Compitor Corail Volcano le Piton de la Fournaise

The beautiful and wild Saint Leu road leads to Saint-Pierre in the south. The only route across the island links Le Tampon and La Plaine des Cafres. This area is the natural access route to the Piton de La Fournaise volcano. On the way you will see fabulous panoramas; you will drive across some farm lands. You will be surprised when passing from the greenery of the prairies (like Switzerland’s landscapes) to the red of the Plaine des Sables.

Stop to see the « Nez de boeuf » which offer a beautiful landscape over the Rivière des Remparts. You will drive across the Plaine des Sables, lunar landscape with different colors of scorias. This unusual road joins the Pas de Bellecombe (2200m.height), a view point of the volcano. You will have a breathtaking panoramic view on Piton de La Fournaise (2632m heigth) and its craters. Emotions guaranteed.

On your way back, a visit to the Maison du Volcan (volcano house) is essential. This futuristic looking museum is of a modern and interactive concept. It is at the same time playful and instructive, but it does not leave any detail untouched when it comes to the tumultuous history of the volcano or the geological formation of the island. Do not missed the 3D movie of blasts (eruption), an incredible show !

If the weather is good, stop to Bois Court, to see the mountainous landscape of Grand Bassin. The descent back to the coast leads to Saint-Pierre, the island’s second city. Stop to the local handcraft market (closed on Sunday)