Plaine des Sables

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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 backdrop for a new version of Mad Max. From the Pas des Sables, the road plunges down to the plain and becomes a dirt road with some potholes (but it’s OK with a car) before continuing uphill to Pas de Bellecombe – it's easily one of the most scenic roads in Réunion.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Pas des Sables

0.92 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…

2. Pas de Bellecombe

1.46 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…

3. Cratère Commerson

2.13 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. Belvédère du Nez-de-Bœuf

3.37 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…

5. La Maison de Laurina

5 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. Le Labyrinthe En Champ Thé

5.01 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

5.65 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…

8. Cité du Volcan

6.04 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…