Notre-Dame-des-Laves
A church at Sainte-Rose that a 1977 lava flow surrounded and stopped at, leaving the building untouched.
Updated 2 September 2026
In April 1977 an eruption on the northeastern flank of Piton de la Fournaise sent lava through the village of Piton Sainte-Rose, and the flow came up to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Laves, split around it, entered the porch and stopped. The building was untouched apart from that intrusion. The lava remains where it halted at the doorway, and the church is now covered inside with stained glass and paintings made after the event.
What's there
- The lava at the door - the flow stopped in the porch where it halted in 1977.
- The surrounded church - a building the flow split around and left standing.
- The stained glass - windows made after the eruption in response to it.
- The village setting - the settlement rebuilt around the flow.
When to go
Year round; the church is open in daylight hours. It closes during services. Mornings are quietest.
Things to know
It is a single small church and the visit takes twenty minutes. Coach groups arrive in batches. There is little interpretation beyond a plaque.
Nearby
Route des Laves is south, and Anse des Cascades is beyond it.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q3580376, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Notre-Dame-des-Laves
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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