Walk to Piton de la Fournaise: the Plaine des Sables

Description

Every Saturday from July to November, I invite you to come and discover the Plaine des Sables, an incredible volcanic curiosity! This large, easily accessible plateau at the foot of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano is relatively easy to navigate and offers sublime panoramic views. You will enjoy an easy, family-friendly hike off the beaten track, discovering 500,000 years of volcanic activity.

Our day begins at the Foc Foc parking lot, on the edge of the Plaine des Sables. There are various routes to choose from in this wide plain marked by volcanic activity. On and off the trail, I will help you discover this incredible place.

On the program:

• an easy, flat route in the Plaine des Sables in search of olivine crystals and volcanic bombs,
• the ascent of Piton Chisny to discover a superb panorama from its summit,
• the exploration of chaotic craters revealing the power of the active volcano,
• or a grand tour to Pas de Bellecombe and the Sainte-Thérèse oratory.

Other hidden wonders await you in this extraordinary mineral environment!

This route in the Plaine des Sables takes about 5 hours to complete, covering a distance of 9 kilometers with an elevation gain and loss of 100 meters.

Although the area is very accessible, we will be walking at an altitude of over 2000 meters throughout the hike, with no shade. It can therefore be very cold or very hot. The area is prone to heavy rain and fog. In addition, some of the magmatic rock terrain is abrasive and poses a risk of falls.

If you want to continue exploring Reunion Island on beautiful day trips, I suggest walking in the Cirque de Cilaos, through the Bélouve forest and to Trou de Fer, on the trails of the Piton de la Fournaise volcano, but also off the beaten track on this volcano, towards Piton des Orangers at the foot of Maïdo, or exploring the islets of Cayenne or La Nouvelle in Mafate.

Program

• Departure every Saturday from July to November.
• Meet at 7.30am at the Foc Foc parking lot close to the Plaine des Sables.
• Loop hike to the Plaine des Sables.
• The route is well suited for children. Recommended minimum age: 8 years old. For children under 8 years old, please contact me for more information.

The price includes

• Supervision by the mountain leader.
• A snack with local drink.

The price does not include

• Return transport to Foc Foc parking lot near the Plaine des Sables.
• Picnic lunch.
• Drinks.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

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