The Dolomieu Crater is the vast, gaping mouth of Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion’s still-active volcano and one of the most accessible in the world. Reaching it means hiking across the lunar expanse of the Enclos Fouqué, starting from Pas de Bellecombe and descending into the caldera via a rocky trail. It’s not technically difficult, but the terrain is harsh, sun-exposed, and uneven for most of the way.

Standing at the edge of Dolomieu feels otherworldly. The crater is over a kilometer wide and hundreds of meters deep, surrounded by jagged cliffs and steaming vents. On clear mornings, the light casts long shadows across the rock, and if the volcano has recently erupted, you might see fresh lava flows streaked across the landscape like scars. There are no railings, no shops, and no noise apart from the wind.

👉 Start the hike at sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds. Bring layers, 2 liters of water per person, and check OVPF updates before you go.