Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING UP PITON DE LA FOURNAISE
Réunion's iconic feature, Piton de la Fournaise is simply a must-do for walkers. From Pas de Bellecombe, it's
possible to hike up to
Balcon du Dolomieu
, a viewpoint on the northeastern side of the Dolomieu Crater rim,
from where you can gaze down upon the bottom of the caldera, some 350m below. Balcon du Dolomieu is a five-
hour, 14km out-and-back walk. It's graded moderate and has an altitude gain of about 500m. It can get very busy,
but the eerie landscape more than makes up for the crowds of people. Note that since the 2007 eruption it's no
longer possible to do a circuit around the Dolomieu Crater and the Bory Crater; ignore all maps showing this cir-
cuit, as they're not up to date.
From the car park at Pas de Bellecombe, follow the path to the northeast that leads to a door (closed when the
volcano is active). This is where the path starts in earnest by plunging 527 steps to the floor of the immense En-
clos Fouqué, reached after about 15 minutes. You're now walking on a field of solidified lava. The route across
the lava plain is marked with white paint spots. At times it can feel like you are walking on Mars, with only the
dry crunch of the cinders underfoot for company. You'll first pass the very photogenic Formica Leo and, about 45
minutes from the start, a spectacular cavern in the lava known as
Chapelle de Rosemont
comes into view. From
here, the path veers to the left and takes a gradual route up the eastern wall of the cone until it reaches the Balcon
du Dolomieu viewpoint. Caveat! There's no guardrail, just a white line.
While the volcano walk is popular and is not technically demanding, it shouldn't be undertaken lightly. The
landscape here is harsh and arid, despite the mist that can drench hikers to the skin. The chilly wind whips away
moisture, leaving walkers dehydrated and breathless.
Early morning is the best time to climb the volcano, as you stand a better chance of clear views, but this is
when everyone else hits the trail as well.
Since the eruption of April 2007, two new walks in the Enclos Fouqué have been established. They do not lead
to Dolomieu Crater, but to
Piton Kapor
(about three hours return), a small volcanic cone north of Piton de la
Fournaise, and to
Cratère Rivals
(about four hours return), in the southwestern part of the Enclos. Leaflets de-
tailing these routes are available at the tourist office in Bourg-Murat.
Many people get a head start by staying at the Gîte du Volcan and leave at the crack of dawn, so be sure to
book well in advance.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Plaine-des-Palmistes
There were once large numbers of palm trees on the Plaine-des-Palmistes (hence the
name), but as a result of heavy consumption of palm-heart salad, few now remain. The
town itself is spread out along the highway and is a good base for Forêt de Bébour-
Bélouve. Its only specific sight is the
Domaine des Tourelles
, a lovely 1920s Creole building
just south of the town centre, which now houses a shop selling local crafts and produce.
If you want to commune with nature, be sure not to miss the walk to the
Cascade Biberon
,
a 240m-high waterfall to the north of Plaine-des-Palmistes (it's signposted). It's an easy
one-hour return walk along a well-marked path.
