The Piton de la Fournaise volcano (Furnace Peak) is still active and erupts more or less annually. The whole area around the central crater is a lunar landscape of cinder and ash, devoid of vegetation, in deep shades of reddy-brown and black. The 13 km hike to the volcano rim is a relatively easy walk but you must go prepared. Alternatively, the round trip walk to the Formica Lion, a smaller cone, is considerably shorter - about 90 minutes.
To hike up to the volcano is best to overnight at Bourg Murat, on La Plaine des Cafres. This part of Reunion is characterized by Alpine-style high altitude pastures and moorland, covered in brambles and flowers. In early morning, take the road east to the volcano. The scenery becomes increasing bare and finally you cross the barren Plaine des Sables, with the ruins of ancient craters. The road ends at the Pas de Bellecombe, on the northwestern rim of the caldera, where you look out from the edge of a 300 metre cliff at La Fournaise.
Here you leave the car, climb down the cliff-face, cross the lava fields and ascend to the rim of the Dolomieu Crater. This walk is 13 km and will take 4 – 5 hours there and back. It is best to start early, as in the afternoon clouds roll in and obscure the view. You will need good walking boots as you are walking over solidified lava, plus water, some warm clothing to take with you, sun cream, and a sunhat.
Indian Ocean contrast – Reunion & Mauritius
The ruggedly beautiful mountain scenery of La Reunion and the golden sand beaches of Mauritius are two dream destinations that can easily be combined to make a twin-centre Indian Ocean holiday. The flight between the two islands is just 45 minutes, making the transfer a relaxed affair. The best way to explore Reunion is by hire car as the roads are well-maintained, the scenery breathtaking and you...
Luxury Reunion Honeymoon
The 12-day Rainbow Réunion Honeymoon offers a relaxed experience of this romantic Indian Ocean island. Staying three nights each at two charming guesthouses, both ideally located for exploring the Reunion’s highlights. The focus is on taking in the breathtaking scenery, picturesque mountains, quaint villages and coastal towns. End with four nights on the beach at the LUX* Ile de la Réunion wh...
Ferme Auberge du Pommeau
Situated within the Plaine des Palmistes, the Ferme Auberge du Pommeau is a simple hotel offering comfortable rooms.The service at the auberge is friendly and helpful. The property is only a twenty minute drive from the road to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (Furnace Peak), so well placed if you are planning a day hike up the volcano....
Hotel Les Geranuims
Hotel Les Geranuims is a friendly, simple 25-bedroom hotel on the Plaine des Cafres, which makes an excellent base if you intend to hike the Piton de la Fournaise.It is about an hour’s drive from the hotel to the Pas de Bellecombe. The hotel has a very good Creole French restaurant; its windows have panoramic views of snow-covered Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean.The ro...
Diana Dea Lodge & Spa
Diana Dea is a sleek and modern boutique lodge set within a 150 hectare park, in the hills above the Sainte-Anne village. The Sunday Times described Diana Dea as the "most chic new hotel on the island, tucked away on a hill over looking Ste Anne and the east coast; the island's best bargain".And its certainly one of our favourites, not least because it is well positioned as a base fo...
Reunion Touring & Beach Holiday
If you enjoy spectacular scenery, outdoor pursuits or adrenaline activities, tropical beaches or walking and hiking, you'll love Reunion. For birders or those who take pleasure in exploring the hidden corners of France, Reunion Island is an excellent choice for a touring holiday. This itinerary combines the volcano with picturesque towns in magnificent settings and time to relax at the beach, but ...
Reunion Island - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Beautiful Indian Island scenery
- Exhilarating hikes
- Stunning waterfalls
- Relax on the lagoon
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