Pas de Bellecombe


From the viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe (2311m), the 'entrance' to the volcanic area, you'll be rewarded with mesmerising views of the volcano and its outer crater, known as Enclos Fouqué. The very photogenic, small scoria cone with bizarre ochre hues you can see to the east in Enclos Fouqué is Formica Leo. The main crater, the 900m-wide Dolomieu Crater, is active.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Plaine des Sables

1.46 MILES

You've reached the end of the world! The Plaine des Sables is a wide windswept plain, made of ashes. With its lunar landscape, it could form a perfect…

2. Pas des Sables

2.37 MILES

About 22km from Bourg-Murat, there's a fabulous viewpoint at Pas des Sables (2360m), from where you can gaze at the barren moonscape that is the Plaine…

3. Cratère Commerson

3.03 MILES

Just off the road that leads to the volcano (it's signposted), this lookout affords spectacular views of a 230-metre deep crater.

4. Belvédère du Nez-de-Bœuf

4.53 MILES

On your way to the volcano, be sure to pause at this viewpoint (it's signposted) to enjoy unsurpassable views over the valley gouged by the Rivière des…

5. La Maison de Laurina

6.04 MILES

Caffeine addicts should make a beeline for La Maison de Laurina, the owner of which grows a top-quality variety of coffee, the Bourbon Pointu. The…

6. Le Labyrinthe En Champ Thé

6.08 MILES

At the entrance of Grand Coude, Le Labyrinthe En Champ Thé is worth an hour or so for anyone interested in tropical flora, with an emphasis on tea and…

7. Cascade de la Grande Ravine

6.5 MILES

A narrow road follows the wide stony bed of the Rivière Langevin and leads to Cascade de la Grande Ravine, a majestic waterfall that drops into a broad…

8. Domaine des Tourelles

7.23 MILES

A lovely 1920s Creole building just south of the town centre, Domaine des Tourelles now houses a shop selling local produce and souvenirs. Outside you'll…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "piton-de-la-fournaise-the-volcano/attractions/pas-de-bellecombe/a/poi-sig/1536425/1331491",
      "position": "superzone"
    }