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 outer crater, known as Enclos Fouqué. The very photogenic, small scoria cone with bizarre ochre hues you can see to the east in Enclos Fouqué is Formica Leo. The main crater, the 900m-wide Dolomieu Crater, is active.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.46 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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16.47 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
15.42 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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25.18 MILES
Réunion's most beloved museum is dedicated primarily to the sugar industry, but also provides fascinating insights into the history of the island,…
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Conseil Général de la Réunion – Direction de la Culture
28.14 MILES
You can't miss this villa – it's one of the most elegant of St-Denis' Creole buildings, with a superb varangue (veranda), finely crafted lambrequins …
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21.65 MILES
This sugar refinery is on the coast 3km north of St-André. During the cane harvest (July to early December) visitors are shown around the huge, high-tech…
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8.1 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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7.3 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…
Nearby attractions
1.46 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…
2.37 MILES
About 22km from Bourg-Murat, there's a fabulous viewpoint at Pas des Sables (2360m), from where you can gaze at the barren moonscape that is the Plaine…
3.03 MILES
Just off the road that leads to the volcano (it's signposted), this lookout affords spectacular views of a 230-metre deep crater.
4.53 MILES
On your way to the volcano, be sure to pause at this viewpoint (it's signposted) to enjoy unsurpassable views over the valley gouged by the Rivière des…
6.04 MILES
Caffeine addicts should make a beeline for La Maison de Laurina, the owner of which grows a top-quality variety of coffee, the Bourbon Pointu. The…
6.08 MILES
At the entrance of Grand Coude, Le Labyrinthe En Champ Thé is worth an hour or so for anyone interested in tropical flora, with an emphasis on tea and…
7. Cascade de la Grande Ravine
6.5 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…
7.23 MILES
A lovely 1920s Creole building just south of the town centre, Domaine des Tourelles now houses a shop selling local produce and souvenirs. Outside you'll…