Volcano walks

In the 18th century, the writer and botanist Bernardin de Saint-Pierre likened Reunion Island to a reduced model of an entire continent. As mankind explores Mars, we can confirm that Reunion takes us to a different planet. Ready for take-off? Starting countdown…

Destination: Piton de la Fournaise!

Call upon a mountain leader and explore Reunion Island in complete safety.

Futuristic hikers

Strange two-wheeled devices in silent procession cross the Plaine des Sables, an impressive desert of red and ochre. A promising prelude to the discovery of Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island’s most famous volcano, a 2,631-metre giant that’s still active. You almost wonder how these tiny vehicles overcome the issue of weightlessness. And how the astronauts breathe without helmets or spacesuits… Are they space conquerors steering the latest Explorer model? No, they’re curious hikers trying a new experience, standing on gyropods. The gyropod is a kind of large electric scooter that moves forward when the driver leans slightly forward on the handlebars. Top speed: 20km/h.

But these futuristic explorers are not in a race… they’ve come to (re)discover the wonders of this extraterrestrial volcanic world. The top of the Pas de Bellecombe offers a captivating view of Piton de la Fournaise. The expedition then heads towards the Piton de l’Eau, the island’s only volcanic lake, and leads around it to reveal the fragile plant life and incredible geological features.

Futuristic hikers

Strange two-wheeled devices in silent procession cross the Plaine des Sables, an impressive desert of red and ochre. A promising prelude to the discovery of Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island’s most famous volcano, a 2,631-metre giant that’s still active. You almost wonder how these tiny vehicles overcome the issue of weightlessness. And how the astronauts breathe without helmets or spacesuits… Are they space conquerors steering the latest Explorer model? No, they’re curious hikers trying a new experience, standing on gyropods. The gyropod is a kind of large electric scooter that moves forward when the driver leans slightly forward on the handlebars. Top speed: 20km/h.

But these futuristic explorers are not in a race… they’ve come to (re)discover the wonders of this extraterrestrial volcanic world. The top of the Pas de Bellecombe offers a captivating view of Piton de la Fournaise. The expedition then heads towards the Piton de l’Eau, the island’s only volcanic lake, and leads around it to reveal the fragile plant life and incredible geological features.

A must-do

The Marmite Lontan gîte and the Volcan gite offer hikers traditional meals and overnight stays. The Cité du Volcan on the Plaine des Cafres is well worth stopping to visit. This educational centre reopened in August 2014 to offer children and adults a fun approach to learning all the secrets of the Piton de la Fournaise, with innovative, interactive facilities.

Discover the volcano as if you were there

Explore Reunion as if you were there, with Google Street View. The rocky, volcanic soils of the Piton de la Fournaise will reveal all their secrets and you can even admire some key attractions such as the Chapelle de Rosemont and the Pas de Bellecombe.