Volcanic landscapes and plant life
Two high volcanic peaks, three cirques edged by steep cliffs and wooded ravines define the World Heritage site “Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island”. The landscape also includes basins, rugged terrain and striking escarpments. This combination gives the area a varied relief and offers a vivid starting point for discovering Réunion through its natural features.
Plant life is also part of this character: the area is home to diverse flora with a high degree of endemism, and includes subtropical rainforests, cloud forests and heathlands. A high degree of endemism means that plant species are restricted to particular regions. This gives nature enthusiasts two ways to look at the area: cirques, ravines and escarpments describe the shape of the terrain, while forests and heathlands draw attention to the vegetation. The landscape can thus be viewed both through its relief and its habitats.
Lava flows, roads and a trail at Grand Brûlé
Grand Brûlé is a landscape on the volcano’s slope shaped by volcanic lava flows. The lava flows at Grand Brûlé are accessible via the RN2; check local conditions before setting out. Two points of reference come together here: the volcanic landscape and its road connection via the RN2.
The Route des Laves heads towards Saint-Philippe. Its original course had to be adjusted because lava flows crossed the road several times. The Route des Plaines serves a different purpose: it is the only road that crosses Réunion all the way from one side to the other. While this crossing concerns Réunion as a whole, the Route des Laves and RN2 indicate a particular direction or access to the lava flows at Grand Brûlé. For navigation, these details therefore distinguish between crossing the island, heading towards Saint-Philippe and accessing the volcanic landscape.
At Grand Brûlé, the ONF laid out a trail parallel to the coast. It links forest tracks that descend towards the sea and continues as far as Pointe du Tremblet. Its description complements the road-based perspective with a coastal route, connected tracks and a named endpoint. Caution is recommended on this trail; plan carefully and check its condition before your visit.
The Cité du Volcan: another perspective
The Cité du Volcan presents Réunion on three levels. Its facilities include a lava tunnel, a foyer, a panoramic film, a treasury (lithotheque), a volcano observatory, a documentation centre and an auditorium. The lava tunnel and panoramic film sit alongside the lithotheque, volcano observatory, documentation centre and auditorium. The volcanic theme is thus presented not only through landscapes and routes, but also through a multifaceted exhibition. If you are interested in volcanoes, you can explore these different perspectives: terrain and vegetation in the World Heritage site, lava flows and routes at Grand Brûlé, and the presentation at the Cité du Volcan.
Discover more destinations: Saint Denis, Saint-Paul, Saint Pierre, Saint-Benoît, Montserrat, Greenland, Vatican City, St. Kitts and Nevis
