Sports and leisure activities High Plains - Volcano

Nicknamed the three D's in reference to the three peaks that surround Bourg-Murat, this walk, accessible with the whole family, will allow you to enjoy magnificent views over the entire Plaine des Cafres, the Piton des Neiges and the ocean. You will pass between the cryptomerias, in a forest of plane trees or in front of the numerous herds of cows and sheep. Achievable in 3 hours, its only difficulty is on the slope of the piton Dugain.

This small, dynamic, family-run business invites you to discover the Plaine des Palmistes on an electrically-assisted bicycle. Several guided excursions are available. Gaël, a passionate mountain guide, will guide you around the plain: between viewpoints, forest, basin discovery, history and legend, guava orchards... not forgetting the tasting of local products. As a group, let yourself be tempted by the "Koh-Lanta Peï" experience, a team challenge combining walking and cycling tours.

The stables organize short horseback rides in the Bourg-Murat area, as well as longer excursions, for half a day or several days (overnight stays in bivouac taken care of by the owners) in different corners of the island. The round of the three pitons, the piton de l'Eau, the volcano... So many sites that you can discover on horseback in a friendly atmosphere, according to your level, your desires and your budget. Pony rides are also organised for the little ones as well as carriage rides.

Be careful, although it does not represent any difficulty, keep up to date with the closing order of this trail at the tourist office or the ONF. Ideal for picnicking and bathing (in icy water!), the Biberon waterfall basin, named after a former forest warden, is accessible by an easy family path, although narrow and slippery in case of rain. Count 1 hour of walking there and back. A delight.

"Merens" is the name of the horse most commonly used for trail riding in La Réunion. This horse, originally from the Pyrénées ariégeoises, is renowned for its good temperament, sure-footedness and agility. It has adapted perfectly to the island's rugged terrain and climate. The equestrian center organizes excursions to the four corners of the island, by the hour, half-day or full day, for all riders: anything is possible, just ask.

Inaugurated in July 2015, this is the island's newest treetop adventure park, on the edge of the Bébour forest. More than 110 games spread over 6 courses, each of them being equipped with a continuous lifeline offering optimum safety for young and old. You will enjoy one of the longest zip lines in Reunion Island to fly over 140 m! Children are admitted from 3 years old which allows the whole family to enjoy it. But be careful, reservation is mandatory before going there. And don't forget your windbreaker!

The Bugg's Buggy 974 team will get your adrenaline flowing with the crossing of radiators, dizzying climbs and descents in a buggy or a quad. It also offers you visits of the hillside reservoirs with some sessions of top speed thanks to its buggy which can welcome 6 people (with child seat). There will be something for everyone, if you like the sweet sound of these motorized machines! No deposit is required and a valid driving licence is not compulsory, provided that a responsible guide is present.

François Garconnet takes you on a horseback tour of Reunion Island. Saddle up your Irish cob (a breed of horse originating from Ireland) and set off to conquer the east of the island: from La Plaine-des-Palmistes to Saint-Benoît via the volcano or Takama. For an hour, half a day, a day or even several days, wonderful landscapes are offered to you. This Reunionese passionate about horses offers several tours to guide you off the beaten track. These horseback rides are open to experienced riders as well as to beginners.

From the Pas de Bellecombe parking lot (at the end of the volcano's forest road, approx. 23 km from Bourg-Murat), this accessible but no less challenging hike takes in the Piton de la Fournaise and the Dolomieu crater. Departures are usually early in the morning, before the clouds roll in and visibility is reduced by thick fog. The trail begins with a gentle descent to the enclosure gate at the top of the rampart. Hikers then take a 150 m-long path, or rather a stone staircase, that leads them to the bottom of the rampart, with all along a breathtaking view of the lava plain and the small Formica Léo crater. In the immensity of this plain covered with lava that has been solidifying for centuries, you'll head towards the Piton de la Fournaise, passing Formica Léo and the Rosemont chapel. All you need to do is follow the white markings on the ground, which are very useful to avoid venturing onto uneven terrain and getting lost, especially when the clouds roll in and you can't see a metre. From here, you'll need a little more breath to climb gradually up the side of the Dolomieu crater, for around 2 km. After the effort, the reward: you arrive at an altitude of 2,512 m, at the edge of the Dolomieu crater, to observe a gaping chasm over 300 m high.On the way back, on the descent, your joints ache, the landscape over the lava plain and the ramparts deserves a few more breaks, and you'll never tire of this grandiose landscape. Finally, the famous steps at the beginning of the ascent will finish off your thighs and calves, but you'll have the satisfaction of having completed one of Réunion's most beautiful hikes, a must if you want to discover one of the world's most active volcanoes. Do it on your own or in a group with a guide.

Equipment. Good walking shoes are a must, as this is not a well-trodden path: you'll be walking on volcanic rock. You'll also need a raincoat, even if you're setting off under a clear blue sky, as the weather can change quickly, as well as water and food (a picnic break is appreciated in such a setting), and sun cream, as the sun beats down hard at altitude!

Option. Several routes are possible from the Pas de Bellecombe. Along the ramparts of the enclosure to the Piton de Bert (1h30) or the Nez Coupé de Sainte-Rose (1h30). Within the enclosure, to piton Kapor (1h30) and/or cratère Rivals (2h).