Travel Guide Piton De La Fournaise
Culminating at an altitude of 2,632 m, the Piton de la Fournaise, emblem of Reunion Island, the most visited natural site of the Highlands, is a particularly active volcano which has recorded over the last ten years, an eruption every nine months, on average, producing large quantities of lava. You are here in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is paradise and a lush and living nature, impressive reliefs and breathtaking landscapes. Pitons, waterfalls, beaches, forests, it is a profusion of bewitching sites that await you on this island of the DOM-TOM. In Bourg-Murat, make a stopover to visit the Cité du Volcan which shows two faces of the Piton de la Fournaise, the first one, made of sulfur and ancestral legends, the second one gives the floor to scientists from all over the world who come to study its rock. A fun museum to discover with your family to become untold about vulcanology. The Piton de la Fournaise massif covers nearly a third of the island's surface. On its slopes, the vegetation is quickly reborn after the passage of the molten rock. Come the lichens, then the ferns, the shrubs and, gradually, the forest gains ground and takes back its rights. The crazy mountain runners come for the Diagonale des Fous, the big trail of the Diagonale des Fous. Several wiser hikes allow you to get closer to the craters. And a sunrise from the Pas de Bellecombe (accessible by car) on the Piton de la Fournaise is already a great moment!
What to visit Piton De La Fournaise?
Suggested addresses Piton De La Fournaise
When to go to Piton De La Fournaise?
The high tourist season on Reunion Island runs from October to April, at least for the Metropolitan population who come to Reunion Island for the sun when it is cold at home. However, the school vacations of the Reunionese, which fill up planes and hotels and increase prices, especially from December 20th to the end of January and from mid-July to mid-August. These two effects combined make the period from the beginning of November to the end of January the most imperative time to make a reservation for any accommodation, car or plane, because otherwise there is only the most expensive. You can discover the Piton de la Fournaise all year round, but you will avoid the rains if you plan your stay outside the first three months of the year. For the spectacle of an eruption it will be up to your luck! If you come on the third weekend of October it is the Grand Raid, queen of mountain races, with its famous Diaronale des Fous, ultra-rail known to be one of the most difficult in the world with its 165 km, a positive difference in altitude of about 10,000 m and around negative altitude difference! In a completely different register, it is the Green Honey Festival in January, at the PLaine-des-Cafres, which honors local products, particularly honeys and dairy products.
Weather at the moment
Like the whole island of Reunion, the Piton de la Fournaise benefits from a tropical climate softened by the presence of the Indian Ocean and the trade winds. The Piton de la Fournaise benefits from a micro-climate of a pleasant coolness because of the altitude. The sun shines from May to November. Rains occur from January to March.
For the Diagonale des fous, you should book in advance to have a flight around 800 €, otherwise it will be more like 1 200 €! The registration to the race costs 170 €. You can stay for 30 € per person per night. And if you have a kitchen with 10 € of ingredients you concoct a feast. More expensive, charming hotels and good restaurants are not lacking. Car rental from 40 € per day. Count about 70 € per person for a hike to the Piton with a guide, meals included.
Mandatory documents for French or European Union nationals: valid identity card or passport. For foreign nationals: valid passport, visa if applicable and a return ticket or a continuation of travel. According to the legislation in force.
You must be up to date with your hepatitis A vaccine. There is no malaria in Reunion Island. The volcano Piton de la Fournaise is an active volcano. The authorities strictly regulate the access to the volcano. You want to hike ? Never go alone and always hire an experienced guide working for a well-known company, take out travel insurance that covers helicopter rescue and medical evacuation services, make sure you are physically (and mentally!) fit to meet the challenges of your climb.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Piton De La Fournaise? Our advice & tips
Some agencies on the spot or from the metropolis propose turnkey stays to participate in the Grand Raid du Piton de la Fournaise or to stay in the Grande Plaines with hikes to discover the Piton de la Fournaise. It is a solution that will simplify your task for the Grand Raid and safe to survey the slopes of the Piton.
You will have to disembark at the airport of Saint Pierre/Tréfonds, the closest to the Piton. You can rent a car to get closer and first join Bourg Murat which opens on the forest track to the Pas de Bellecombe at 30 km. There you can put on your hiking boots and continue climbing on foot. Attention: to participate in the Grand Raid you must be a well-trained raider and be properly equipped.
The easiest way is to rent a car when you arrive at the airport. The formula is well tried and tested. You can also rent a scooter (cheaper) or take a cab (more expensive). In organized tours, you will ride in the minibus of your group. As for the raiders, it goes without saying that they will do most of their travel... by running!
