Volcans · Sainte-Rose
Piton de la Fournaise
Into the heart of the Enclos Fouqué, up to the summit of the active volcano
Duration
4h30
Distance
10 km
Elevation gain
+640 m
Route
Out-and-back
The volcanic island's most iconic hike: from the Pas de Bellecombe, across the Enclos Fouqué (the volcano's main caldera) to the rim of the crater, among frozen lava flows and lunar landscapes.
The route
A descent into the Enclos Fouqué from the Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob rampart (cliff wall), passing near Formica Léo, then following the waymarks towards the rim of the Dolomieu crater. The landscape is mineral and desert-like, dominated by solidified lava flows and volcanic ejecta. The return involves the final climb back up the rampart, gruelling after several hours of walking at altitude.
Step by step
- D
Start · Pas de Bellecombe car park
Stage 1
Enclos Fouqué
Stage 2
Formica Léo (1753 cone)
Stage 3
Dolomieu crater
Stage 4
Panoramas over historic lava flows
Stage 5
Pas de Bellecombe-Jacob rampart
Trailhead
Geology
100% volcanic terrain: recent basalt flows, ejecta, scoria. The Enclos Fouqué is the active caldera of the Piton de la Fournaise. The Dolomieu crater rises to 2,486 m.
Sources (2)
- https://www.reunion.fr/offres/piton-de-la-fournaise-pas-de-bellecombe-cratere-dolomieu-sainte-rose-fr-575435/
- ONF — arrêté n°2026-1657 du 22 septembre 2026
