At the Piton de la Fournaise Volcano

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On the Active Piton de la Fournaise Volcano

Wednesday, May 13th

Within 45 minutes we reach the Pas de Bellecombe parking lot today, near the Caldera Enclos Fouqu

At the Piton de la Fournaise volcano on La R

We then hike across the "mere" 5,000-year-old Caldera Enclos Fouqu

The Formica Leo crater on La R — The Formica Leo crater

Lava dome: Chapelle de Rosemont — Seeking shelter in the Chapelle de Rosemont

A lava cave that we reach just as the heaviest rain sets in

Inside the caldera of Piton de la Fournaise on La R

View of the Piton de la Fournaise cone behind a deep cloud band over a black lava plain

Hiker standing on a red lava sand hill in the barren volcanic landscape around Piton de la Fournaise

Red ash crater of Piton de la Fournaise with Mars-like crater landscape and black lava fields

Solidified ridged lava fields with deep cracks and scattered bushes at Piton de la Fournaise on La R

Fractured broken lava slab with deep cracks and mist at the horizon, Piton de la Fournaise

Solidified lava slabs with deep cracks at the crater of Piton de la Fournaise on La R

Red crater rim and cooled black lava flows of Piton de la Fournaise on La R

Wide lava plain with scattered bushes and red secondary crater in the distance at Piton de la Fournaise

Fresh lava bombs and orange-red rock on the solidified lava plain of Piton de la Fournaise

Despite everything, we still managed a bit of schadenfreude, chuckling at the daredevils in flip-flops up in the highlands, wearing T-shirts and shorts for a casual hike and nearly freezing to death.

Green pastureland of the Plaine des Cafres on La R

Deep mountain valley with rising mist clouds and lush vegetation on La R

Stone information board for Plaine des Cafres with mountain panorama map and location details on La R

Deep mountain gorge with mist streaks and steeply descending green slopes on La R

Nez de Boeuf viewpoint on La R — Nez de Boeuf

Maison du Volcan on La R — Maison du Volcan

At the Nez de Boeuf viewpoint a few kilometers further down, we first refuel in our nicely warmed-up car

A Creole Feast

To make up for the weather, we enjoy a traditional Creole dinner at our restaurant tonight. The starter is Chou Chou, followed by rice with spicy sausage (Kari) and a lentil sauce with a side salad. For dessert, we're treated to a delicious fruit salad. Absolutely delicious and seriously spicy.

Continue reading the La R

Last updated on 01.04.2026