The Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace) is an active volcano in the southeast of Réunion, 50 km southeast of Saint-Denis. Locals usually refer to it as 'le Volcan' (the volcano) Tours to the volcano can be arranged from Saint-Denis. From the edge of the volcano you'll have a great view over the barren landscape. Inside the crater you can sometimes witness lava bubbling up.

If you don't want to take a tour to visit the Piton de la Fournaise, you will need your own transportation, as there is no public transport in the area. The only available accommodation is a gîte (hut) at Pas de Bellecombe, several hours walking from the crater.

The volcano's most recent eruptions were in 2022, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Piton de la Fournaise is included in Parc National de la Réunion (Réunion National Park), which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Piton de la Fournaise ©Roy Digital Design

Piton de la Fournaise ©Héléna M.974

Piton de la Fournaise ©Oscar Brouchot

Piton de la Fournaise ©Oscar Brouchot

Piton de la Fournaise ©Chanbora Chhun

Piton de la Fournaise ©Oscar Brouchot

Piton de la Fournaise ©Chanbora Chhun

Rivière des Remparts near Piton de la Fournaise ©Claudio Büttler

Piton de la Fournaise ©Dumur Gilles