Several levels of discovery for the Piton de la Fournaise.
Level 1 — Without hiking (1-2h): climb to Pas de Bellecombe by the forest road, visit of the panoramic belvedere which offers a plunging view of the Enclos Fouqué, Formica Leo and the summit of Piton de la Fournaise. Accessible without walking from the parking. Ideal for people with reduced mobility or children. The Pas des Sables trail (1h round trip, little elevation) runs along the Enclos ridge for different perspectives.
Level 2 — Formica Leo walk (2-3h round trip): descent from Pas de Bellecombe to Formica Leo (small volcanic cone in the heart of the Enclos, shaped like an antlion hence its name), return by the same trail. 200 m elevation, accessible to occasional walkers. Allows to tread the hardened lava flows and understand the eruptive dynamics.
Level 3 — Full Dolomieu crater loop (5-6h, 12 km, 600 m elevation): THE Piton de la Fournaise hike. Descent from Pas de Bellecombe by the steep switchback trail (1h30), traverse of the black scoria field towards Formica Leo (1h), ascent of the Dolomieu crater by its southern flank (1h, positive elevation 400 m), full tour of the crater (1h30, plunging view of the 320 m deep pit formed during the April 2007 collapse), return by the same itinerary (2h, positive elevation 600 m). Marked trail without technical difficulty but physical. Ideal for hikers in good shape.
Before or after the hike: visit of the Maison du Volcan in Bourg-Murat (€9, closed on Monday, excellent interactive interpretation museum on the geology of the island, projections, models).
In case of eruption: observation from the belvederes. The Piton de Bert trail (from Nez de Bœuf, 1h30 round trip, 200 m elevation) often offers the best views over the Enclos during eruptions. The Piton Textor trail (from Plaine des Sables, 1h round trip) is another option. At night, lava flows can be spectacular from these points.
Helicopter overflight: paid option but spectacular (€250-400/person for 30-45 min from Saint-Pierre or Saint-Gilles), particularly impressive in case of ongoing eruption.
Read also
- The Wild South — The territory of Piton de la Fournaise: Saint-Joseph, Saint-Philippe, lava flows and Bourbon vanilla.
- The Cirques of Réunion — Mafate, Cilaos and Salazie: the other volcanic side of the island, UNESCO-listed.
- Réunion — Complete guide of the intense island: formalities, budget, climate, regions to discover.
- Cilaos — The cirque accessible by car via the 400-bend road, starting point of Piton des Neiges.