Piton de la Fournaise Tours and Activities

Piton de la Fournaise featuring tranquil scenes as well as an individual male
Piton de la Fournaise showing tranquil scenes and desert views
Piton de la Fournaise featuring desert views, tranquil scenes and hiking or walking
Piton de la Fournaise which includes tranquil scenes and landscape views
Piton de la Fournaise


Drive along a scenic mountain pass, hike to vast craters and watch a firework-like display of spewing lava at one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Towering 8,635 feet (2,632 meters) above the southeastern corner of Réunion is Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace), a paradise for hikers. Walk to huge craters, gaze in awe at imposing remparts (cliffs) and admire spurting yellow-orange lava. Piton de la Fournaise is a shield volcano situated in Réunion National Park. It first erupted some 50,000 years ago and today remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

There’s no public transport to the volcano so rent a car or join an organized tour. The road to the volcano weaves around rugged peaks from the village of Bourg-Murat. Make a brief stop at Plaine des Sables, a slag-covered plateau with a lunar landscape and curious conical peaks.

The road ends at Pas de Bellecombe, from where marked hiking trails lead to areas of the magnificent and humbling Enclos Fouqué caldera. Climb down the long stairway path to Formica Leo, an 18th-century crater surrounded by lava plateaus and remparts. Look for colorful volcanic flowers, lava tubes and frozen pools.

Continue to Chappelle de Rosemont, a large pile of lava that resembles a burial mound. Here you’ll find two routes of varying length and difficulty, which take you into the heart of the volcano’s cone. One is a short and steep trail to the inactive Bory Crater. The other is a longer yet easier trail that accesses Dolomieu Crater. Lucky visitors might get the chance to observe a natural pyrotechnic show created by lava billowing out from the crater.

Plan a full day when visiting the volcano and set off early in the morning, when the weather is generally better. Wear comfortable walking boots and pack warm clothing, to combat any dramatic changes in temperature. Bring food and water or stock up on supplies at the shop located at the entrance to Pas de Bellecombe.

Find out if the volcano is open to the public by asking at the tourist offices in Réunion’s towns. Tourist agencies in the towns can arrange organized tours to the volcano in addition to spectacular helicopter and light aircraft flyovers.

Popular places to visit


Top Piton de la Fournaise Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Diana Dea Lodge

Diana Dea Lodge

94 Chem. Helvetia, Saint-Benoit, Saint-Benoît
Diana Dea Lodge
Le Tuit Tuit

Le Tuit Tuit

13 Rue des Jardies, La Plaine-des-Palmistes, Saint-Benoît
Le Tuit Tuit
AUBERGE DESPRAIRIES

AUBERGE DESPRAIRIES

44 Chem. Matouta, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Pierre
AUBERGE DESPRAIRIES
Les chambres des vacoas

Les chambres des vacoas

5 Route Nationale 2 le Tremblet, Saint-Philippe, Saint-Pierre
Les chambres des vacoas
L'Arbre de Vie

L'Arbre de Vie

1 Allée des Rameaux Vincendo 97480, Saint-Joseph
L'Arbre de Vie
The Palm Trees Restaurant and Rooms

The Palm Trees Restaurant and Rooms

Lotissement Champac ravine glissante, 9, Sainte-Rose
The Palm Trees Restaurant and Rooms
Bubble Dome Village- Glamping

Bubble Dome Village- Glamping

18 Ligne des Quatre Cent Vingt, Saint-Joseph
Bubble Dome Village- Glamping
L'Auberge Créole

L'Auberge Créole

1 Chem. du Case, Saint-Benoit, Saint-Benoît
L'Auberge Créole
Palm Hotel and Spa

Palm Hotel and Spa

5 out of 5
Grand' Anse, Petite-Ile
Palm Hotel and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Piton de la Fournaise

At Piton de la Fournaise, immerse yourself in outdoor adventures like hiking the stunning trails around the active volcano. Enjoy leisurely activities such as sunbathing in the beautiful surroundings or exploring local spas for relaxation. Whether you're trekking through volcanic landscapes or simply soaking up the sun, this destination offers a perfect blend of excitement and tranquillity for every visitor.

Shopping

In Piton de la Fournaise, visit the local Petit Marché, a vibrant public market for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Grand Marché, also 48.3km away, offers a bustling atmosphere with a variety of stalls and local crafts.

Recreation

At Cirque de Salazie, immerse yourself in nature while enjoying tranquil walks and wellness activities that rejuvenate the mind and body, located 22.5km from Piton de la Fournaise. Meanwhile, Stade Jean-Ivoula, 45.1km away, offers lively sports vibes for those seeking an active retreat.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at AkOatys, a vibrant waterpark located 37.0km from Piton de la Fournaise, featuring exciting slides and family-friendly attractions. Alternatively, enjoy Aquanor, situated 46.7km away, where you can splash around and unwind in a lively atmosphere perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

Piton de la Fournaise may not be known for vibrant nightlife, but nearby Sainte-Rose offers quaint bars and local eateries where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Enjoy a casual drink while soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for conversing with locals and fellow travellers.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Piton de la Fournaise

When visiting Piton de la Fournaise, immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and outdoor adventures that abound. Explore the captivating waterfalls and striking cape nearby, or visit local museums to learn more about the area. Don't miss the chance to trek around the famous Fournaise volcano, a must-see in Sainte-Rose, La Réunion, offering a unique experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

  • Pitons, Cirques and Remparts of Reunion Island: This stunning national park offers a combination of adventure and breathtaking scenery. Explore lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and unique volcanic formations while hiking through its diverse trails.
  • Grand Galet Falls: A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, Grand Galet Falls is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike. Enjoy the soothing sound of cascading water and the enchanting beauty of this natural wonder.
  • Plaine des Sables: This mesmerizing volcanic landscape boasts a unique, otherworldly charm. Wander through vast, sandy plains and marvel at the striking contrasts of colours as you explore this adventurous terrain.

Best time to go to Piton de la Fournaise

The best time to visit Piton de la Fournaise is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January75.6°F (24.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February75.7°F (24.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March75.2°F (24.0°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July65.7°F (18.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
August65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piton de la Fournaise

For a budget-friendly trip to Piton de la Fournaise, consider visiting in February, June, or September when prices drop. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Sundays tend to be cheaper for stays compared to Saturdays. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly hotels and combine your bookings for added discounts. Look for refundable rates and earn rewards to stretch your budget further while enjoying the stunning volcanic landscape.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piton de la Fournaise are February, June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to October to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Piton de la Fournaise is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Piton de la Fournaise is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Piton de la Fournaise is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Piton de la Fournaise hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.