In 1986 the lava unusually flowed south of Le Grand Brûlé to reach the sea at Pointe de la Table, a headland that lies a few hundred metres north of Puits Arabe. This eruption added over 30 hectares to the island's area, more than 450 people had to be evacuated and several homes were lost. An interpretative trail has been set up and makes for a lovely hike on the basaltic cliffs pounded by the ocean.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.59 MILES
You've reached the end of the world! The Plaine des Sables is a wide windswept plain, made of ashes. With its lunar landscape, it could form a perfect…
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26.16 MILES
It would be a sin to visit Les Makes and not take the forest road that leads to this viewpoint, another 10km further uphill. The view over the entire…
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Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien
26.15 MILES
A great surprise! In October 2015, the innovative Musée des Musiques et Instruments de l'Océan Indien welcomed its first visitors, showcasing hundreds of…
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3.41 MILES
In April 2007, in one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded, an impressive lava flow was formed, about 2km north of Pointe du Tremblet. The road was…
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10.74 MILES
From the viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe (2311m), the 'entrance' to the volcanic area, you'll be rewarded with mesmerising views of the volcano and its…
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17.45 MILES
Everything you need to know about Piton de la Fournaise and volcanoes in general should become clear at the excellent Cité du Volcan. You can expect state…
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28.49 MILES
Temple of Colosse is, by far, the most striking Tamil temple in Réunion. With its brightly painted decor, it's very photogenic. Since it's not open to the…
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10.84 MILES
A narrow road follows the wide stony bed of the Rivière Langevin and leads to Cascade de la Grande Ravine, a majestic waterfall that drops into a broad…
Nearby Réunion attractions
0.74 MILES
Leaving St-Philippe to the east, you'll first come across Puits Arabe (Wells of the Arabs), a hole that has been excavated in the basaltic rock. It's a…
3.41 MILES
In April 2007, in one of the most violent eruptions ever recorded, an impressive lava flow was formed, about 2km north of Pointe du Tremblet. The road was…
3.53 MILES
With its handful of colourful fishing boats, the teensy fishing harbour is worth a peek.
4. Sentier Botanique de Mare Longue
4.66 MILES
This pristine forest has an end-of-the-world feeling that will appeal to those in search of hush. From the car park you can tackle one of the three…
5. Le Jardin des Parfums et des Épices
4.82 MILES
Inland between Le Baril and St-Philippe, don't miss the 3-hectare garden, Le Jardin des Parfums et des Épices. It contains over 1500 species in a natural…
5.59 MILES
The main attraction in Le Baril is the Puits des Anglais, a splendid saltwater pool that has been constructed in the basaltic rock. It's mobbed at…
7.01 MILES
Cap Méchant is one of the eeriest landscapes in the south, with huge lava fields, windswept black cliffs, rows of vacoa trees and the mandatory picnic…
10.04 MILES
This scenic anse (bay) is beside the sea about 3km south of Piton Ste-Rose. The water from the hills drops dramatically into the sea near a traditional…