The church the lava flowed around in 1977
At a glance
- Category
- History and culture
- Area
- The east
- Time needed
- 20 min
- Opening hours
- Daytime
- Admission
- Free
- Places to stay nearby
- 3 places to stay within 3 km
A church at Piton Sainte-Rose: in 1977 the lava flow stopped at its very door and went around the building. The solidified tongue of lava can still be seen. A stop on the drive along the east coast.
On the map
Orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay nearby: Notre-Dame-des-Laves
All places to stay in the area →
Distance from the sight as the crow flies: Matilona — 1.2 km; Ferme-Auberge "La Cayenne" — 1.3 km; Kaz Kian — 4.5 km; Diana Dea Lodge — 9.5 km.
Tours nearby
All tours on the island →
Rum, wine, vanilla
Vanilla in the east and rum distilleriesBourbon vanilla plantations and a rum museum in an old distillery
2–4 hAll year≈ 8.6 km
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≈ 15 km
Canyons and thrills
Lava tunnels of the 2004 flowDown with a helmet and headlamp into the tubes where lava once ran
3–4 hAll year, except days of heavy rain≈ 17 kmMore to see nearby
Nature
Anse des Cascades
A bay with waterfalls, palms and fishing boats≈ 6.3 km
Viewpoint
Pas de Bellecombe lookout
The rim of the caldera, facing the volcano's crater≈ 15 km
Hike
To the Dolomieu crater
A walk across solidified lava to the rim of the volcano's main crater≈ 15 km
Hike
Bassin la Paix and Bassin la Mer
A walk along the Rivière des Roches gorge to pools with waterfalls≈ 18 kmOpening hours, prices and rules are a rough guide: check official websites before you go.