The volcanology museum at Plaine des Cafres
At a glance
- Category
- Museums
- Time needed
- 2–3 h
- Opening hours
- Check the website
- Admission
- Paid
- Places to stay nearby
- 6 places to stay within 1 km
An interactive museum about Piton de la Fournaise and the world's volcanoes: simulators, films and the history of eruptions. A good option for an overcast day, for children, or before the hike to the crater.
On the map
Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay nearby: Cité du Volcan
All places to stay in the area →
Distance from the sight as the crow flies: Hôtel l'Ecrin — 240 m; Hôtel auberge du volcan — 490 m; Gite de la fournaise — 600 m; Côté Volcan — 620 m.
Tours nearby
All tours on the island →
Guided hikes
Dolomieu crater with a guideA climb up Piton de la Fournaise with the volcano explained on the way
5–6 hDrier May — November; start at dawn≈ 12 km
Canyons and thrills
Canyoning in Cilaos and SalazieWaterfall descents, from beginner canyons to sporting ones
Half a day to a full dayMay — November≈ 13 km
Rum, wine, vanilla
Vanilla in the east and rum distilleriesBourbon vanilla plantations and a rum museum in an old distillery
2–4 hAll year≈ 19 kmMore to see nearby
Nature
Plaine des Sables
A Martian landscape of red scoria on the road to the volcano≈ 8.1 km
Viewpoint
Pas de Bellecombe lookout
The rim of the caldera, facing the volcano's crater≈ 12 km
Nature
Grand Galet waterfall (Langevin)
A wide waterfall and freshwater pools in the Langevin valley≈ 13 km
Hike
La Chapelle in Cilaos
A chapel-like canyon on the floor of the cirque, with river crossings≈ 13 kmOpening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.