Excursion Piton de la fournaise volcano tour at Pointe Des Galets

Piton de la Fournaise

Depart from the pier for two hours and head South on the coast road before reaching the second largest city St. Pierre. Drive further afield through the “Plaine des Sables”, a stretch of scorch marks and volcanic rocks at more than 2,000m above sea level which looks similar to the surface of the moon, a lunar landscape. Stop at Nez Le Boeuf where you will have views of the Rivière des Remparts. After a short drive you will reach the volcanic crater in Pas de Bellecombe at a height of 2,311m looking down into the active volcano Piton de la Fournaise one of the worlds active volcanoes. A typical Creole meal “the carry” will be served before you venture on to the Cité du Volcan Museum for a self-guided visit.

Cité du Volcan Museum

The museum opened its doors in August of 2104. The 6,000m facility offers an innovative museography that incorporates many interactive devices and models. It also details the geological history of Reunion.  the museum the colonization of underwater lava flows is explained, in particular with the passage of lava flower to the coral reef and the birth of living organisms. The Cité du Volcan offers permanent exhibitions on the various volcanoes of the world and in particular Piton de la Fournaise. The existence of the museum is largely due to the will of a couple of volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft, who closely studied the eruptions of Piton de la Fournaise, and who both died in June of 1991 in a fiery cloud from Mount Unzen, Japan. After your day out a 1 ½ hour drive will return you to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Piton de la Fournaise, Nez de Boeuf, Pas de Bellcombe, Cité du Volcan Museum, Creole Lunch Experience

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 3 miles or 5 kilometers over cobblestones, uneven surfaces and steep terrain. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight comfortable clothing, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. The altitude at the volcano is more than 2000m.