Volcano Adventures on La Réunion Island

Mirela Letailleur - (TheTravelBunny)
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Mirela Letailleur
What you’ll do

Walk through lava fields. Watch the sun rise over one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Eat the best vanilla duck of your life in a hidden forest restaurant.

This 3-day itinerary is made for slow travelers, hikers, and nature lovers who want to experience the volcanic heart of La Réunion — with minimal planning, maximum impact. You’ll explore the Plaine des Sables, hike to Piton de Bert for sunrise over Piton de la Fournaise, visit La Cité du Volcan, and follow the lava down to the Sud Sauvage coast.

Each day includes exact timings, hike advice, meals, scenic drives, culture-rich stops, and lodging/restaurant suggestions based on lived experience. You’ll also get key safety tips, detour options, and alternatives in case of weather changes.

You’ll finish this itinerary tired, happy, sun-kissed, and deeply connected to the land beneath your feet.

Day Total

59,6 km (37 mi)

1 Std. 47 Min.

Day 1: Into the Highlands

08:00 – Depart from West Coast (Saint-Gilles / Étang-Salé area)

Set out early to beat the traffic and reach La Plaine des Cafres before mid-morning. The winding drive into the highlands offers misty views and a dramatic shift in landscape from beach palms to volcanic pastureland.

1

 La Plaine des Cafres Scenic Plateau
La Plaine des Cafres Scenic Plateau
Rural highland with farms, fog, and crater views
Kategorie
Bereich

2,9 km (1,8 mi)

4 Min.

2

Dieser ist optional

Pâtisserie Chez Grondin
Pâtisserie Chez Grondin
Old-school bakery with sweet and savory classics
Kategorie
Bäckerei
Est. Price
$

147 m (0,1 mi)

10:00 – Arrive at La Cité du Volcan (Bourg-Murat)

Spend 1.5–2 hours exploring this high-tech, family-friendly museum. You’ll walk through lava tunnels, learn about the formation of La Réunion, and understand how Piton de la Fournaise became one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

🎫 Entry: €9 adults / €6 reduced
👉 Don’t miss: The 4D film experience + seismic simulator

3

La Cité du Volcan
La Cité du Volcan
Futuristic volcano museum with interactive exhibits
Kategorie
Museum
Est. Price
$

715 m (0,4 mi)

1 Min.

12:30 – Lunch at the museum café or nearby gîte

Choose between the museum’s casual café (quick salads, quiches, and excellent fresh juice) or enjoy a proper Creole lunch 5 minutes away at Le QG, a cozy spot offering rougail saucisse and civet zourites in a warm mountain setting.

4

Dieser ist optional

Le QG (Quartier Général) Restaurant
Le QG (Quartier Général) Restaurant
Casual restaurant with generous Creole classics
Kategorie
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$$
Restauranttyp
lokal

23,5 km (14,6 mi)

40 Min.

14:00 – Scenic drive to Pas de Bellecombe

Continue toward the Piton de la Fournaise viewpoint, via Route du Volcan. As you cross the haunting Plaine des Sables, stop for photos — the red rockscape looks like Mars.

🚗 Allow 45 minutes with photo stops.

5

Pas de Bellecombe Overlook
Pas de Bellecombe Overlook
Main volcano viewpoint and trailhead
Kategorie
Besichtigung

15,8 km (9,8 mi)

29 Min.

6

Dieser ist optional

 Nez de Bœuf Viewpoint
Nez de Bœuf Viewpoint
Canyon overlook on Route du Volcan
Kategorie
Fotospot

12,7 km (7,9 mi)

19 Min.

7

Plaine des Sables
Plaine des Sables
Mars-like plain en route to the volcano
Kategorie
Fotospot

3,8 km (2,4 mi)

10 Min.

15:00 – Check-in at Volcano Refuge (Gîte du Volcan)

Drop your bags at Gîte du Volcan — a rustic, practical mountain refuge located near the Pas de Bellecombe trailhead. Rooms are simple (bunk beds or doubles), and it’s all about the early start.

🔑 Book in advance — limited availability during eruption periods.

8

Gîte du Volcan
Gîte du Volcan
Mountain refuge near Piton de la Fournaise
Kategorie
Herberge
Est. Price
$

16:00 – Optional Sunset Walk near Pas de Bellecombe

If the sky is clear, head to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint for golden hour. You’ll see the vast caldera of Enclos Fouqué, the main crater field, and (if you're lucky) maybe even the glow of an eruption in the distance.

🕶 Bring a warm jacket — it gets cold fast at 2,300m.

18:30 – Dinner at the refuge

The gîte offers a set half-board menu: usually a soup starter, Creole-style meat or veg main, rice and grains, and a simple dessert. The atmosphere is quiet — hikers eat early and sleep early.

🍷 Optional house punch or local rhum arrangé available
💤 Early to bed — you’ll need it for tomorrow’s pre-dawn hike

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