Pas des Sables

Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano


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 des Sables.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Les Hautes Plaines & the Volcano attractions

1. Plaine des Sables

0.92 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. Cratère Commerson

1.74 MILES

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

3. Pas de Bellecombe

2.37 MILES

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…

4. Belvédère du Nez-de-Bœuf

2.63 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. Le Labyrinthe En Champ Thé

4.64 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…

6. La Maison de Laurina

4.66 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…

7. Cité du Volcan

5.2 MILES

Everything you need to know about Piton de la Fournaise and volcanoes in general should become clear at the excellent Cité du Volcan. You can expect state…

8. Cascade de la Grande Ravine

5.46 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…