended equipment : Sturdy hiking shoes, water (2L minimum/person), windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, energy snacks, warm clothing (changing weather).
🌟 Highlights of the hike
- ✅ Walking on a recent lava flow, unique in the world
- ✅ A bird's-eye view of the Fouqué enclosure, a vast volcanic caldera
- ✅ Discovery of the Formica Leo crater and the Dolomieu
- ✅ Lunar atmosphere and otherworldly landscapes
- ✅ A legendary experience in Reunion Island, accessible without a guide
🧭 Access to the starting point
From our bed and breakfast L'Échelle in La Plaine des Palmistes , take the RN3 towards Bourg-Murat. In Bourg-Murat, follow the signs for "Piton de la Fournaise" via the Volcan forest road (RF5). The road climbs up to the Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob. (free parking), located at an altitude of 2,311 m.
🕒 Estimated time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
🛣️ Road in good condition but winding. Accessible by regular car, but beware of frequent fog.
❤️ Why we love this hike
Climbing Piton de la Fournaise means walking on an active volcano and feeling the raw power of nature. Starting from Pas de Bellecombe , with its breathtaking view of the caldera, is an unforgettable experience. By leaving early from our guesthouse, you can enjoy the sunrise over the lava flows – a truly magical spectacle. It's an intense but unforgettable hike, a must-do during your stay in Reunion Island.
🚸 Tips & Safety
- 🌋 Check the trail opening : access prohibited during eruption or alert periods.
- 🌦️ Leave early: changeable weather and heat on the lava flows.
- 🧭 Follow the white markers: the terrain can be disorienting in overcast weather.
- 📶 No network coverage on site: inform someone of your departure.
🏡 Our local council
Staying with us at L'Échelle puts you ideally located for an early start to the volcano while still enjoying the tranquility of La Plaine des Palmistes. An early breakfast can be arranged for early morning hikers 🥐☕.
🎒 Book your stay and explore the Piton de la Fournaise!