One of the world's most active volcanoes
Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes on earth, erupting frequently but usually in a contained way. The road to the Pas de Bellecombe viewpoint crosses the Plaine des Sables, a red and black moonscape of volcanic cinders. From there a marked trail descends into the caldera and climbs to the rim of the Dolomieu crater. On the coast below, lava flows have crossed the road in the Grand Brûlé area, and the Cité du Volcan museum at Bourg-Murat explains the science.