<< Back to Excursions
Eruption of Piton de la Fournaise in 2004 © Eclapied
Piton de la Fournaise
Réunion's shield volcano last erupted in July 2006 and is
currently one of the world's most active, along with Kilauea in
Hawaii. The volcano is spectacular and is one of the island's
principal attractions, rising 8,565 feet (2,611m) above sea level.
High cliffs, deep craters,
le grand
brûlé (the burnt slopes) and lava streams
create a stunning scene. In the past, lava streams have flown into
the sea, destroying the main highway along the way. Eruptions
usually occur within the caldera and therefore pose little threat
to people. The walk to the summit takes roughly five hours and it
is well worth finding out before hand about weather conditions as
cloud cover can roll in quickly, preventing hikers from being able
to make the climb. An alternative way to explore the area is by
helicopter, although this is a more expensive option. Saint Paul,
former capital of the island, is the closest town to the volcano
and has a lovely street market (on Friday afternoons and Saturday
mornings), two miles (3km) of black-sand beaches, fine examples of
traditional Creole houses, a seaside cemetery and other historic
sites.
