The sky of southern Reunion has already been illuminated with glowing clouds with the appearance of the first lava flows this Sunday, August 11, 2019 shortly after 17.00 hours local time.
The Piton de la Fournaise, which rises to 2,631 meters altitude, offers again its unique spectacle in the Indian Ocean . With its natural enclosure, this Hawaiian-type volcano presents no danger for the population or visitors.
Reunion, the intense island
This natural and exceptional event once again brings the island to the spotlight: it is a new opportunity for the public and the travelers to watch a breathtaking and safe show at the edge of a natural enclosure. The Piton de la Fournaise is today one of the most active volcanoes in the world but also one of the major tourist attractions of the destination.
This fourth eruption of the year 2019 echoes with the year 2018 which had given rise to four spectacular eruptions!
Note that the prefect of Reunion triggered the alert phase 2-2 “eruption in the Fouqué enclosure” which means that public access to the enclosure from the Pas de Bellecombe Trail or from any other trail is prohibited until further notice as are direct overflights.
The Piton de la Fournaise: from the Earth to the Moon
Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Piton de la Fournaise forms with its elder ‘brother’ the Piton des Neiges the volcanic massif of Reunion. To reach this effusive volcano, one will have to cross the remarkable lunar landscape of Plaine des Sables . From there will visitors then have a glimpse of what felt the first man to have stepped on the moon!
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Want to push the experience further? The Volcano City located at the Plaine des Cafres, takes you to meet the volcano, through an innovative and interactive museography and a fun and educational visit.
For a total immersion in the bowels of the Piton de la Fournaise, do not miss the lava tunnels . The specialists count about fifty undergrounds around Saint-Philippe and Sainte-Rose that take you to the ancient lava flows of 2004 or 2007. Authorized escorts guide visitors to this exceptional activity to welcome young and old. With a helmet and a headlamp, it is with the family that one will be able to experience a playful natural science lesson, through impressive galleries that can reach more than one kilometer long.
Visitors to Reunion Island can also admire this show from the sky, by booking their helicopter or ultralight flight: Adrenalin boosts are guaranteed sensations!
Find full HD videos of the Piton de la Fournaise updated every half hour (day and night) on reunion.fr .
