To climb the Piton de la Fournaise is to conquer one of the world's most active volcanoes.
In the heart of Réunion's lush landscapes, this giant of black rock, almost devoid of vegetation, stands out from the crowd. It offers not only extraordinary scenery, but also a close-up experience of the lava flows, and a spectacular panorama from its 2,632 m altitude.
How do I get to Piton de la Fournaise?
Forget public transport, which would take you several hours' walk from the start of one of France's most legendary hikes. You'll need your own vehicle to get to Piton de la Fournaise, ideally an all-terrain vehicle.
The main parking lot on Piton de la Fournaise is the Pas de Bellecombe, at 2,350 m altitude. This is the highest point you can reach by car, and also the starting point for many hikes.
What is the itinerary for climbing Piton de la Fournaise?
The hike is marked all the way by white markers. Once you've parked at the Pas de Bellecombe parking lot, with its panoramic views, take the long staircase up to Enclos Fouqué. Continue down to Formica Leo, a secondary volcano.
Until a rare eruption on the western face in 2018, you had to pass through the Rosemont chapel, a volcanic cave. But since it was engulfed by lava, the route has changed and been re-marked in white by the ONF. Following it, you come to a fork between the path leading to Cratères Rivals, on the right, which is shorter because steeper, and the path leading to Dolomieu, on the left, which is easier. This junction marks the real start of the ascent: there are no more flat stretches to the summit. Allow around 1 h to reach the summit.
Please note that in the event of an eruption or unstable weather conditions, access to the volcano may be restricted or even closed. Before climbing Piton de la Fournaise, check the official website for real-time information.
Practical information you need to know before climbing Piton de la Fournaise
Climbing the Piton de la Fournaise is a challenging trek, but one that's accessible with a little practice, and requires advance preparation! Follow our practical tips for a successful exploration.
What time should I leave for the Piton de la Fournaise hike?
To climb Piton de la Fournaise, you need to get up early! This allows you to take advantage of mild temperatures and unobstructed views, and to take your time without worrying about a late return. The best time to start this hike is at daybreak, between 4 a.m. for the early risers and 7 a.m. for the late risers!
How long does it take to climb Piton de la Fournaise? How steep is the climb?
The hike lasts an average of 5 hours from start to finish, i.e. 2 h 30 for the ascent and 2 h 30 for the descent. It represents a total of 12 km and 516 m of ascent.
What's the best time of year to climb Piton de la Fournaise?
It's possible to climb Piton de la Fournaise all year round, but it's most enjoyable during the austral winter, which corresponds to summer in the northern hemisphere: from April to October. You'll avoid the risk of bad weather during the cyclone season. Reunion is also an excellent Christmas destination, as November and December are excellent months to discover it.
Make sure you choose a day with clear weather to visit the volcano. Note also that in the event of an eruption or dangerous weather conditions, access to the volcano may be prohibited.
How fit do you need to be to climb Piton de la Fournaise?
The Piton de la Fournaise hike is accessible to all, but does require some effort. It's considered a difficult hike because of its 12 km distance and 500 m vertical drop. But in reality, it can be done by beginners, even if it will be exhausting. The ideal is to train beforehand.
What should I wear to climb Piton de la Fournaise?
The trail is almost never shaded, as vegetation does not grow on the volcano's flanks. So you'll need a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
The summit of the volcano is often exposed to the wind. So pack a fleece and a windproof jacket.
Last but not least, good hiking boots are absolutely essential. Even if the path is well maintained by the ONF, gravel scree can sometimes make the terrain slippery.
Water is just as essential: remember to take at least 2 liters per person. Fill your rucksack with a sandwich and a few sweet and savoury snacks.
What hiking trails are there around the Piton de la Fournaise volcano?
In this article, we'll introduce you to the main hiking trail around the Piton de la Fournaise volcano. But the volcano and its surroundings are criss-crossed by miles of hiking trails that you can also explore:
- La Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose: also departing from Pas de Bellecombe, it skirts the north face of Piton de la Fournaise without going all the way to the summit.
- Le Morne Langevin: starting from the Pas des Sables, this easy hike allows you to discover the different volcanic landscapes of the massif.
- Le Piton de l'Eau: 17 km in length, this is a medium-level hike. It's an ideal hike during the Arum flowering season, from June to September.
- The Plateau de la Molière: also starting from the Pas de Bellecombe, this is an easy, panoramic hike, even for families.
- Le Grand Galet: a difficult hike for seasoned hikers, with a significant difference in altitude.
What other experiences are there around Piton de la Fournaise?
As well as climbing the Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion's most famous volcano offers a wide range of other experiences:
- Picnicking at the summit of Piton de la Fournaise: a must-do experience at least once in a lifetime for anyone visiting Réunion Island. A classic that will leave a lasting impression!
- Helicopter flight over the volcano: a breathtaking experience that gives you the best possible view inside the crater.
- Sunriseat the summit of the volcano : you'll need to start walking early, 2 h 30 or even 3 h before sunrise, and use a headlamp. But having breakfast at the top of a volcano is well worth it!
- Discover the route des laves: this is the name given to the RN2, crossing landscapes shaped by ancient lava flows.
- Explore lava tunnels: among other geological features, lava flows sometimes form impressive excavations, making Réunion Island a perfect destination for nature lovers.
How long does it take to climb Piton de la Fournaise?
From the Pas de Bellecombe, allow an average of 5 hours: 2 hours 30 minutes one way, and 2 hours 30 minutes back, for this hike, which is one of the best things to do on Réunion Island. The hike covers a distance of 12 km.
Is the hike up Piton de la Fournaise easy?
The Piton de la Fournaise hike is considered difficult because of its altitude difference and distance. It is accessible to beginners with the right equipment. However, it is not suitable for children under 10.
