Piton de la Fournaise

The Piton de la Fournaise, the Peak of the Furnace, dominating the southeast of the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, is one of the most active and accessible volcanoes on earth, erupting on average every year or two. This massive shield volcano rises to over 2,600 metres, its summit encircled by a vast, desolate lunar caldera of black lava, ash and cinder cones. From the road's end at the Pas de Bellecombe lookout, a spectacular hiking trail descends into the caldera and crosses the moonscape to the base of the active crater, a thrilling walk across recent lava flows in the presence of a living, fiery mountain, one of the great volcanic experiences.

What you actually see

• The caldera - the vast lunar crater of black lava and cinder cones.
• The crater hike - the trail across the moonscape to the active vent.
• The Pas de Bellecombe - the dramatic lookout over the caldera.
• The lava fields - the recent flows reaching the coast.

When to go

May to November, the cooler, drier season, for the best and safest hiking conditions, as cloud, mist and rain often shroud the summit later in the day and in the wet season; an early start on a clear morning is best. Access can be closed during eruptions or bad weather, so check conditions, and eruptions themselves, when safely viewable, are a spectacular bonus.

Honest expectations

The full hike to the crater is a strenuous, several-hour walk across exposed, sometimes hot lava terrain, requiring good fitness, sturdy footwear and an early start before cloud gathers; the volcano is genuinely active, so access can close during eruptions or hazardous conditions, and the summit is often cloud-covered. For the reward of hiking across the moonscape of one of the world's most active volcanoes to its living crater, though, an accessible and thrilling volcanic adventure, Piton de la Fournaise is magnificent.

Nearby

The cirques, the highland plateau and the town of Bourg-Murat are within reach.