RANDONNÉE À LA FOURNAISE

From the Pas de Bellecombe parking lot (at the end of the volcano's forest road, approx. 23 km from Bourg-Murat), this accessible but no less challenging hike takes in the Piton de la Fournaise and the Dolomieu crater. Departures are usually early in the morning, before the clouds roll in and visibility is reduced by thick fog. The trail begins with a gentle descent to the enclosure gate at the top of the rampart. Hikers then take a 150 m-long path, or rather a stone staircase, that leads them to the bottom of the rampart, with all along a breathtaking view of the lava plain and the small Formica Léo crater. In the immensity of this plain covered with lava that has been solidifying for centuries, you'll head towards the Piton de la Fournaise, passing Formica Léo and the Rosemont chapel. All you need to do is follow the white markings on the ground, which are very useful to avoid venturing onto uneven terrain and getting lost, especially when the clouds roll in and you can't see a metre. From here, you'll need a little more breath to climb gradually up the side of the Dolomieu crater, for around 2 km. After the effort, the reward: you arrive at an altitude of 2,512 m, at the edge of the Dolomieu crater, to observe a gaping chasm over 300 m high. On the way back, on the descent, your joints ache, the landscape over the lava plain and the ramparts deserves a few more breaks, and you'll never tire of this grandiose landscape. Finally, the famous steps at the beginning of the ascent will finish off your thighs and calves, but you'll have the satisfaction of having completed one of Réunion's most beautiful hikes, a must if you want to discover one of the world's most active volcanoes. Do it on your own or in a group with a guide.

Equipment. Good walking shoes are a must, as this is not a well-trodden path: you'll be walking on volcanic rock. You'll also need a raincoat, even if you're setting off under a clear blue sky, as the weather can change quickly, as well as water and food (a picnic break is appreciated in such a setting), and sun cream, as the sun beats down hard at altitude!

Option. Several routes are possible from the Pas de Bellecombe. Along the ramparts of the enclosure to the Piton de Bert (1h30) or the Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose (1h30). Within the enclosure, to piton Kapor (1h30) and/or cratère Rivals (2h).